Page 21 of Make No Mistake

I opened my mouth to argue but he stopped me again.

“Mac, I’m not saying he was a bad guy, but he was a bad boyfriend to you. Maybe things were different when you were in high school, but the longer you guys were together, the worse it got. It was like he knew you would always be there no matter what. He didn’t have to try anymore. He didn’t appreciate what he had with you.”

I clamped my mouth shut. It hurt hearing this. Of course, there were times I felt like Sean didn’t feel like my accomplishments were as important. I supported every single one of his dreams, but he often brushed mine off.

He was right. I was always there. I was always supportive. I gave everything and he greedily took it.

Our relationship wasn’t always like that. We started out so hopelessly in love. His intelligence was beyond me, and my popularity intimidated him.

In a weird way, it balanced us.

When did we fall out of balance? At CU, we were equals. We’d both gotten in. We both did well. We both made friends. It was a good thing that we were on equal footing. I guess I didn’t see when it changed.

“We changed. Both of us.”

He nodded and remained silent. I looked away, feeling too vulnerable to meet his eyes.

“I think he felt like he was moving on faster than me. Maybe I was holding him back.”

Jay leaned forward on the table, drawing back my attention. “No, Mac. I think two equally awesome, talented people grew apart. I hate that he hurt you. I hate the way he went about it, but I think it was good for both of you.”

I nodded and tried to smile.

“You’ve changed too.”

I raised an eyebrow in question.

“When I met you four years ago, I never would have pictured you being one of the top journalists and editors on the newspaper. I never would have pictured you even sitting still for this long.”

He laughed and I couldn’t help but give in and join him.

“You were the most energetic, excited person I’d ever met. Your energy was infectious, addicting. You drew people in.” His eyes were drilling into mine, and I forgot how to breathe. “You drew me in. I wanted nothing more than to be around you. Even if it was just as your friend.”

“Jay …”

He held up a hand to stop me. “Mac, it’s true. You’re incredible and talented and absolutely gorgeous, especially in evening gowns.” His smile grew. “You don’t need Sean to tell you those things are true. I’ll do that for you.”

Words were gone. What were words? I opened my mouth then closed it … then opened it again. I knew I resembled a gasping fish, but he’d just rocked my world off its axis.

That was, until I remembered he was interested in someone else. He was just being a good friend.

“Thank you, Jay.” I could only meet his eyes for a brief second before having to look away. If I looked for any longer, I could burst into tears. Why did he have to be so kind and understanding and perfect … yet be in love with someone else?

Thanks, world, for yet again being cruel and unusual.

“I’ll see you later. Thanks again for lunch.” I gathered my things as quickly as possible without making a mess and was out the door before he could respond.

Once I was outside, I took a deep breath and headed back to my apartment before having a breakdown in the middle of the university square.

Aubrey was sitting on the couch with a book on her lap when I burst in.

“Whoa there.” She set the book on the coffee table and patted the spot next to her.

I eyed my bedroom door but knew she would follow me there anyway. I shut the door behind me and slid my backpack to the ground before plopping down next to her quite dramatically.

“So, how was your day?”

I glare at Aubrey and her perky smile.