Page 121 of Trailer Trash

That’s a reasonable question!

I choke back a sob, desperate not to let Evan hear. I can’t be weak around my ex.

“Cry about Killian after he leaves. Go get this over with,” I coach myself.

I take deep breaths, in and out, before returning to the living room.

He smiles warmly. “You are just... wow, you look incredible, Harlow.”

I forgot I’m dressed up.

“Oh, thank you. I went on a date.”

“I figured. Did it go well?”

“Yeah. It was alright,” I mumble. “What’s in the box?”

He opens it. I spot crocodiles, but there are several items new in packaging. There’s a silver women’s watch, a tablet, a knife set, gold hoop earrings, and sunglasses.

He breathes in deeply. “These are the things I stole from you when we lived together. I pawned them to buy drugs. They’re not the originals, but I always felt terrible about it. Now that I got a good job, I can finally fix my mistakes.”

I stare at the items and nod, but deep down, I don’t care.

“That is very, very sweet.”

Slowly, his head tilts. “What’s wrong?”

I look at the ceiling so tears don’t race down my cheeks. “I’m fine.”

“I don’t think so. I know you pretty well,” he says cautiously.

The treacherous tears unleash, etching down my face with fury. My voice cracks.

“It was a bad date.”

“Damn, I’m sorry.”

Like he did before, he looks confused and unsure how to handle a crying woman. I hate that. It makes me feel like a problem he can’t solve.

He steps closer.

I let him.

Awkwardly, he moves in for a hug, and despite my better judgement, I don’t resist.

Normally, I would never touch my ex, but right now, I want this pain to stop. My forehead presses against his chest and I bawl, loud and ugly.

His arms hold me tighter.

“You’re okay,” he assures.

“He didn’t want a second date,” I wail.

“Uh, that’s alright. There’ll be other guys.”

“You don’t understand! I’ve been in love with him for months. It was my only chance.”

“Oh.”