Coming Apart at the Seams by Jenna Sutton Page A

were dating, they probably would have passed the point where they were exclusive and having sex. She saw him two to three times a week. He’d stop by and they’d go out to dinner or he’d show up at her door with takeout. They’d spend the rest of the evening talking, maybe watch a little TV, and then he’d leave.
    They usually spent Saturdays together, too. Nick would show up midmorning, and they would spend the rest of the day doing something fun or touristy or both.
    They’d attended two Red Sox games, gone on a walking tour of Boston’s historic neighborhoods, visited Paul Revere’s house, and explored the New England Aquarium. In addition, they’d celebrated the Fourth of July on the banks of the Charles River, drinking beer and enjoying the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.
    He never called or texted, and they never made plans in advance. He just showed up.
    Teagan was ashamed to admit she looked forward to his visits so much she’d started to decline other invitations because she didn’t want to miss him, if and when he knocked on her door.
    Today she’d waited until early evening for him to show, and when he hadn’t, she’d felt a bewildering mix of emotions. Mostly, she’d been disgusted by herself for being too available. She had turned into the pathetic girl who sat by the phone, only she sat near the front door.
    She’d spent more time with Nick over the past several weeks than she and Jason had spent together during the final year of their relationship. He’d always found a reason not to see her. She shook off memories of her ex-boyfriend. She didn’t want to ruin her night out with Bebe.
    â€œWe should have bought tickets for the movie in advance, because it will probably be sold out by the time we get to the front of the line,” Teagan noted.
    Bebe’s shrug clearly conveyed her lack of concern. “I’d rather get some ice cream from Tosci’s.”
    â€œWhy didn’t you say so? I’d choose ice cream over a movie any day.”
    Tosci’s, or Toscanini’s officially, had the best ice cream in the United States, maybe the whole world, and Teagan wasn’t the only one who thought so. She made a mental note to take Nick there soon.
    Bebe and Teagan abandoned the line at the movie theater and headed off toward Central Square, where Tosci’s was located. As they strolled along the busy sidewalk, Bebe returned to their previous conversation.
    â€œSpeaking of sexual experience, have you heard from Jason in a while?”
    â€œI got an email from him a few days ago.”
    When Jason had broken up with her, she’d accepted his decision gracefully. She hadn’t cried or begged, and she hadn’t tried to change his mind. No guy was worth humbling herself like that, especially if he didn’t want her in the first place.
    â€œDo you think he wants to start something with you again?”
    â€œNo, I don’t think so. His emails are friendly, but we don’t talk about anything important when he calls. I think he just wants to stay in touch.”
    â€œWould you get back together with him if he wanted to?”
    She considered Bebe’s question. At one time, she’d thought she and Jason would get married and have a family.
    Even though they hadn’t enjoyed the kind of passionate relationship her parents had, she had been content with him. She had never expected to experience an all-consuming kind of love like her parents had found. It was rare.
    â€œI’m not sure how I would react if Jason told me that he wanted to get back together. I’m not in love with him anymore, but we do have history together.”
    â€œYou also have history with Nick Priest,” Bebe said archly.
    Teagan sighed in exasperation. “Bindu Banerjee, I’ve already told you that Nick and I are just friends.”
    â€œThat’s what you say, but you sure do spend a lot of time