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Lina suggests we go out tonight to celebrate my win and get my mind off Wade, but I’m not in the mood. I text Karl asking for a rain check, then stay at the office until everyone has left. Working really is therapeutic, especially when you’re so far behind.
When I get home, someone is sitting on my doorstep. At first, I think it’s Wade, but when he lifts his head, I realise it’s Karl. He’s holding a brown paper Kraft bag from Itsu.
“Thought you might want some comfort food,” he says, offering a weak smile. “I saw the news.”
“Oh, thanks.” I stand there for a second, torn between my desire to be alone and the need to talk things over with someone. “Come in,” I finally say.
After all, we’re supposed to start mending our relationship, and I could use a friend right now.
He follows me inside and sets the bag on the table while I turn on the lights and throw off my shoes.
“Do you want something to drink?” I ask.
“Sure.” He sits down, drumming his fingers nervously on the table.
I grab two shot glasses and a bottle of tequila, placing them on the table.
“Wow. Okay, then.” His eyebrows shoot up. “That bad, huh?” Popping open the bottle, he fills the glasses.
“Why can’t anything go my way, Karl?” I ask after emptying my first shot. He pours me another. “I fall in love with you. You move to Asia and come back with a fiancée. I fall in love with Wade, and he moves to Spain. And remember Lucas?” I drink my shot in one gulp.
“Yeah,” he says, scratching his head. “He moved to the US.”
“Why do I drive everyone away?” I motion for him to pour me another drink.
“I can only speak for myself, but you know you didn’t drive me away. We, er, did it after I got the job in Hanoi. And I didn’t even know you were in love with me, so . . .”
I chuckle bitterly. “Well, I was. Or at least, the idea of you. Whatever that means. We were so close for so long. We weren’t seeing anyone else. And that night, I don’t know, it felt like everything changed.”
“Yeah . . .”
“Don’t worry. I’m not in love with you anymore,” I add, clenching my eyes shut as the tequila scorches my throat.
“Thanks.” He smirks, emptying his own glass.
“Ah, you know what I mean. You’re my friend.”
“Still?” His tone is hopeful. “I know I don’t deserve it. I’ve been a royal twat.”
“Yes, I noticed.” A loud laugh escapes my lips, and I cover my mouth with my hand. Karl is laughing too, and for a second, it feels like nothing has changed.
“I’m so so sorry, Rox.” He circles the rim of his empty glass with a finger. “I didn’t mean what I said, any of it. I hope you know that.” His eyes are filled with unshed tears and sincerity.
“It was pretty harsh.”
“I know,” he groans, closing his eyes. “I was jealous . . . protective. I didn’t want you to get hurt. You both seemed too in love, too soon. And, well, he’s a footballer. They don’t exactly have the best reputation.”
“I know what you mean.” I choke out a cackle, but tears escape my eyes. I dry them with the back of my hand. “He’s not a player, though. A liar, that he is.”
“He didn’t tell you?”
“Nope. I was with him the past two days, and he didn’t even mention it.” My voice breaks, and the last words are barely audible.
“I’m sorry, Rox. That sucks.” Karl reaches over the table to squeeze my hand.
The doorbell rings, startling both of us. I glance at the clock. It’s 10:28 at night.
“Expecting someone?” Karl half-whispers.
