Nothing like him

Part 11

After Dean left I had a short amount of time to think things out. I felt bad for even thinking about breaking up with Bryan to get back with Dean almost immediately, but what other option did I have. I felt more passionate and loved with the Dean, and maybe what he said was true. Maybe Dean is different than last time. And maybe I should give him another chance.
When I got to work, Larry was in a mood as always. He sat behind the register reading they both die at the end again, he's probably read that book more than 5 times.
"Morning Larry" I said as I set my stuff in the back room.
"Your boyfriend came in today," he said without looking up from his book. My eyes widened as I shot up and looked at him.
"Why? Did he say anything?" I asked as I walked up to him.
"Yeah he might stop by later to check on you. He said you seemed off this morning and he's kinda worried.". I got the sudden feeling that he knew everything. I felt guilty and nervous. If Bryan said he was going to stop by later that meant my whole day from now until he comes, I will just be anxious about it and overthink the whole situation. Elaina said I had a big problem with over-thinking. "Stop thinking and just go through life clueless, that's what I do" she'd say.
Three hours go by and no Bryan.  I kept checking my phone for a text or call from him, but nothing. Larry kept telling me I look weird when I'm anxious, as if I didn't know. I wanted to make myself believe last night was a terrible mistake, but I don't think I regretted it. Last night I got that attention I craved. I felt like someone was actually there for me, and that someone just so happened to be Dean.
The ringing of the bell indicated someone entered the bookshop. I poked my head out from behind the shelves to see Bryan. He looked at his phone like he was finishing up a text message. I slowly made my way towards him. The choice was now. I had to choose Bryan or Dean right now. I hid my shaky hands behind my back.
"Hey Bryan" I said softly.
He looked up from his phone and smiled at me. "Hey beautiful" he put one arm around my waist and pulled me into a kiss. "How are you feeling? You seemed off this morning"
"Did I? I was probably just tired" I laughed it off.
"Late night last night?" he giggled. "I told you not to stay up writing again"
"Yeah, well the inspiration came to me"
"I feel like I haven't seen you in a while" He kissed my cheek. It was now or never.
"Bryan, I need to talk to you about something important," I said, stepping away from him. He looked into my eyes and it felt like I was drowning in them.
"What's wrong?" He looked genuinely worried.
"I just feel like..." And then I was cut off. My jaw nearly dropped when his phone rang and he put a finger up at me, basically telling me to pause while he answered his phone. This was it. This is done. I wish I could hear both ends of the call so I can know why it was so urgent for him to answer.
"Yeah, sure I can help with that....... I'll be there in a bit.... Bye" Bryan said before he hung up. "Hey sorry, we're gonna need to make this quick because I gotta go to the shop and help out with some cars, we're busy today". And thankfully it was just me, him and Larry in the store, otherwise our bookshop would be shut down because of what I did next.
"Are you fucking kidding me right now? The shop? That's what's more important right now?" My voice started to raise. "After I sit through shitty parties at a dirty car shop, come with you to car shows, listen to all your rants about motors and gas tanks and fucking gears. I really can't have five minutes of your time to talk about how I feel in this relationship?" I was yelling now. "You know what Bryan" It was time. I was going to say it. The words were at the tip of my lip and it finally felt like the right thing to do. "I'm done with this shit. I can't put up with this anymore. We're done Bryan. I'm breaking up with you" And nothing has ever felt so relieving then this moment right now.
Bryan stood in front of me and looked at me. I looked back at him and saw his eyes watering a bit. "I'm sorry I couldn't be a good boyfriend to you Mariana. I really tried to be there for you... ", I cut him off.
"No you didn't. Trying would be putting the phone down and actually being here with me, coming before 8:30 so I'm not exhausted by the time you're actually with me. You only tried when you wanted to. So I'm sorry, but you need to go" I went back to organize the bookshelves while Bryan still stood there.
"She said go dude," Larry added while still reading his book. "I think she meant it" He laughed a bit. I heard the door open and a loud slam of the door. I felt shitty, but good. I was finally free from Bryan's bullshit.

             Once I got home I dropped my bags and flopped on the couch and let out the strongest, most relieving sigh I've ever had. A second went by before my phone started to ring. I let it ring for a beat before I reached into my pocket to grab it. I half expected it to be Bryan, half expected it to be Dean. I read the name to see Elaina's profile photo followed by a bunch of texts from her. What's so urgent? I swipe the answer and hold the phone up to my ear before I hear Elaina explode with questions.
    "What happened with Bryan? He told me what happened. Are you ok? What made you say all that? How did it feel? Do you want me to come over? Mia? Mariana? Are you there? Talk to me. I know how hard this break up could be for you so I just want you to know that I'm here for you. I promise I-" She said before I finally cut her off.
    "I'm fine Elaina. You don't need to come over, the relationship just wasn't working out, thanks though" I say. She is quiet. No response. I wondered if she was mad at me for breaking up with Bryan. And then she spoke.
    "Does this have something to do with the Dean?" she said quietly, almost a disappointed voice. I didn't know what to say, how would she know about that? My mouth opened but no words came out. I couldn't say anything. I don't know if it was because of Dean or if I was just done with Bryan's shit. Maybe both.
    "Elaina it doesn't" I said.
    "Okay, now tell the truth" she sounded mad. After Dean and I broke up she was there for me. Dean's an asshole Mia, i'm sorry but you can't ever be with him, it's not good for you she'd said. I knew from that moment that she never wanted me dating her brother.
My jaw was locked and I couldn't speak, I couldn't lie to her but I also couldn't tell her the truth. Beep. Beep. Beep. indicating the end of the call. Once she hung up I threw my phone to the other end of the couch, shoved my face in one of the many throw pillows and let out a scream.  "I hate boys"