Broken Hearts (Light in the Dark 5)

Jace should be the one holding me like this. I should be seeking comfort in his arms instead of pushing him away and now leaving.

This fact only makes me cry harder.

“Shh,” Owen croons. “It’s okay.”

I close my eyes and hiccup. I wish he was right. I wish everything was okay, but it’s not.

It’s just not.

Jace

I bring the bottle of beer to my lips and swallow it down. I don’t even taste it.

There’s no color, no flavor, no feeling to my life with Nova gone.

I’ve had to stop myself ten times in the last hour from texting her and asking her if she’s okay. I wish she’d let me know she’s okay so I don’t worry, but I refuse to contact her. She left. She deserted us. She’s the one that doesn’t want to fight for us.

I thought we could get through anything as long as we had each other. I guess I was wrong.

I finish the beer and motion for another one. I’ve lost count of how many I’ve had, but I know enough that it’s too many and I should’ve stopped a long time ago.

But I don’t want to go home, back to the apartment and empty bed.

Last night was hell and it was only the first night without her. I have no fucking clue how long she might be gone. I’m scared if I knew, I wouldn’t like the answer.

The bartender exchanges my empty bottle for a full one. I thank him with a tip of my head.

I pick up my phone and call the one person I know won’t judge me for my current state.

“Hello?”

“Joooooel,” I draw out his name. “Heeeey, buddddy.”

“Are you drunk?”

“No.” I snort. “Only a little … Or a lot.”

He sighs. “Where are you?”

“Um …” I look around and spot a coaster. “Donnelly’s. It’s an Irish Pub.”

“I figured that from the name. I’m coming to get you. Don’t do anything stupid.”

“I didn’t drive here,” I slur. “Can I stay at your place? Nova left me and I don’t want to be home.”

“What do you mean Nova left you? Did you guys break up?”

“Fuck if I know. But she left and she’s in New York City with Owen.”

“Shit.”

“Yeah, sounds about right.”

“Hang tight. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Thanks, bud. You’re the real MVP.”

Joel chuckles. “And you’re obviously wasted.”