I was back to the Manor on Monday, happy after spending two days with Kujo. And three days later, the two last Haunters arrived in one of their trademark rental black SUVs. It was almost dinner time, so I sent them to say hi to the Blotters while I finished cooking and set the table.
When they joined me in the kitchen, I could tell they felt awkward, there with his friend's sort of ex. Like they weren't sure what they could say or talk about.
"Hey, guys, let's clear this out of the way," I said, bringing the shepherd's pie to the table. I sat down with them and spoke while I filled their plates. "Yeah, Bran and I broke up. Yeah, I still have feelings for him. Yeah, it still hurts. But I can hear his name and even talk about him in a rather rational way without having a breakdown." I smiled, shrugging. "What can I say. Shit happens."
Ted raised his beer to me.
"Shit happens," he said.