He Used Me as His Practice Run, So I Left Him in the Dust

On the year I turned twenty-five, Austin handed me a hotel room card.

Though I felt a flush of shyness, I went to meet him with a heart full of hope. I genuinely thought he was just one of those guys who found it hard to confess his feelings.

But the next morning, I stood outside the office breakroom and heard him talking to his buddies. He wasn't even trying to hide it.

"Damn, man, you actually landed her? Clara is top-tier."

I frowned, initially wanting to just walk away and ignore them.

Then, Austin’s arrogant voice rang out, dripping with pride: