Page 56 of Puck Me Twice

“Why? There’s nothing to talk about.” I keep my focus on my computer screen, even though I haven’t been able to pay attention since he walked into the back office two minutes ago.

“I’d like to buy you a cup of coffee,” he says. He clears his throat. “Off site, if that’s possible.”

“I’d really rather not.”

“We need to talk,” he says firmly. “Clear the air.”

“There’s nothing to clear.”

He sighs. “Nessie…”

I flinch. “Don’t call me that.”

“You never used to mind.”

“Yeah, well, a lot has changed.”

“I suppose so.” He coughs. “Please. I’ll stop, I’ll leave you alone. I just really think we need to talk.”

My stomach twists. The last thing I want is to relive those memories again and again.

“What do you want to talk about? You dumped me in college, I have a new boyfriend now, and I’m happy. Why the fuck do you think I still think about you?”

Shit. I wasn’t supposed to say that.

Because I do. All the fucking time. Not in an “I miss him” kind of way, but in a “why the hell am I so unlovable?” doubt spiral.

I mean, Bex and Elsy love me. Wyatt is practically my brother, too. I might even buy that Sven loves me, misguided as he may be.

Since Robby broke up with me on my birthday, I haven’t had a relationship that lasted more than one night. My friends are supportive and always there for me. I don’t need anyone else.

Except…

“Please,” Robby says quietly. “I’d really like to talk to you.”

“Ugh. Fine.” I power down my computer and lean into the aisle. “Jacky, I’m headed out.”

“Good. Don’t forget you have the next few days off, too,” she says from her open office.

Wait. What? That’s news to me.

“But—“

“We have a three-game homestead. Scott is on shift, and I’ll be backup. Enjoy the time off, because when you get back, you’re on the road out to Austin and New Orleans.”

“Okay. Thanks, I guess.”

Shoving my stuff into my work bag, my eyes fall to the bakery bag. I devoured those chocolate croissants, but the note is still on the corner of my desk.

He’ll give me the space I need. Great. Fine.

So why do I feel so hollow?

Robby jerks his head toward the elevator, and dutifully I follow him.

“Why off site?” I ask as he punches the button for the ground floor.

He shakes his head. “Contrary to popular belief, I don’t actually want my personal life to be gossip fodder,” he says.