Ditching Me for His 'Soulmate'? His Loss. Next Stop: My New Life novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Garrett didn’t expect me to say no. He looked lost. “What? No, you’re my girlfriend. I promise, anyone gives you crap, I’ll deal with them!”

He sounded so sure of himself.

But Garrett, did you forget?

When Ryan was picking on me right in front of you, and I was about to snap back, you

grabbed my hand and gave me this look that said “don’t make a scene.”

He knew damn well how his friends treated me. He just didn’t care.

I finished the last of my soup. “I’m busy next Saturday. Just take Felicity.”

Garrett looked totally confused. Guess my attitude was way too unexpected for him.

He thought for a second, then tried to be all sweet. “What do you have to do that day? I can drive you. Maybe we can still make the wedding.”

I was getting annoyed. “Dealing with my visa stuff for Berlin. Still have a ton to finish.”

My paperwork was basically done. This was just my excuse not to go to the wedding.

He pressed his lips together. “So I’ll go with Felicity then?”

He said it while staring at me, trying to find some sign I was jealous.

But I was just cleaning up my takeout trash. “Yeah, you guys go together.”

He went quiet. As I was walking to the kitchen with the trash bag, he spoke up. “You’re not

mad?”

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I said casually, “Mad about what? You said you and Felicity are over, that she’s just part of your friend group. You’re both going to the wedding anyway. Going together makes sense.”

“Babe, let’s just talk-

I cut him off. “You were up all night taking care of someone. You’re tired. Get some rest. I’ve got things to do anyway.”

Then I grabbed my laptop and went into the study, shut the door, and started binge–watching shows.

We kept up this awkward routine for a few more days.

When next Saturday rolled around, I got up to make breakfast and found the table already

set with food.

Garrett smiled. “Eat up. I’ll drive you to handle your visa stuff after.”

I’d totally forgotten about the lie I told before. Felt kinda awkward. Then I figured I’d just

have him drop me off somewhere random near where I’d actually done my paperwork

before.

That way I could avoid more back–and–forth with him.

When we got outside to Garrett’s car, he put his hand above my head and opened the door

for me.

I felt this weird sense of déjà vu.

My mind flashed back to this one time I was working late, got off super late, and it was

pouring rain. I begged Garrett to come pick me up.

He just snapped at me all harsh: “Seriously? You’re scared to walk at night? It’s just rain.

You have an umbrella.”

That night when I got home, I found out that while I was on the subway wringing out my rain–soaked jacket, Felicity had been sitting in Garrett’s car with the AC on, and Garrett had

Chapter 5

even brought her boba.

And whenever I said I wanted boba, he’d lecture me about how it was a consumer trap and I shouldn’t give in to those cravings.

So after that, I got my license and bought my own car.

Too bad I had to put it in storage before going to Berlin, otherwise today I could’ve just driven myself and avoided this whole thing.

The whole ride, he kept trying to make conversation. It was annoying, so I just gave him half–assed replies.

Thankfully, Felicity called pretty quick.

Garrett looked hesitant, his hand reaching out then pulling back.

I was tired of watching him struggle, so I just answered for him.

The second it connected, I heard Felicity’s whiny voice.

“Garrett, I can’t get a ride. The earliest one is like 40 minutes away. Can you come get me?”

Garrett paused. “Don’t worry. I’ll explain to Ryan. He won’t mind.”

Whoa. Garrett actually said no to Felicity? Did he get possessed or something?

Felicity clearly didn’t expect to get rejected either. After two seconds of silence, she spoke again, voice full of that familiar guilt–trip tone.

“But it’s Ryan’s wedding. I can’t just show up late. You know what, I’ll see if I can catch a random ride or something.”

I glanced at Garrett’s conflicted face and thought:

Whatever. I didn’t want to keep being stuck in the same space with him anyway. Might as

Chapter 5

well do him one last favor.

So I was all understanding. “Just drop me at the subway station up ahead.”

Garrett’s eyes flashed with guilt. “But you…”

I smiled. “The subway’s super convenient.”

Garrett was still hesitating, but his body was honest–he pulled over at the subway stop.

After I got out, he called after me. “You… you’ll really be okay by yourself?”

I didn’t care. “It’s broad daylight and I’m taking the subway. What could possibly go wrong? Just go. Don’t keep her waiting.”

After Garrett left, I wandered around the area for a bit, then grabbed lunch at a nearby

restaurant.

Only a few more days till I left for Berlin. Had to enjoy all the good food here while I still

could.

I stayed out pretty late before heading home. When I got there, the place was empty.

Made sense. Garrett was probably still at Ryan’s wedding.

Next morning when I woke up and went to the living room, I found Garrett sitting on the

couch, completely still.

My footsteps got his attention. Our eyes met.

I felt like I had to say something. “You’re back already?”

He didn’t answer. Just looked at me all sad. After forever, his voice came out all hoarse. “You didn’t go deal with your paperwork yesterday. Just shopping, right?”

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