CHAPTER 24: BREAKUP!

«Ren, listen. This is the last time I pretend to be your girlfriend. If Tyler sees us walking hand in hand through Manhattan, he’s going to flip out—and honestly, I wouldn’t blame him. I’d be pissed too if I saw my boyfriend with someone else right after telling me he loves me!» Elaine mutters, clearly annoyed.

«I don’t know what excuse you’ll come up with next to hang out with Brianne. Just tell her we broke up, period. I still don’t get why you’re going through all this crap for her, though. The bet is over. You said you didn’t want anything serious with her anyway.»

We’re sitting on a bench in Times Square, waiting for Brianne to show up.

Lately, Elaine’s been impossible about this Tyler thing.

First, she tells me we can’t have sex anymore.

Now, we’re not even allowed to hold hands—just to keep up the act in front of Brianne, like I’m some harmless guy in a relationship.

What’s next? Ending our friendship? Pretending we don’t even know each other?

She almost got there already—that time at the restaurant.

«So much for friendship...» I mutter, shaking my head.

If I weren’t your friend, I wouldn’t be here with you, you idiot!» Elaine snaps.

«But there’s a line, Ren. Between being best friends, being there for each other, just hanging out, getting high or drunk at my place... and having sex like nothing’s changed—when I’m literally in a relationship now!»

Her voice grows more serious with each word.

Too serious.

Almost irritating.

«I realized it that night at the restaurant, when you barged into the bathroom with me... Why did you do that? I felt like shit for the rest of the evening, you know? But it’s my fault too. I should’ve put an end to it. Instead, I went along with it, thinking you’d eventually get it on your own.»

«Didn’t look like you hated having my dick in your mouth or being slammed against the wall while your precious Tyler waited at the table,» I shoot back.«Stop acting like one of those people who are friends only when they’re single — and vanish the moment they get a partner!»

«I told you, Ren. What happened that night was my fault — I didn’t say no. But the past is the past, so wipe that annoyed look off your face. If you were in a relationship, I wouldn’t dare get between you and your girlfriend. I expect the same from you.»

Elaine’s tone starts to rise.

«Me, disappearing? Are you serious?! Let me remind you that tonight, someone is supposed to come over to my place and smoke—and that someone is you, asshole! Even though Tyler had a lot to say about it! We nearly fought over it! But I told him you’re a respectful guy who’d never lay a finger on me because I’m taken... a lie, a fucking lie! But I had no choice if I wanted him to accept it!»

«Oh, so now you need permission from a guy you’ve known for less than a month to invite a friend you’ve known for years? And what if he makes you choose between me and him? What then? Come on, answer me!»

«I wouldn’t have to choose if you could get it through your thick skull that he’s my boyfriend and you’re my best friend!» she snaps. «In fact, maybe you shouldn’t come over tonight. It’s probably best to avoid any situation that could be misinterpreted, since you clearly don’t get what I’m trying to say! Right now, I just want to be alone for a while. I’m sorry, Ren, but I don’t have the strength to spend another afternoon pretending to be someone I’m not. I just... can’t.»

Elaine suddenly gets up from the bench.

She wants to leave—but I can’t let her.

Not like this.

Not without telling her everything I’m feeling.

I grab her wrist before she can walk away.

«Elaine, listen to me...»

She stands there in front of me, silent, staring—her eyes a mix of anger and disappointment.

The same look I have, honestly.

Except I’ve got every reason to feel this way, and she doesn’t.

«I probably should’ve told you earlier, but... I love you, Elaine. I really do. I didn’t realize it at first. I only understood when I saw you laughing and joking with that guy. And now, after hearing you talk like you’re saying goodbye... it just hit me. I don’t want to lose you, Elaine. Not for anything in the world. I needed to say that before you make any decision...»

It might sound like some dramatic cliché—but I’ve never been more honest in my life.

I love her—deeply, madly.

Just like I love Isabelle.

I’d give my life for either of them.

And this is how I get treated?

Tossed aside the moment the first guy shows interest in her? I don’t deserve that.

But her reaction isn’t what I expected.

She starts crying—not tears of joy, but out of frustration.

It’s obvious from her clenched teeth and the way her body trembles.

«Ren... I thought I knew you. But I was so wrong. All because of that stupid night at my place when I agreed to sleep with you... I thought it would be fun, after all these years of knowing each other. But for me, it ended that night. When I told you not to get the wrong idea, I was joking. I never thought it’d end up like this. With all the girls and women chasing you... why me? Why mess with my feelings? I never imagined you’d go this far. Saying you love me just because I stopped being your little toy for when you’re bored! I... I...» Elaine begins to sob, her words lost between gasps.

«I’ve always seen you as more than a friend, Ren!» she cries. «You were like a brother to me. And you ruined everything just because you’re selfish! It’s not fair! It’s not fair!»

«Like a brother? Pff... would you suck your brother’s dick?» I snap. «Truth is, I was the one being used—your little toy until someone better came along. If it weren’t for Tyler, none of this would’ve happened. And now you act like all those moments meant nothing! Guess they were special only to me... while you were just waiting for the next guy to show up and take you away! A whore—that’s what you are! A fucking whore jumping from one dick to another—»

—SLAP!

Silence falls.

Not just between us, but among the passersby too.

People pretend not to notice, quickening their steps after Elaine’s slap echoes through Times Square.

«How could you... how could you say that to me?!» she screams.

«You were the person I trusted most in the world. My one true friend! I would’ve died for you, and now you call me a whore just because I don’t want to play at being your fucktoy anymore?! You’re sick, Ren! You’re fucking sick! Take this as advice from a friend—go get help. And don’t you dare ever speak to me again! Goodbye, Ren!»

Elaine yanks her wrist free and runs off, crying through the crowd.

People watch her like something dramatic just happened, their eyes glued to her like it’s their business.

Seriously, don’t they have anything better to do?

Okay... maybe I went too far calling her that. Just because she’s confused about what she wants doesn’t mean she deserves to be treated like shit.

Maybe I should’ve just gone along with her little lovebird phase and waited until she got bored of that guy.

Damn it... why do I have to be so impulsive sometimes?

Either way, I can’t let our friendship end like this!

But just as I get up from the bench to chase after her—a sharp, urgent voice stops me.

Brianne’s voice.