Leaving me to fend for myself, letting them tear me down, all with his silent approval.
Even though I'd figured it all out, my heart still ached.
Back then, he did seem really sweet, like he laid everything out for me.
When did it change? Maybe when I refused to quit my career, or when his old flame came back to the States.
"Okay, girls get shy, she didn't mean it. Ease up, Jason," a girl said, grabbing his hand affectionately.
He didn't pull away.
That's Ava Taylor, Jason's old flame.
Whenever Jason and I were together, she'd call right on cue, and they'd chat forever.
"Olivia, you messed up too, apologize to her, quick."
"No need," I flatly refused.
She stood there, looking all sad like a hurt kitten.
Jason's buddies couldn't stand it anymore, "C'mon, Jason, it's your birthday. We were just messing around. She can't take a joke, huh? Ava tried to smooth things over, but no thanks from her. Olivia's fiery, but she's no athlete. A bit more force, and she'd be in the hospital, right?"
Everyone's stares were like a clear warning—don't be ungrateful.
Including Jason.
"Grace, you crossed the line."
"Then it's done. Let's break up," I said, meeting Jason's gaze without flinching.