Ditching Me for His 'Soulmate'? His Loss. Next Stop: My New Life novel Chapter 4

Chapter 4

I frowned. He must’ve heard me talking with my coworkers.

But we’d been talking about Berlin like half an hour ago. Had he seriously been waiting out

here this whole time?

My coworkers saw what was happening and looked uncomfortable. They asked if I needed help. I thanked them but said I could handle it.

Then they left, but not before telling me to call if I needed anything.

“Answer me, Peyton.” Garrett’s eyes were full of panic. “You’re going to Berlin?”

I nodded. He was gonna find out eventually anyway.

“Why didn’t you tell me? If I hadn’t heard today, when were you gonna let me know?”

“I meant to. I’ve just been crazy busy with the transition, and you seemed busy too. Didn’t think it was a big deal.”

He looked hurt. “Not a big deal? This is huge. You’re supposed to tell me stuff like this–big or small. Why would that bother me?”

“Wait, you literally told me not to bother you with every little thing.”

Honestly, I wouldn’t normally throw old stuff in his face like this–especially since I was planning to break up anyway. But I’d had a few drinks at dinner, and seeing his face made me unable to resist the dig.

I used to tell Garrett everything. Even if I saw some weird–shaped cloud in the sky, I’d send him a photo.

But all I ever got back was him being annoyed. Told me I didn’t need to share every damn thing, that he wasn’t interested in the stuff I told him, and that getting constant notifications

Chapter 4

from me was just irritating as hell.

Garrett opened his mouth, then finally choked out, “When are you leaving? It’s not soon,

right?”

I said casually, “Mm, probably in like six months.”

I lied. I don’t know why he cared so much about when I was leaving, but I didn’t feel like telling him I’d actually be gone in a month.

He visibly relaxed. His voice went soft. “I’m done here. Let’s go home.”

I was about to say no when Felicity suddenly clutched her head and leaned against Garrett.

“Garrett, I’m so dizzy. I think I’m drunk.”

Garrett panicked, trying to push her off while explaining to me, “We’re not- This isn’t- She’s just drunk, okay? We don’t do this.”

Looking at Felicity’s over–the–top acting and Garrett’s panicked face, I obviously didn’t

believe him.

But at this point, whether it was true or not, I didn’t care anymore.

“Yeah, I get it.”

Felicity clung to Garrett even tighter, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Garrett tried pushing her off a few times but couldn’t, so he just gave up and looked at me all helpless. “Babe, you see how she is. Can’t let her go home alone like this. I’ll just drop her off, okay?”

Felicity heard what he said and held on even tighter.

I was actually relieved I didn’t have to ride home with Garrett. “Sure, go ahead.”

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Garrett looked like he wanted to say something else, but I’d already turned and walked

away.

While waiting for my Uber, I felt this little ache in my chest, but the breeze blew it away pretty quick.

Turns out letting go of Garrett wasn’t as hard as I thought it’d be.

When I got home, I got a text from Garrett.

[Felicity’s really dizzy and feels awful. Worried about her, so staying over tonight to make sure she’s ok]

I was actually shocked. Garrett was texting me to explain himself? That was a first.

Before, if I even asked where they were hanging out or what time he’d be home, he’d

annoyed.

“Can you not interrogate me like you’re my mom? I don’t owe you a play–by–play of everything I do!”

get all

I’d apologize forever, and he’d barely forgive me, then lecture me about not asking about

his business anymore.

I replied with a “k” to show I got it.

He sent another text: [Just sleeping on the couch though. Nothing’s gonna happen, I promise]

I didn’t reply. Just went to bed.

I’d had a few drinks too, so I slept pretty hard. Woke up close to noon.

Looking at the awkward time, I figured I’d just combine breakfast and lunch.

So I ordered some spicy ramen with extra chicken and a soft–boiled egg.

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God, ramen is so good. I was slurping away when Garrett came home.

He sniffed the air and frowned a little.

I knew he’d caught the spicy smell floating around. He’s always hated spicy food and wouldn’t let me eat it either. Even if I bought spicy takeout, he’d flip out because he could

smell it.

I was waiting for him to blow up, but he just smiled and said, “Takeout’s not that healthy. You want spicy food, I’ll make it.”

He sat down and started complaining. “That couch killed me last night. I’m exhausted. And Felicity wouldn’t stop–throwing up, asking for water, over and over.”

I said flatly, “You’ve known her forever. Of course you’d help.”

He looked uncomfortable. After a pause, “Oh, Ryan’s wedding is next Saturday. Come with

me.‘

I looked at him, surprised.

Ryan was the one friend of his who hated me the most. He literally thought I was the one who came between Garrett and Felicity.

And whenever his friends had birthdays, hangouts, trips, weddings–whatever—I was never invited. Garrett would always show up with Felicity instead.

I felt kinda sad. If this was before, I would’ve been jumping for joy, promising to be on my best behavior in front of his friends so they’d finally accept me into their circle.

But now I just felt tired. “Nah, I’m good. They’ll just give me attitude anyway. Not worth it.”

Chapter 5

Chapter 5