Emergency Ex Read Online Free

he’d used her and taken her for granted more often than they’d shared good times. When she’d let their relationship be a one-way street.
    Lately, he’d evolved. He now did show his caring in lots of ways. Had it been mere chance that his buddy brought the Wensleydale or had Keith, in fact, remembered how much she loved the cheese and arranged for his friend to get it? That would be more Keith’s style—surprising her with something she loved and didn’t expect. Still, she longed for a bit more purposefulness in his gifts. She’d love to be able to count on him.
    Maybe he was stepping up to give her just that. Maybe he would come through with flying colors for her birthday.
    Her inner pessimist warned her to avoid disappointment by keeping her expectations low. But being with him like this, after the earth had just moved, Brenda couldn’t steel herself to let go of a big bubble of hope.

 
     
     
    Chapter Two
    May 12 th —Brenda’s thirtieth birthday minus two weeks
    After a week when they’d both been too busy to see each other much, Brenda had gone to Keith’s place with high expectations. First of all, it was their three-month anniversary of deciding to commit to each other. She’d hoped for at least a little celebration. Second, they should by now be making serious plans for her birthday. Instead— Total disappointment. Sure they’d made love—always terrific, usually earth-shaking. But they had to have a life outside of bed too. If only the rest of their relationship could be as good as the sex. Even half as good…
    Stumbling with exhaustion into her condo at five a.m., she nearly tripped over Chelsey. The dog favored her with a soulful gaze, brimming with compassion. Could a dog express compassion? Brenda’s head hurt too much for introspection. “He’s done it again,” she muttered as she leaned down to pat her pet. “After every step forward, he takes three back.”
    Chelsey whined, hitting the exact right note to punctuate Brenda’s exasperation. “He totally forgot that it was our anniversary. He just wanted a booty call.”
    Chelsey sniffed and whimpered in response. Brenda scratched the dog’s head.
    Things had been changing over the last few months. She was changing. Maybe it was the passage of time, a burst of maturity. She wasn’t laughing with him any more over the goofy stuff they used to share. Maybe she finally had to face the truth. Though he showed some readiness to commit, his progress was far from as steady as she’d like.
    After their recent growing closeness, last night had put them back almost to square one. Of all the small world impossible things to happen, he’d run into an old girlfriend at lunch. The old girlfriend he’d dumped with Brenda playing the supporting role of Emergency Ex. Brenda mentally replayed last night’s ugly conversation.
    Brenda: “What do you mean you ran into Staci Smyth? Where?”
    Keith, shrugging: “In the cafeteria across the street from my office. I eat there all the time. I couldn’t believe it when she walked in.”
    Brenda: “How did you recognize each other? It’s been years.” Hasn’t it?
    Keith: Silence and more shrugging.
    Brenda: “Who recognized who?”
    Keith: “She recognized me. She looks great. Married, one kid. Says she’s happy.”
    Brenda, slightly relieved. “You must have had a long conversation to know all that.”
    Keith: “Not long. She asked about you.”
    Brenda: “Me? How did she know about me?”
    Keith, looking uncomfortable: “She asked if I was still with the girlfriend who had the meltdown, screaming about kids and support payments.”
    Brenda, feeling sick. “She still remembered about Emergency Ex? That’s awful. What did you say?”
    Keith: “I said yes, then made an excuse to leave.”
    Brenda: “I wish that never happened.”
    Keith, shrugging: “It’s not important. I’m sorry I told you about running into Staci if it’s going to bug you.”
    Keith then kissed her, a way he had