Miami FL. December 31st. 2017.
A few days after the breakup, Roman had finally gotten all of his things from Riley's place in Chapel Hill, NC and was finally back in Florida. He looked around what used to be their room and noticed all the extra space he had. More than his walk in closet, Riley had taken a big piece of his heart, and he wasn't sure how he was supposed to function without her. He was lucky to have a few days off, only being distracted by Dean, Seth, and Renee, who had all made the trip to cheer him up.
"Thanks for this" he said, the night they all left. "I'll be okay."
And he was. Roman had gotten along just fine for a few weeks, just as long as he didn't check any blogs. After the first report of Riley making out with some European heir in Milan, he didn't think he'd be able to take anymore. And who was he to say anything?
He was the one who ended it.
One night changed everything.
Phoenix, AZ. February 19th. 2018.
"Mmmyeloo?" Roman greeted groggily. His phone had been ringing non-stop the past few minutes and he figured it wouldn't stop until he answered.
"J..Joe" the voice was hushed but made every nerve in his body twitch.
"Riley…? Baby is that you?" He asked desperately. He promised to stay away and let her take her time. She called him.
"Like you care…" He could hear the Jameson in her voice. It wasn't long ago that they'd party together and he knew Riley was a lightweight. It sounded like she was on one.
"Ry…" he began softly.
"Don't... okay? You… You broke my heart..." she mumbled softly as the tears began to flow. He sat up in bed and in the darkness, listened to her cries, knowing it was his fault.
"I hate you." The icy words slipped from her sweet lips and all Roman could do was pull the phone away and groan in agony.
This was the one thing he didn't want.
His hopes were lifted when he heard her giggle. "But you know I'm always gonna love you."