"Hailey, I came all this way to pick you up. Where are you going?"

I replied calmly.

"I've got some stuff to take care of. My colleague is going my way, so I'm not heading home yet."

Then I rolled up the window, shutting him out.

While I was having chili con carne with my colleagues, Peter called me a bunch of times. Swear, he was getting annoying!

I put my phone on silent, flipped it over, and kept chatting with my colleagues.

After the meal, my colleague's husband came to pick her up.

"Hey, want my husband to give you a ride home?"

I shook my head and smiled. "Oh, no, thanks. You guys go ahead."

I stayed at the resto, enjoying my meal when Peter walked in, soaked.

This time, no clingy childhood friend was trailing behind him. He looked both lonely and disheveled.

As soon as he stepped in, his eyes went straight to t

In the car, the air was heavy. He seemed mad, and I didn't even feel like appeasing him.

I just put on my Bluetooth headphones and continued listening to my podcast.

I don't know how long it went on, but then Peter suddenly spoke up.

"Hey, I've been kind of ignoring you lately because Josie is pregnant, and her husband is overseas, leaving her all alone."

We grew up together, and I care about her more than most; she's like a sister to me, you know, so I can't help but check in on her."

As he spoke, his fingers tightened on the steering wheel. I could tell he was a little nervous, especially when he mentioned Josie.

I remember two months ago, Peter's rarely used notes app was filled with pregnancy planning lists.

There were two columns: one for the mom and one for the baby.

I still remember how annoyed he got when we talked about our future, our marriage, and the idea of having kids.

"I don't have time for kids. No plans for that for the next five years!"

But when it comes to Josie, all his boundaries seem to shift.

The podcast switched to the next episode, and I casually changed it, nodding along.

"Yeah, since you two grew up together, it makes sense to care a little more."

The dumbass stared at me, dumbfounded.

"You… you really don't mind?"

Normally, whenever his childhood friend came up, we'd argue like crazy, and it would end in a fight.

But now, I was chill, and Peter was thrown off.

I couldn't help but laugh. "What's there to mind?"

After all, I'd already quit my job, and tomorrow, I'd sell my small apartment. Then, I'd leave this city for good.