Page 31 of Beating Heart

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Beating Heart

I can’t imagine it being more complicated than the fact that I have a kid with a woman who bailed. Shit happens to all of us. Don’t be embarrassed to talk about it. My life is far from perfect.

I let out a deep breath and took another big gulp of wine.

What are we, friends now? I thought you couldn’t stand me.

Beating Heart

I think I stopped being annoyed by you fairly quickly. We can be friends if you want.

Are you sure you want to be friends with an outsider? I don’t live here, and I’m not staying.

Beating Heart

I’m more than aware. But I can’t sleep because I’m worried Cutler will wake up and get sick, so I’m sitting in his room on the La-Z-Boy chair. Entertain me, friend.

Fine. Prepare yourself.

Beating Heart

I’m on pins and needles.

You’re hilarious.

Beating Heart

And you’re deflecting. Tell me what you’re running from. Why you came here. I know you’re leaving, so you’ve got nothing to lose. We won’t even remember each other this time next year.

For someone who is determined to forget about me, you sure are interested in my story.

Beating Heart

Spill it, woman.

I don’t want anyone to know my business, so if you repeat it, I’ll deny it and then egg your house.

Beating Heart

I promise not to share anything aside from my Nest camera footage of you eating shit in my yard.

Deal.

My fiancé, the Stanford boyfriend, whom I started dating my senior year in high school and all through college and medical school, cheated on me, and we called off the wedding. Are you happy now? That’s the big secret.

Beating Heart

Of course, I’m not happy. I knew he was a dick. I could feel it in my bones when you mentioned him.

So you’re a psychic now?

Beating Heart

Who did he cheat on you with?

My maid of honor.

Beating Heart

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