Almost Like Being in Love (6 page)

Then disregard rules 1–8. Carpe diem.

The only practical reason for living by the beach in Santa Monica is the view from the balcony when your heart’s been shattered. As you watch the angry surf pounding the foamy sand in the orange-and-pink glow of sunset, it’s a lot easier to think about drowning yourself.

Oh, Zack.

I suppose there were subtle hints right from the start: the engagement ring, the wedding invitation, and the thirty-eight pictures of the same woman plastered across his office. But Ryan was misleading too—and look how that turned out.

TRAVIS PUCKETT’S BOYFRIEND CHECKLIST

Name: Ryan Duration: 7 weeks

Occupation: Bartender

Where we met: West Hollywood

BEGINNER LEVEL

Can say “I love you”

Isn’t hiding another boyfriend

Thinks kissing is sexy

Has a glowy smile

Is at least marginally sensitive

Will probably remember my name the next morning

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Can say “I love you” without my saying it first

Likes me enough to tell me I’m special