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he’s been avoiding me as much as I’ve been avoiding him. When I came into work on Tuesday, I found the completed benefits package file on my desk. Good to know he was paying attention to my email. I couldn’t help but to peek at his paperwork. I noted that his apartment is located right on the beach; he must have gotten a hefty salary to be able to afford a place like that. I was raised to be happy when good things happen for people but with Luca I just can’t be. If anything, the more successful he becomes the more pissed off I get and I hate that I feel that way, because this isn’t how I want to live my life. I don’t want to hold a grudge and carry all of this animosity, but I lost the thing that mattered most to me and Luca was a key player in that loss.
    I shut off my computer and tidy up my desk for the night, making sure to lock up all important documents in my desk. I grab my purse and keys and head out to the parking lot thinking of nothing but soaking in a warm bath when I get home. I approach my car and silently curse when I realize that both of my front tires are flat. My nose starts to burn and my eyes start to glass over with unshed tears. This is stupid, I will not cry, I tell myself. I look through the glove compartment for the paperwork which includes the number for roadside assistance.
    “Everly?”
    I sigh and let my head fall back on the headrest. Why? Why do I have to deal with him on top of it all?
    “Everly…”
    “What?” I snap my head in his direction. “What do you want?”
    He points to one of my flat tires. “I thought you could use some help.”
    “Well I don’t. I’m calling roadside assistance; they’ll come out and take care of it.”
    “Do you need a ride home?”
    “I’m. Calling. Roadside. Assistance.”
    “I understand that. But you need two new tires, I’m pretty sure your car only has one spare. They’re not going to be able to fix it tonight; they’re just going to tow it.”
    Fuck. My. Life.
    I get on the phone and call for assistance only to be told that the tow truck will take over two hours to get to me. This couldn’t possibly get any worse.
    “Come on Ev, let me take you home. You can leave the keys somewhere for the tow truck driver, have him take the car to a repair shop, and you can deal with it tomorrow.”
    I roll my eyes, dismissing him even though I know at this point I need his help if I want to get home tonight and not be left out here alone in the dark waiting for a tow truck. I’d call my father, but he works in the city and would likely get here after the tow truck.
    “Fine,” I say in a huff, crossing my arms across my chest and resigning myself to accept my shitty luck. Luca pries the car keys from my fisted hand and hides them inside the car, noting that I should call the tow company and tell them where to find them. He motions for me to follow him to his car and I do so, all the while huffing and stomping my feet. He opens the passenger door for me and I slide into the seat, rolling my eyes as I go. The thought of him pretending to act like a gentleman is actually comical. He situates himself in the driver’s seat and maneuvers us out of the parking lot.
    The silence is heavy between us, making the drive uncomfortable, almost unbearable. I stare out the window careful not to make any eye contact with him. I don’t want to engage him or show him my discomfort. Every second I spend in his presence feels like being thrust in the middle of a war zone waiting for someone to strike first.
    “We don’t have to be enemies you know?” This is Luca’s attempt at an icebreaker.
    “You can’t be enemies with someone who doesn’t exist, and in my world you do not exist.”
    “He would have wanted me to look out for you. Does it really make you feel any better to act like this?”
    “Like what?”
    “Like a bitch.”
    “Excuse me?” I gasp, whipping my head around to give him a dirty look. “Who the hell do you think you are calling