hearts have gone cold

 "There is just something so familiar about him," Holden looked over at Magz who was being very careful not to say anything. She couldn't let on how she really felt. It was just breakfast which of course, Holden made. After all, she didn't cook. Of course, she wondered if she should even be eating eggs and buttered toast, but she did because she knew he would be after her like a child if she didn't.

He bit into another crunch piece of bacon while Magz pressed her lips tight. Truly, she thought they were over. It had felt that way before Christmas. It wasn't like he owned her. She did have her own place even if her Dad was taking care of the rent. She just hadn't found anything to do yet. 

Holden had told her he didn't have time for her. Sure, he said he would support her, but then he really hadn't. It was as if he had his own life too. They might have had a fun start when they first got together, but now it was a chore.

But he'd come back with roses and perfume and even an expensive gift card from one of her favorite places to shop. She wanted to ask him what changed his mind. He said she was too immature for him. 

She sighed now, practically in a pout. Of course, he'd told her more than once he didn't think she even had a smile. Honestly, she felt as if she was spending the morning with her big brother. Yes, it was over. But no one wanted to admit it.

"How would I know," she dreaded this conversation. Maybe he knew. Maybe Holden guessed she and Tristan hit it off. Thank God, Holden hadn't just burst in. At least, there was time to act as if they were just friends.

Still, she knew it had frightened Tristan. She hadn't heard from him since. She kept checking for messages, but nothing.

"I might have gone to school with him," Holden now said, he looked up as if he was remembering. Maybe something from last year or the year before. He nodded then. "Oh, we must go way back." A smile emerged and then he chuckled.

"Oh really?" Just what she needed to hear.

His grin was open as it this was all so funny. He cleaned his plate to the very last crumb. Magz watched. The anticipation was making her frantic. Why couldn't he just see it? Why was he playing along as if they were meant to be together when he'd told her no way did he want to be with someone who couldn't get their act together.

"He was my first friend," Holden practically laughed. "How could I forget that kid. Oh, and he's got a sister too." Holden smiled more. "I actually said I was going to marry her one day. Huh? I wonder if she remembers that?"