Gone || Ashton Irwin

Chapter 13

The cup of coffee on the table stares at me invitingly.

The steam rises from it as I reach forward. I take the warm cup in my hands and lift it to my lips, hesitating a moment before taking a sip.

I set the cup down and dab at my lips with a napkin.

“So, did you like it?” James asks, looking bored.

“It was bitter.” I reply curtly, letting my hands fall into my lap. “It tasted rancid. Did you make it yourself?”

“I think you did. Like two days ago. It’s been sitting on the counter for a while.”

“You gave me old coffee?” I ask, tilting my head to the side.

“Yeah.” He says with a shrug. “Is that like, some sort of problem?”

I shrug. “Just says a lot about the effort you’re putting into this relationship.”

He rolls his eyes. “Not again, Valerie.”

“Whatever.” I mutter under my breath, a smile creeping onto my face.

“Why are you smiling?” He asks, raising his eyebrows and giving me an inquisitive look.

“Just because.” I tell him sweetly. “You’re being so nice today.”

“Am I?” He asks, a small smile appearing on his face.

I let out a laugh before shaking my head. “No, you’re being an asshole.”

His smile falls. “Are you trying to instigate something, Valerie?”

“What if I am?” I ask, taking a step towards him. “What if I wanna fight?”

“If you’re not happy, you have no reason to stay with me.” He says blankly.

“Oh darling, I haven’t been happy in a long time.” I whisper, the corners of my mouth turning up slightly.

“Listen Valerie, you’re being really cryptic and weird. What the fuck is going on?”

“I’ve given up. That’s the only difference.” I say with a laugh. “And you can’t take a joke.”

He rolls his eyes. “Whatever, Val. I don’t even care.”

“I know.” I tell him with a sigh. “Why do you think I stay?”

“What?” He asks, turning around.

“I know you cheated on me, James.” I tell him. “With Andrea Hunt.”

His eyes widen. “Val-”

“Do you think I’m stupid, James?” I ask with a laugh as bitter as his coffee. “I’ve known the whole time. You think you’re so clever running around my back with her. After school in the locker room, in the back of your car when you pick her up from cheer practice. I know all about it.”

“Then why-” His voice cracks and he clears his throat nervously. “Why didn’t you break up with me?”

“Both of us are unhappy in this relationship and it kind of keeps me going, you know? Knowing I’m not the only miserable person on this planet. But you know what? You’re good. I’m done with you, James.”

“I’m sorry.” He spits out. “I’m sorry. I don’t love her. I love you. It’s just that you’ve been acting so weird lately and I miss how you were before, you know? Like, when Ashton was around.” I flinch, but he continues. “You were so perky and happy. Now you’re a mess. A complete mess. I don’t even know why I tried.”