Thursday, May 3, 2007

i kinda always knew i'd end up your ex-girlfriend

Tonight. Eight o’clock. Professional association dinner. Downtown hotel. Local big shots. And one of the hundreds of people likely to be there is Steve, who I used to love so much that it hurt, the way salt air hurts your lungs when you breathe too deeply. Steve, who broke up with me by calling to say, “You know, Niobe, I’ve been seeing your best friend.”

I’m terrified. The last time I saw him, at a similar event, I dropped my wineglass, watched it shatter on the floor, and ran out to my car, where I sat, hunched over the steering wheel, examining the tears spilling onto my fists. I guess I’m still not over him, them, it.

13 comments:

S. said...

The person you loved so much it hurt and your best friend? You know, you don't have trust issues. You have sensible precautions. You probably shouldn't tell your therapist I said that.

Phantom Scribbler said...

What S. said.

Sara said...

Well he's clearly an ass. Seems like while it's sensible to still be hurt by what he did, he doesn't deserve much regard.

I'm still furious at my longest-term ex before my husband for what he did as well - broke up with me because his father thought I was too ambitious and wouldn't do enough to further his career. But even though I'm still mad, I look back and think, "Thank G-d I didn't marry that family."

Nicole said...

May that guy never meet me in a dark alley!

Magpie said...

I've been in that place - and behaved so badly when encountering the ex in later days. Now I just google a couple of them in horrified fascination - and luckily I'll almost definitely will never run into any of them at a social or professional event.

But tonight, maybe you could neatly spill the the wineglass, of red wine, across his white shirt?

Julia said...

Oh, I love what magpie said. The least he deserves is a ruined shirt. If you can get his expensive tie, all the better.

Seriously, though, I am sorry. This is going to be a very tough evening.

S said...

well of course you're not over it. your best friend? what sh-ts, both of them.

red wine on shirt...not a bad idea!

Anonymous said...

Friday night, after a feminist book reading, my wife and I ran into her "first time" guy walking down the street.

I was either at my charming, witty best or I came across as phony as Elisabeth Hasselbeck - not sure, but I was trying to balance trying too hard with being the coolest guy on earth.

Please, please say I wasn't like Elisabeth Hasselbeck. I'd rather die.

My point is to act like nothing ever happened - it will totally piss him off.

CSO Fit N Fun said...

All I have to say is that he is the World's Biggest Asshole.

niobe said...

All I have to say is that he is the World's Biggest Asshole.

I dunno. I think that ex-Best Friend (now Mrs. Steve and mommy to adorable baby Steve-ette) gives him a run for his money.

Doughnut said...

I think all the exs belong in Texas where Bush can battle them as terrorist threats! Boy, I hope you don't live in Texas Niobe cuz if you did, I planted my foot in my mouth....

Changing Expectations said...

Argghhh, I agree, red wine on white shirt, sounds appropriate. Also, Steveette deserves the same.

Hang in there tonight. Thinking about you.

Anonymous said...

Ye, let's hope he's getting his moneys worth ;)

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