Resentment(30)
The bell above the cafe door rings and I shake those thoughts away and look up to see Michael. Today, he’s dressed in a casual pair of sweats and an old graphic T-shirt, both now the main staples of his wardrobe, a far cry from the handsome guy who wore suits and ties when I first met him years ago.
He slides into the seat across from me and sighs, not offering a single word about getting here almost two hours later than we’d originally agreed upon.
The waitress sits down our regular orders and tells us this one is on the house for some strange reason. As soon as she walks away, I take a deep breath and look directly into Michael’s eyes.
“We need a break,” I say, cutting straight to the chase.
“Yeah, we definitely do.” He leans back against the chair.
Wait. What?! “Are you serious? Please, I’m curious as to why you think we need a break?” I say, arching my brow. “What exactly are you unhappy about regarding us?”
“I don’t have a list of specifics, but I can tell you that the sex just hasn’t been good lately.”
“What?”
“It’s just...” His voice trails off, as if he’s searching for the right words. “You’re not doing it for me anymore. You’re getting lazier in bed and the blowjobs are nonexistent.”
He has GOT to be joking.
“Michael, we haven’t had sex in over a month.”
“I know, that’s the problem.” He signals for the check.
“No, you stopped working and became a bum. That’s the problem.”
“See. That’s what I’m talking about, Mia. You’re too concerned with trivial things. You need to chill out.”
“No, what I need is a boyfriend who can help pay the rent.” By this point, I’m getting really agitated.
“Maybe if you got up and blew me once and a while, I could find the inspiration I need.”
“Do you hear how ridiculous you sound? I don’t need to have sex with you in order for you to find a job.”
“And I don’t need all of this judgment,” he says. “I’m agreeing with you on needing a break, so I don’t see the issue. You don’t think we’re compatible anymore, I don’t think we’re compatible anymore, so what’s the problem? You need someone who specializes in boring, and I need somebody who understands my needs.”
I let out a deep breath and shake my head. “You know what? I’m not even going to address that. I just came to tell you I’m moving to Portland—soon, actually. I’ll be living with my brother for a while.”
“Oh, well good for you. Portland sounds like just the place for you. There’s probably lots of boring guys there who won’t want to have sex. You’ll fit in,” he says. “Hold that thought, though. Am I paying for this coffee or are you? If it’s me, I need a rain check.”
“Goodbye, Michael.” I push away from the table and leave, annoyed as all hell, but somewhat relieved that our chapter is coming to an end.
***
A few weeks later, I find myself meandering through Terminal C of Liberty International Airport, waiting to board a flight that’s been delayed twice already. I try not to get too impatient and remember my dream of, literally, jetting off to my new life, so a few hours more shouldn’t make that much of a difference.
After finally locating gate C-19, I find an empty row of seats near the large window and settle in, praying that my next flight leaves on time. Just as I plug in my Kindle to ensure my battery’s fully charged for the long fight, I feel my phone vibrating against my thigh. I hold it up to my face and see the words “Big Brother” scrolling across the screen.
“Hello?” I answer. “Hello? Eric? Are you there? Can you hear me?”
“Yeah, I’m here. His voice is deep and concerned. “Where the hell are you?”
“In Newark.”
“What? I thought you said your flight was arriving here hours ago. I’ve been waiting for the call to pick you up.”
“Sorry,” I say. “My flight was delayed. I won’t get to Portland until really late.”
“Define ‘really late’, Aim.”
“Aim? You haven’t called me that since you used to live with us.”
“Define ‘really late’, Mia. Is that what you prefer?”
I smile at the frustration in his voice. He’s still as impatient as always. “After midnight.”
“Okay, well next time your flight changes, you need to text me immediately and let me know. I thought something had happened to you.”
And still super overprotective...
“I will. I promise.”