TMI by Patty Blount Page B

while. Simon’s relationship status was single, but Caitlyn’s was “in a relationship.” She tried not let that bother her.
    Failed miserably.
    She switched over to email and saw her new blog post had already gotten a comment.
    Sorry about your breakup. Why’d you end things if you didn’t want to? I’m a guy. I wouldn’t look at you the way I look at my dentist.
    Aww, that was so sweet. It was from someone signing his name as WyldRyd11. She clicked his profile link, but there was no photo. Only a one-sentence bio: Gamer, athlete, lover. Serious girls, inquire within.
    She thought about it and decided to reply.
    Thanks for your comment, WyldRyd11. I broke up with him because I don’t think he wants to be with me, and I deserve to be with someone who does.
    That sounded exactly like something Meg would say. She was right, wasn’t she? Why be with someone if that someone wants someone else? Bailey crossed her arms over her chest and wondered when the ache in her heart would go away, when the urge to keep checking for messages from him would stop.

Chapter 7
Meg
    â€œMegan, a word with you please.”
    The manager on duty did not look happy, but Meg followed him to the employee lounge, where the scent of stale popcorn and pizza hung so thick in the air that she could taste them. He scraped out a chair from under the table, where an empty soda can sat in a pool of condensation.
    â€œHave a seat. How ya doin’?”
    â€œI’m fine.” She knew what he was going to say but sat anyway. Best to just rip off the bandage instead of prolonging the pain.
    Mr. Reese pulled an envelope from his suit jacket’s pocket. “This is your last paycheck, Megan. I’m sorry. The theater’s closing in three weeks. I can’t afford to keep you on the whole time.” Bushy eyebrows climbed over the rims of his glasses when he gave a helpless shrug.
    She took the envelope and nodded. She’d known it was coming. This tiny two-screen theater just couldn’t compete with the multiplex that had opened a year before, with its eighteen screens and restaurant food brought right to your seat.
    â€œYou’re a hard worker, Megan. Never gave me a minute of trouble. So I tucked a letter of recommendation in there too. Maybe that googleplex can use you,” Mr. Reese said with a sad smile.
    Meg laughed once, wondering if Mr. Reese made the lame joke on purpose, and shook her head. She wouldn’t apply there. It…well, it wouldn’t feel right.
    â€œThanks, Mr. Reese.” She stood, took the soda can, and tossed it in the recycle can on her way out.
    â€œMegan?”
    She turned at the door, surprised to see Mr. Reese’s eyes wet. “Grab some boxes of candy on your way out. I know how much you like those things.”
    She grinned through the bright stab of pain. “Parting gifts?”
    Mr. Reese shrugged. “A token of appreciation.”
    â€œThanks. Um, bye. Oh…here.” She took off her name tag and put it on the table.
    Outside in the cold night air, she felt nothing. Absolutely nothing. No anger, no fear, no regret. Just a numbness that was kind of a pleasant change of pace. She walked home, the bag holding two boxes of the Junior Mints for Bailey and two boxes of M&M’s for herself. The boxes banged her thigh with each step. It was early. She thought about heading over to Bailey’s place, but she didn’t want to see any more of her wrapped in Chase’s strong arms.
    The pain stabbed her again, putting a hitch in her step, but she didn’t falter. Tomorrow, she’d visit the stores within walking distance and find another job. She would have to buy canvas soon and—
    â€œHey.”
    Megan froze, one foot still in the air. Her lips instantly twitched up, and she tried her hardest not to smile, knowing she’d fail miserably but trying anyway.
    â€œWhat are you doing here?” She put her foot