Page 4 of Fake Crown

“We both know you don’t mean it. You’ll be back.” Her jaw tightens, and she glares at me. “I’m getting really tired of you starting fights and breaking up with me over nothing.”

“Which is exactly why we’re always fighting. You’re not listening to me. I really need you to hear me when I say we’re over. I’m breaking the cycle.” I slice a hand through the air between us. While a permanent break has been coming for a while, I didn’t expect to do it before our long weekend away. The reality of what this weekend would look like should have hit me earlier. She’s obsessed with updating her socials and wedging me into a future I don’t want. This weekend would have been more of the same. Fighting and fucking.

“We’re going away together,” she scoffs. “You can’t break up with me right before we leave. Talk about awkward.”

She’s not upset. Shouldn’t that tell her something? “I can. That’s what I’m doing. Right now.” I take my phone out of my pocket. “I’m cancelling your flight even as we speak.”

“You’ll lose your money.”

“I paid the extra for cancellation. I’ll be fine.”

“You can’t be serious!”

I close my phone and slide it into my pocket. “I am serious. I can’t believe you’re happy with the endless fights. Who’d want that?”

“We fight a bit. Big deal. People argue. I want you.”

“Nah. You want what I can give you. There’s a difference, and I’ve ignored it, but I can’t pretend anymore.”

“God, Brent,” she huffs out. “You’re so fucking cold and emotionless. You’re dumping me before we go to your best friend’s wedding in Bermuda? You’re unbelievable.” She sticks her hands on her hips and whips her hair around. “Good luck finding someone who puts up with your shit like I did.” Val gives me the finger and storms away.

I’m cold and emotionless? Her rebuttal to me breaking it off was the cost of an airline ticket. No declarations of love (there haven’t been any on either side, but still…), and no commitment to changing her attitude.

The whole way back to my apartment, I replay our conversation with better comebacks and increased frustration. By the time I reach the building, I’m over-the-top angry. I shove my key into the lock and open the door.

“Hey, man,” Jaxon calls from his bedroom. “What time’s your flight? Is Val coming here or…?”

“We broke up!” I carry my bag to the bathroom and start tossing my wet clothes onto drying racks.

“What? Again?” Jaxon pops his blond head out of the door. “You trying to escalate the make-up sex to the next level for your weekend or what?”

I release a dark chuckle, and I meet him in the hallway. “Nah, we’re done. I’m serious this time.”

“We’ll see. Being around her is some kinda chemical reaction for you. No way you’re giving that up.”

“Just did.” I raise my fist. “I am man. Hear me roar.”

Jaxon beats his chest in mock solidarity. “Whatever. The two of you will be back together after this weekend. Hell, I wouldn’t put it past her to show up at the airport. She’s still got a spot in your hotel room and a ticket to Bermuda?”

“Not the ticket,” I say. “I cancelled that in front of her.”

Jaxon barks out a laugh. “You’re such an ass. I love it. She’ll show up at the airport, guaranteed. She’s the biggest cling-on I’ve ever met.”

I rock back on my heels and frown. “You don’t like her.”

“Dude, none of us like her. But you seem to enjoy her.” He shrugs. “You need a rebound to take to Bermuda or Valentina is going to crash that wedding hard.”

I’m stuck on the notion that none of my friends liked her. Other than her hot body, what did I like about her? Am I shallow? I think I might be shallow.

Jaxon chuckles. “Your brain is in overdrive. I’d go with you and help you keep your dick in your pants, but I promised my mom I’d be home this Thanksgiving. I’ve missed the last two.”

“Nah, it’s fine. I’ll text some people. Someone will be up for it.” I scroll through my contacts and start texting women I used to screw around with before I let Valentina suck me into her orbit.

“Thanksgiving weekend might be a tough sell, even if it is Bermuda.” He takes out his phone. “I’m in this campus group chat. People on there are always looking for a last-minute co-signer to their adventures. Throw up a message.”

“A complete stranger?” I raise my eyebrows.

“It’s a weekend. What’s the harm?” Jaxon shrugs.