I Said Yes, He Texted Her 'I Still Love You' - Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Josh leaned back in his chair, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. "You know, I wrote my number on the front cover of your biology textbook." He paused, eyes twinkling with amusement. "Don't tell me you never even opened it again."
My face flushed. I had forgotten—completely. After finals, I'd been so eager to ditch school that I'd sold all my textbooks the second I got home.
"I, uh… sold them right after graduation," I admitted sheepishly. "Sorry. It totally slipped my mind."
Josh chuckled, stirring his coffee. "So what's your excuse now? I've been waiting years for you to add me." His tone was light, teasing.
I squirmed.
"Tell you what," he said, his voice playful. "Add me now, and I won't have to wait anymore." He winked.
Flustered, I fumbled for my phone and sent him a friend request.
Over coffee, we caught up. Josh had gone to vet school abroad and specialized in wildlife medicine. He'd only recently returned to the States—family stuff—and opened this clinic with a friend. That's why I hadn't seen him around.
I filled him in on my life—my job, Matt, everything. Stirring my coffee, I asked, "Why veterinary medicine? You never seemed into that in high school."
He took a sip, casual. "Someone told me it was cool, so I figured I'd try it."
My heart stuttered.
I was the one who'd said that. Years ago. And he'd actually listened. The irony? I'd ended up in a totally different field, reality crushing my own dreams.
I smiled wryly.
Across the café, a small crowd had gathered. Couples were playing some promotional game—passing a piece of paper between their noses or lips to win free strawberry pudding. A cheer erupted.
Nina was there, grinning, holding a plate of pudding. Matt stood beside her, smiling—until he spotted me.
His expression darkened.
He strode over, Nina trailing behind, confused.
Buddy, who'd been wagging at Matt, suddenly whined and ducked behind me.
"So this is what you do?" Matt hissed, voice tight. "Sneak off on dates behind my back?"
People turned to stare.
I kept my face blank. "Let go of my arm, Matt. We're broken up."
He barked a laugh. "Broken up? Since when did I agree to that? You dump me, then go on a date—how's that not cheating?" He shot Josh a glare.
Nina flinched.
"And what about you and Nina?" I shot back, sarcasm dripping.
Matt stiffened. "It's not what it looks like."
"Oh, really?" Josh cut in, amused. "Mr. Good Guy swapping spit with another girl is 'not what it looks like'? You lose it seeing your ex have coffee, but you get to make out in public?" He shook his head. "Dude, get a grip."
Matt's face turned purple.
We didn't stick around for the rest. Josh paid, and we left—Buddy safely tucked in my arms.