From “Clingy” to Gone My Independence Was His Biggest Regret novel Chapter 2

Chapter 2

After I calmed down, I signed the transfer papers.

My boss looked uncomfortable.

This transfer means moving to another city. That’s a big decision. Maybe talk it over with your boyfriend first? You guys are practically married

finished signing without hesitation.

No need.”

ast time I was job hunting, I showed Ezra two offers and asked what he thought.

le barely looked up.

Your life, your choice. Don’t put that on me.”

et he spent weeks helping Nova with her med school applications.

lade sure she got into the top program so she could work under him.

zra always said I wasn’t independent enough. Too clingy.

e’d put in earbuds during my stories about work, listening to medical podcasts instead.

ike I wasn’t even there.

Then I was running late, he wouldn’t give me a ride.

aid his schedule couldn’t revolve around my mess–ups.

wanted to join his friends for drinks. He told me to make my own friends.

thought that was just Ezra. Distant with everyone.

hat maybe, if I tried harder, I’d be different.

hen Nova came along.

he was some family friend’s daughter. His parents asked him to watch out for her.

expected him to hate the hassle. Instead, he agreed right away.

urns out she got to be what I never could.

When Nova Latched about her roommates, Ezra actually engaged. Asked follow–up questions.

When the craved some fancy pastry on a random Wednesday, he drove forty minutes to get it

it work events, he made sure everyone knew her.

This is Nova, my student. Look after her.”

Every time I brought up how unfair it was, he’d shake his head,

She’s practically a kid. Grow up.”

I’m helping her because I have to. You’re really jealous of that?

Chapter 2

“She’s twenty one, you’re twenty four. Want to compete with toddlers next?”

Three years. That’s all the difference between us.

Every excuse I’d made for him-

work stress, natural personality, doesn’t like needy girlfriends-

rumbled when I saw how he treated her.

Whatever.

fter tomorrow’s surgery, I’d be gone anyway.

zra could have his perfect little protégé all to himself.

fy best friend Autumn took time off to stay with me for the surgery.

Get that guest room ready for your personal nurse!”

was laughing as I opened the door.

I cleaned it twice and got you new sheets. You’re going to-”

stopped mid–sentence.

he bedding I’d carefully picked out was crumpled on the floor.

he guest room was packed with someone else’s stuff.

huge teddy bear sat on the bed like it owned the place.

he front door opened again.

oft giggles floated in.

Thanks for taking me to that place, Dr. Martinez. The food was incredible.”

That dessert totally cheered me up after all the roommate drama!”

zra saw me standing there and shrugged.

Nova’s having roommate problems. Can’t stay in the dorms. She’s apartment hunting.”

Nothing yet, so she’s crashing here temporarily.”

let out a cold laugh.

Ezra, I told you a week ago Autumn was staying here.”

de froze. That blank look said everything.

He’d completely forgotten.

When I’d mentioned it, he’d sounded irritated.

“Just handle stuff like that yourself. Don’t run everything by me. It’s annoying ”

Now Ezra pressed his lips together, his voice going quiet,

hapter 2

Sorry…

le held up a dessert bag, his tone turning gentle like he was soothing a upset child.

That restaurant we went to seems like your style. I’ll take you this weekend.”

saw the logo on the bag.

he same place I’d been begging him to try for months.

e’d always claimed he was too swamped with work.

ook the bag and dropped it straight in the trash.

ra’s momentary relief turned to shock.

>va squeezed forward, her voice soft and sweet.

his is my fault, Reese. Your friend and I can totally share the room. I really don’t mind.”

et out a cold laugh.

abbed Nova’s bedding and that ridiculous teddy bear,

en kicked everything into the hallway.

va stared at me, eyes getting watery.

eese, I need those tonight. What am I supposed to do?”

lanced toward the master bedroom and smiled.

ou can bunk with Ezra. I don’t mind.”

ova’s face went crimson.

[ you don’t want me here, just say it! Why embarrass me like this?”

cting like I’d committed some horrible crime, she teared up and bolted.

tra didn’t chase after her. Instead, he turned on me.

he’s always been clumsy, kind of immature. She didn’t trash your stuff on purpose.”

1 you want her gone, just say so. I’ll get her a hotel. No need to humiliate her.”

dropped the smile.

This is our place. Shouldn’t you ask before moving someone in?”

lis frown deepened, like I was being totally unreasonable.

Nova’s getting bullied by her classmates. She’s really hurting. I thought you’d show some empathy, but you’re just pissed I didn’t ask permission.”

It’s only for a few days. Why would temporary arrangements need discussion?”

Like Autumn staying over. You didn’t check with me about that.”

Before, I would’ve called some guy friend to crash here that night. Just to watch Ezra lose his mind

Now I just nodded calmly.