Two Canes, One Cup

Chapter 1 - Stacy

“What do you mean by that?” My heart stops in my chest as I wait to hear his next words.

Bryan’s shoulders rise and fall in a casual shrug. “I just don’t think this is working.”

Two years of my life comes crashing down to suffocate me.

Tears sting in my eyes. I’d cry if we weren’t sitting in a coffee shop.

“But, what about our trip? We’re heading out to those cabins for Christmas?” I thought this was going to be his chance to propose.

Gosh, am I wrong.

His hand waves idly, then pushes up his glasses. “Go without me. Maybe take Amy. You girls would have fun up there.”

How can he act so casual after ripping me apart over a caramel latte?

“Bry—” I reach towards his wrist, but he pulls away.

“No. This is for the best, Stacy. I have that new job starting so my hours are going to be crazy.” He twirls his empty cup in the circle of condensation it made on the table.

“You’re an accountant, Bryan,” I grumble. “Fine. It’s obvious you’ve already made up your mind. What about your stuff in my apartment?”

“Throw it away.” Gripping the edge, he slides himself out of the booth seat to stand over me. “It was fun, Stacy.”

Then the jerk has the audacity to pat me on the arm as he leaves.

I catch a sympathetic look from our server. Her mouth droops as she makes a heart shape with her fingers towards me.

Count to five, then leave.

Hold it together until then.

Biting my bottom lip, I struggle not to let the tears slip until I’m outside.

What did I do?

Granted, it’s been months since we were intimate, but I thought we were a good match. It’s so hard to swallow around the lump in my throat. Tugging my dark wool peacoat tighter around my waist, I push through the freezing air to find my cherry red Audi.

Only when I reach the safety of my car do I let myself sob for the first time.

Bastard. He ruined Christmas.

And me.

I brought him home to meet my family.

Maybe it was a sign that he never did the same.

Was he just messing around this whole time?

The more I think about it, the less committed he was for our entire relationship.

Digging out my phone, I need to know if I was just delusional.

“Amy? He dumped me.” I don’t wait for her to talk, I start wailing into the speaker.

“Oh, honey. Finally.” Her soothing tone makes it sound like she was expecting this call.

I pinch the bridge of my nose until I see stars. “He just said ‘we’re done’ and got up and walked away. How can the last two years mean nothing?”

She takes a long breath. “Stace. Girl. I’m gonna break it to you easy. I think you were always just a placeholder for him. Did you guys go on dates often?”

I know she’s asking me a question she already knows the answer to.

“No. Today was a coffee shop clear across Akron.” I should have known.

“See? He never took you out. It was always at your place. I thought that was weird, but you seemed happy.”

I take a long shuddering inhale as the truth settles over me like a cold shower.

Damn it.

“So, I still have those reservations for the cabin in the Adirondacks. Want to go with me for Christmas?” Desperation tinges my voice, but I can’t help it.

“Sweetie, I wish I could. Zack asked me to go meet his parents for the holidays.” She’s barely containing her excitement.

I’m jealous. Yet happy for her. “Oh, that’s great! What a big step for you both.” I do my best to feign excitement.

“You should totally go up to New York. It’ll be a great way to unwind and have some you time. It’ll do wonders for your soul.” She makes a kissy sound that echoes through my bluetooth.

“I guess I could get caught up on some work while I’m there.” Being a freelance artist is all-consuming.

Amy groans. “Only if you’re doing what you want.

You turn thirty next year. Take this opportunity to really focus on yourself, okay?

Fuck Bryan. Maybe you’ll find some hot mountain man up there in the woods who will help warm you up?

” Her laughter is genuine, not a hint of teasing like she usually does.

“Just bat those baby blues, you’ll have all the boys lining up. ”

I glance in the rearview at my bloodshot eyes and grimace.

No one is going to look twice at me like this.

“I guess since I don’t leave until next week I’ve got a few days to get my crap together.” My windshield is defrosted enough that I can finally leave.

“Well, I’m running to the store to pick up a bottle of wine. Tonight, we shred men on principle. By Christmas, you’ll be ready to prowl for a rebound,” she giggles as she hangs up.

I doubt it. I’m not dating material. At least, that’s what Bryan thought.

Mousey brown hair, a nose that turns up a little too much, and a poochy belly because I like croissants a lot more than I like crunches.

But maybe in a new place, I can pretend for a while. There’s a dozen cabins up at that bed and breakfast, I can be anyone I want to be.

She’s right. I don’t need to work, I need to find myself and what makes me happy.

A reset.

It sounds almost…fun.