The wind kissed Casey’s cheeks as she leaned over the railing on the bridge. It was cold enough that people would think the tears filling her eyes were from the wind, not from what was about to happen.

Casey wished that she had some wine to help make it easier for her, but it might make it harder for Liam. She had seen him with Michaela. Had seen them kiss out on the street. He didn’t see her though.

Footsteps sounded on the pavement as Liam approached her. “Hey baby,” He murmured as he slid his arms around her waist and leaned in to kiss her hair. She quickly shrugged him off. “Babe?”

Casey turned to face him. “I saw you.” Liam looked confused for a second and Casey continued, “With Michaela, two nights ago.”

Liam looked slightly relieved at that. “Oh! I can explain that! She wanted someone to walk her home. She asked and I said yes. You know we have been friends for years.”

Casey only smiled sadly at him. “And the kiss?” she asked.

That made Liam’s face pale. ‘I- I don’t know what happened. We were standing in the street and then she kissed me. I swear that I meant nothing from it. It was nothing!” He walked up and hugged her again. “It was nothing.”

It felt like a knife tearing through her. She didn’t know what was worse, that he was lying to her, or that he was lying to himself. Maybe that meant that he wasn’t actually lying since he didn’t believe it. He released her and smiled at her. “Casey, I love you.” Oh, how she wished those words were true.

She put her hands on his chest and stared into his eyes. “You love her.”

“What?” he started, “That’s a lie. Casey, why don't you believe me?! I. Love. You! There has only been you!” He took a step back as the tears started to fall from Casey’s eyes.

“Even the 18 years before you met me?” she inquired. She wiped the tears from her eyes and continued, “You have always loved her. You always will. Which is why I’m breaking up with you.”

Liam seemed to have lost all ability to make any sounds. He only gaped at her. “You thought I didn’t notice? Or were you just to busy denying it to admit it to yourself?”

“Have you been drinking?” He finally asked. “You must have been drinking.”

“I’m not drunk. Trust me, I wish I was.” She went silent for a second, “You belong with her.”

Liam grabbed her shoulders and made her face him. “Babe! Stop talking nonsense! What have you been drinking!”

She hit his hands off, “Nothing!” She shook her head at him. “Are you so blind that you can’t even see the person you love?”

He said nothing as she continued. “The reason I’m breaking up with you is to stop the hurt that knifes through me every time you look at her with love shining in your eyes. Because I know that love will never shine for me.” Tears started splashing down Liam’s face now, mirroring her own. “I know that every time you look at me that some small part of you wishes it was her, Michaela.”

He grabbed her hand, “I love you, Casey.”

She let go of his hand, “Not as much as you love her. Goodbye Liam.” She turned and started walking away.

Damn, that hurt. Tears were free falling from her eyes as she walked. It’s for the best, she thought, he would never be happy with me. Better to break it off now then wait and make it worse. So Casey walked off that bridge with her head held high, ready to face the future.