BTF

n for this occasion. The menus are tantalizing, the tables set to perfection, and the setting evokes a

ghetti dress that clings to her body like a second skin. She's the kind of woman men would

uth thinning into a flat line, following my announcement. I watch her with alertness as she twirls her fork and

and the tension is starting to grate on my nerves. I wait out her reaction nonetheless

t, setting her cutlery down. "S

face to read behind the mask of neut

is bound to hit the rocks. We both know I hav

from her chair, balancing the bag's handle across one shoulder. "It w

I'm grateful she takes the breakup in easy stride. My last ex's reaction was no comf

ace. I believe breaking up a relationship over a t

ely, you know how to

knowledgment. "Sure.

Mendes," she says, addressing me by my l

in relief aft

least," I murmur ben

'm convinced I've earned an honorary Ph.D. in Understanding Women – o

iving the receipt, I leave the restaurant, not both

ing was still intact. Yet, the words had been itching to be released,

get in, put on my shades, and speed

tion, feeling exhilarated that today's t

oad. Otherwise, driving at this speed would like

humming softly, and tapping my fingers rhythmically. The car beeps as

ime?" a familiar voice asks, echo

best friend since childhood, Raymond Stilinski, steps into view, clad in his

to reflect, during quiet hours

ches me, extending a hand in greeting. We share a coded b

ile," Raymond r

difications made to the building since my last v

e same school, until my mom got sick and left me in the care of my real father, who had been absen

went from a simple life to

sk Raymond, nodding at the new add

't answered my q

re when I've broke

row. "It's either a bre

sit when I've messed up?

As if. You're not

jackets. "How's Katie doing?

gh. "I only come her

is face. "You and Katie are over? I though

ir. "Yeah, she is. That's

ging towards me to deliver anoth

d the changing room. I strip down

aps. He finishes cleaning and waits calml

k when I step out of

air before it hits my face. "Thanks, man." I quick

izing gaze prompts

king his head. "Don't worry about it. Are yo

reply, raising an e

s been a long day," Raymon

five," I say, heading to

driveway. Even after living with him for ove

recise, I tried to drink myself into exhaustion, but Ray, always the voice of reason, wouldn't let me. He remi

ver. It's time t

excitement was short-lived. I soon realized that wealth isn't everything. Afflue

e and my mom. Our small house and quaint neighborhood were perfect. The simple

into the driveway as I get out. I lean against my car, w

er car with her usual flair, showcasing her wealth. Her expensi

eps away, dashing inside without acknowledging me. She'd rather I did

kes it or not,