you hadnt seen renee in two months. not since the fight and the night the words 'then go' had left your lips even though your hands had been reaching out at the same time but here she was in the same dive bar you swore youd never come back to, standing just far enough away to pretend not to see you but close enough to make sure you saw her and the girl she was with

you laughed too loudly, smiled too wide, clinked glasses with someone you barely knew just so she might hear the sound. your ego had taken the wheel the second she walked in the door and your heart had been thrown in the trunk without air

she looked good. too good. like heartbreak never even visited her and that she wasnt still in your dreams every night with her skin warm, breath soft, and whispering 'i love you' with a voice only your subconscious still believed

you sipped your drink which was too bitter and too strong "shes just a rebound" you said to your friend a little too casually “seat filler. temporary.”

your friend didnt respond. maybe they didnt believe you and maybe you didnt either because the truth was that you hoped her lips didnt taste like yours, that your name still caught in her throat like glass, and that she laid awake some nights, remembering how you peeled your shirt off for her and nothing ever looked the same again but you just smirked, tilted your head, and whispered under your breath 'its fine. im over it. let her go'