Page 146 of Just for the Cameras
Because I don’t want to be that person.
I don’t want to be the cliché who gets hurt, then goes crawling back to the person who hurt them. I’m stronger than that.
Yet there is a voice in the back of my head saying,What if he was hurting?
It doesn’t matter.
Even if he was hurting, he didn’t need to take it out on me.
I will not be treated like that.
My car pulls to the curb, and I get in and buckle up before pulling up my text thread with Everly.
Maple:He sent me a link this morning for a ride.
The car takes off down the road as she texts me back.
Everly:Well, if anything, he’s consistent. How are you feeling?
Maple:Like total shit.
Everly:That’s to be expected. I’m sorry he was a dick to you.
Maple:I’d like to say he’s always been a dick to me, but that’s not true at all. He’s showed me genuine kindness and thoughtfulness, and I think that’s what makes this hurt even more. It’s so stupid. It’s not as if we’re a real couple.
Everly:You don’t have to be a couple to develop feelings, Maple.
Maple:Yeah, I guess so. Ugh. I wonder if he’ll come to the zoo today. I told him not to, but who knows what he’ll do. Hank will probably freak out on him.
Everly:I’d love to see Hank try to tell Graydon what to do. Nice guy, but he doesn’t have a chance against him.
Maple:He tried yesterday, but it fell flat the moment Graydonbarked at him.
Everly:I’m sure Hank had something to say afterward.
Maple:He started to talk about Graydon, but I cut him off. I told him I didn’t want to get into it. He asked if I wanted to grab something to eat, and I told him no, that I just wanted to go back to my place.
Everly:You should have come here. Hardy made burgers on the grill.
Maple:As much as I would have loved to spend time with you and sulk on your couch, I can’t intrude on you every time something goes to shit in my life.
Everly:I don’t mind.
Maple:I know, and I love you for that, but you’re a newlywed couple and deserve your time together.
Everly:But we’d drop anything for you. Even our pants if that’s what you’re into. *Wiggles eyebrows*
Maple:LOL! Needed that.
Everly:Try to have a good day today, and if anything, just immerse yourself in your flamingo friends.
Maple:Now that is something I can do.
I spend the rest of the trip trying to pick out a picture I can post today on Flock and Tackle to keep the momentum going, but I’m struggling with what shot to go with. Ugh, I’ll figure it out at lunch.
When I arrive at the zoo, I thank my driver and head to the employee entrance, then straight back toward the flamingo exhibit. My head is down as I read an article about a new study on flamingos in captivity, so I don’t even notice Phil when I run directly into him.
“Oh, goodness. I’m so sorry,” I say as I try to right my balance. “I didn’t mean to bump into you.”
