Max shakes his head as if he’s disappointed in me. “If that’s what you want to believe, fine. But you’re never going to be happy until you figure out why you were chasing partnership like life depended on it. News flash: It doesn’t.”

“This is all I know, okay? My career has always been solid. It gives me clothes. Food. A roof over my head. A fucking purpose.”

“Dean, a job is not a personality. It’s not a life either. Somehow you need to figure out how to make a life for yourself that includes your work but also gives you space for the people and things that make you happy.”

That all sounds great on paper, but the reality isn’t as easy or rosy. “So what are you suggesting? That I chase after someone who won’t stay put? Someone who doesn’t know what she’ll want next week, let alone next year? If I let myself love her and Solange wakes up one day and decides I was just a phase in her life, I’d only have myself to blame. Knowing what I know about her, it doesn’t make sense to put myself out there like that. No, Solange was a detour, and honestly, I think she prefers it that way.”

“Here’s the thing about detours, though: Sometimes they become the destination.”

My head snaps up, and I look at him askance. “What the fuck does that mean, Yoda?”

Max puts his hands together and bows. “When you figure it out, you will have achieved your true purpose.”

“Get the hell out of here with that shit.” I throw a pillow at him for good measure. “I need to start calling in favors with law school classmates.” Damn, I also need to pick up my personal belongings at the firm—with a security guard watching over me, I’m sure.

“The big picture is that you can’t change what’s happened. You can only move forward. It’s time to get your shit together and figure out your next steps.” He scans my face and outfit. “You need to shower and shave. Put a comb and some fucking gel in your hair, because I’ve never seen it look like that and I’m worried whatever’s happening on the top of your head is permanent.” He gestures at the TV screen. “And stop watching all of these damned movies. They’re only going to depress you in your current state. Although I’ll admit Always Be My Maybe was hilarious.”

“You’re right,” I say, sitting up and rolling my shoulders. “I’ll do all that . . . tomorrow. But for now, I’m going to watch clueless people fall in love.”

Max drops his head and sighs. Yeah, I’m a disappointment. Fuck if I care.