Ever since, New York [h.s] AU

33 || COFFEE TALKS

"Have you ever broken up with someone you've been together with for years, but somehow you're not heartbroken about it?" I ask Ben as I take a sip of my warm coffee.

It was Monday and I was on break and I figured since Ben was free, he could visit me at work so I'd have someone to talk to. Someone who's not interested in speaking about Harry Styles or any other teenager crap like Alice is.

Don't get me wrong, I love her dearly but I want to talk about other things than boys and what color of highlighter suits her best.

Ben sits back and hums. "I don't think so. I guess maybe because usually I'm very invested into my relationships that when it's over, it just hurts. But I mean it's fine if you don't feel that way. Ethan sounded like a pretty shitty boyfriend, cheating on you and then doing it again a couple of weeks before you guys got married."

"You're probably right."

"Probably? I know I am." Ben jokes making me chuckle in return. "That's tough though, you just lost your best friend and now your fiancé. How are you holding up?"

I shrug. "It's been a nightmare. My anxiety is coming back, life's just full of shitty surprises for me." As I say this, the door to the coffee shop dings making me turn my attention to it to see Ethan. "Fucking great." I mutter making Ben look towards Ethan who walked to our table. "What are you doing here?"

"Katherine, I don't know if this is some kind of sick game that you're playing but it isn't funny." Ethan says with a scowl only confusing me.

"What are you talking about?" I raise my brow.

"I'm saying why the fuck did you change the locks at the apartment?"

"Um, easy because you don't live there anymore." I state matter of factly.

"I understood why you thought that last night -"

"Last night? I still pretty much think that way."

"You threw my shit out the window out of anger -"

"No, I threw your shit out the window because I broke up with you. I think me throwing you the ring was enough hints. No wait, you cheating on me was the big break up."

Ethan holds the bridge of his nose, clearly frustrated. "You can't just kick me out of my apartment."

"It isn't your apartment though, most of what I put down was half of the money from my fathers will, therefore making it mine. All you did was pay the light bill." I say earning a muffled chuckle from Ben making Ethan turn to him.

"And who the hell are you?" He spits.

"Ben Reynolds." Ben grins at him, holding out his hand only angering Ethan more.

"Well, Ben. Do you think it's acceptable to be having coffee with an engaged woman? My woman?" I scoff at this.

"Well, by what I've been told and so far heard - she broke up with you. Regardless if she was engaged or not, she is a free woman who can do whatever she wants because she makes her own choices, you don't own her. And last, dude - she's not some property, you're being pathetic."

"Do you have a problem with me?" Ethan remarks making Ben scoff.

"No, you have one with me apparently. I would rather not be banned from this country."

"Okay that's enough, Ethan leave." I say, standing up along with Ben.

"Katherine you need to take me back."

"I have once already and sadly that was a mistake I am not making again. I suggest you leave now before I call the police, this is harassment."

"You're going to regret this." Ethan grits before he leaves, shoving the door open harshly. I sigh out while running a hand through my hair.

"I'm so sorry you had to witness that." I say, embarrassed.

"Are you kidding? Last night I was in my hotel room trying to watch something interesting, I ended up watching Love Island since that was the first thing that came on and I didn't understand the channels on the manual. This was worth watching. Thank you."

I laugh at this, pushing at his arm lightly making him chuckle. "My shift will be starting in a couple of minutes, if you want to I can see you later?" I suggest.

Ben nods, sitting back down on his chair. "Then I'll wait here until you close. I'll just need the WiFi password." I smile while rolling my eyes as I walk away.