and it was perfect

Chapter 31

The next morning, I felt awful. I checked my phone, no messages from Aiden. Of course not. I sighed, got up, and changed into my running gear. I tied my hair back in a ponytail and looked in my mirror. The swollen bags under my eyes matched my eye color. Great. I grabbed my AirPods and went downstairs. His running shoes were already gone, and so was his car. Even better. I sighed and turned up the volume. I didn't want to think.

On my way, I got a message from Gene. He didn't seem mad, and we decided to meet for breakfast at a nearby café. I purposely didn't choose my workplace, although the coffee was much better; having Sarah or my coworkers see me looking so exhausted would have been too awkward. I quickly showered and changed, then drove my car for the first time since Aiden had fixed it. I could still smell a hint of his scent in here. He was literally everywhere.

Gene was already sitting on a small table when I came in. I ran all the way over and checked the back of his head. I couldn't see or feel any wounds. "Geez, Jen. You're worse than my mum." He laughed. I gave him a hug, then I sat down in front of him. "Okay, first of all, are you ok? Did he hurt you?" He shook his head. "Relax, Jen. He only hurt my pride a little." I gave him a painful smile. "I am so, so sorry. I had no idea he'd show up that evening; he was working late. And I definitely didn't expect him to react the way he did." I apologised.

He just shrugged. "You know what? I would've been madder if he didn't push me. It means he cares." I raised a brow. "You think so?" Gene scoffed. "Let me guess, he gave you a speech about being your sex buddy and not wanting to share. That's bullshit, Jen. Do you have any idea how many guy Reed fucked while they were a thing?" My eyes widened. I cleared my throat. "Yeah, well ... I kind of thought the same ... I'd never start a fight with Reed if I saw them making out. I'd be hurt for sure, but I have no right to demand anything from him or her." Gene raised a brow as well. "Exactly." I swallowed. "So you really think ... he does care about me?" He gave me a little smile. "He lashed out in front of dozens of people. Even his best friend. I'm sorry, Jen, but you can't be that good in bed for a guy to freak out like that." The corner of my mouth twitched. "No offense taken. Oh wow... I... I don't even think he realized it. But what if he does, and pushes me away now? He clearly stated that he had zero interest in a relationship."

Gene took a sip out of his coffee. "I honestly can't tell you, Jen. Last night was the first time I've ever spoken to him. He doesn't seem to be an easy guy. You'll just have to wait and see." I sighed and leaned back in my chair. That would be torture. But he was right. When the waiter walked by, I ordered myself a coffee and a cinnamon roll, then I put my attention back on Gene.

"Alright, now let's talk about you. What on earth happened with Regina last night? When I returned to look for you, she was dryfucking you on the couch." Gene put on a smirky grin. Oh boy. "Well, it wasn't just dryfucking in the end." I gasped. "What? How??" - "After Aiden and you left, she came over, all worried he hurt me badly. I told her no, then she gave me shit for making out with you in the first place; we fought for a while, and I ended up telling her why we did it and how much I missed her. And then ... she just threw herself at me." He concluded with a self content smile.

I shook my head in disbelief. "So ... are you guys a thing again now?" Gene shrugged, a smile playing around his lips. "She told me she still loves me, so I think that's a yes. We'll meet up later today; she's currently working." Oh wow. I rubbed my forehead. That was an unexpected turn of events. "Wow, Gene. I don't know what to say. I really, really hope she means it this time and makes it up to you. But if she does-" I grabbed his hand and squeezed it. "Then I'm incredibly happy for you. You deserve to be happy again." He gave me a little but pleased smile.

"Thanks, Jenna. Seriously." We both stayed quiet for a minute, deep in our thoughts. Then I couldn't help but laugh. "I just can't believe this, my messed-up crush starts a fight with you because of me, then you end up back with your ex, and it turned out to be the best thing that could've happened to you. This is insane." He took in my words for a moment and started laughing as well. And we didn't stop until the waiter shot us an annoyed look. This was such a mess.