Can't Text This (Texting, #3)

by Teagan Hunter

“We were doing the light and fluffy thing.” “Ah, yes. Makes sense. No strings attached—that’s your MO.” “It’s hard to attach strings when you have a kid in the mix.” She lifts her hands. “Trust me, I get it. That’s why I kept crawling back to you. It was easy, and easy is always nice.” She huffs. “Look, I’m gonna say something, and I don’t want you to get mad, okay?” My sagging shoulders lift at her tone, ready for whatever she wants to throw at me. Holly has always been a straight shooter, and it’s one of my favorite things about her. “Hit me with it.” “First, I think you’re a fucking moron for breaking up with her.” I laugh at her bluntness, because it’s so Holly. “Second, you’re running because you’re scared, because you’re used to easy. You fell into that pattern and it’s hard for you to break it. This girl, though, she challenges you. You like it, but you’re afraid to like it too much.” She gives me a sad smile. “Though based on the way you look right now, I think it’s a little too late for that. So, just give in. Fight for her.” “Fight for her?” I repeat. “Oh yeah. Women love it when men do that shit. You’ll learn eventually.”