This is Lea's POV. I don't know much about their split, but I didn't want it to be messy, so bear with my optimism. Realistically I am aware that most break ups are not this clean and friendly.

We met at the coffee shop we spent almost every Sunday at. When did that stop, anyway? I don't know. It felt like forever.

When he walked through the door I tried to piece together my feelings. They just weren't there anymore. I looked at him, and felt fondness and familiarity, but no spark. No chemistry, no urge to throw myself into his arms and love him.

"Hi," he said, striding over to where I was already seated at our usual table. He hesitated, then hugged me. I returned the hug, but it felt alien, like a cousin or relative hugging me at a reunion.

"Hey," I said.

"Let me just get a coffee and we can talk." He gave a brief, cursory smile and waited in line.

I sat there, wondering what was about to happen. Dianna texted me: U can do this! I love you xx call me when u guys r done meeting. I didn't bother to respond; I was sure I'd go running back home the second our talk was over.

Theo returned with a slice of coffee cake and cappuccino. "So," he said. "How've you been?"

"Okay," I replied cautiously. Not really. "I mean, I'm fine, I guess. Busy with work. How about you?"

"Same here, same here. Want a bite?" He slid the coffee cake over to me. I shook my head.

"No thanks." I realized suddenly that we always shared a coffee cake when we were here. God, how long had it been?

"I'm going to be blunt and honest here," he said, carefully setting his coffee back onto the table after taking a sip. "I'm not feeling this anymore."

A rush of gratitude swept through me. "Me neither," I said.

"Really?"

"I just… I care about you, Theo. I always will. But I don't think I'm in love with you anymore."

He looked mild at this proclamation. Then he nodded. "I understand. I don't think I am with you, either. I think… we've had a good run, and it was great, but our relationship hasn't gone anywhere in a long time. Hell, we barely talk anymore."

"I know," I said ruefully, picking at the edge of my blouse. "I don't know how that happened."

"I guess… if we still loved each other like before, we'd have made an effort, even with our busy schedules. But I don't think about you all the time like I used to, and I don't think you do either."

"Yeah," I said in agreement. "So… is that it?"

"I just have one question. It's about Cory, isn't it?"

"What?" Had someone told him? Dread pooled in the pit of my stomach.

"You're in love with Cory, aren't you." It was a statement, and to his credit he didn't look angry. He's such a decent guy. I know he'll make someone very happy.

"I… I think I am," I admitted.

"It's okay," he said, looking almost amused. "Obviously I'm a little hurt that you didn't tell me sooner, but it's fine. As long as you didn't cheat on me."

"Actually…"

"What? Oh no, Lea, you didn't, did you? That's… that's not okay."

"We didn't have sex," I clarified. "We kissed. Once. That was it."

"Did you feel anything?"

I paused. How could I even describe what I felt when I was kissing Cory, a real kiss? "Yes," I said simply.

Now he looked upset. "Why did you – I knew that we were going downhill, but I thought you'd at least have the decency to wait until we were broken up! I didn't cheat on you, even though I knew you probably wouldn't care."

He was right. I wouldn't have cared. I felt like a horrible person. "I'm sorry, Theo."

"I just need time to process this." He was silent for a moment; I watched him anxiously. I'd watched him so many times, but never like this. We'd had petty little couples arguments, of course. Those were expected. He never got angry at me otherwise, though. "Okay. You know what? The past is the past. It's… okay. The principle of cheating on someone you've been engaged to for so long is what bothers me more." He paused. "I just don't want to be that passive-aggressive guy who holds a grudge and can't move on from a break up. I still think you're a beautiful, talented young woman, and I'm going to support you."

"Thanks," I said softly. I so didn't deserve him. "You too. You're incredible, Theo, and you're such a great guy. And I promise when you find the right girl, I'll come to your wedding."

He laughed quietly. "Only if you promise to bring Cory, and if you guys aren't married yet, catch the bouquet."

I leaned over and kissed him, once, on the cheek. "Thank you," I said again. We both stood up.

"Cory's a great guy, too," he said. "And I don't blame him one bit for liking you."

"Thanks." Good lord, I was being redundant.

"I'm sorry, but I have to run. I'll see you… later." He gave me one more smile and departed. I saw him walk outside and run into a woman. She was pretty, with light brown hair and sparkling hazel eyes, and as I turned away I saw him look at her the way he once looked at me. With a small, nostalgic-but-not-hurt sigh I glanced at my phone. Di had texted me again, but all of a sudden I realized she wasn't the person I needed to talk to. I'd call her later.

I grabbed my car keys and sped over to Cory's house.

There you have it. Lea and Theo's break up. Tell me what you thought. I'm thinking that the fic might end soon, with the next chapter detailing her and Cory's relationship, but if you have ideas for furthering the plotline let me know in the reviews! Thanks!