And that’s what’s messing with me.
So now I’m stuck.
Because how was I supposed to read that? How was I supposed to sit here and tell myself this was just some situationship or some messy back and forth when he moved like that? When he looked at me like that sometimes? But then he turns around and reminds me that I’m not somebody he can have.
And now I don’t know what to believe.
I didn’t know if he was holding back because he didn’t feel it, or because he felt too much and didn’t trust it. I didn’t know if I was just something temporary to him, or if he’s trying real hard not to make me something more.
And that’s the part that’s got me confused. Because if this wasn’t love… then why does it feel like it’s building into something that could be?
“Do you have a name for the space yet?” one of the marketers asked, stepping closer with a pen ready, completely pulling me from my head.
Marlon didn’t hesitate.
“Aurora is the mind behind it,” he said, glancing at me. “So I’m sure she’ll come up with something great before the opening.”
All eyes shifted to me and I just smiled.
“Still in development,” I added lightly.
That seemed to satisfy them.
They moved on, the tour continued and I stayed quiet.
By the time I was done having an internal breakdown, the showcase had wrapped, people were filtering out and thanking us. I stood near the edge of the room, arms loosely crossed, watching it all like I was one of them when Marlon approached me.
“Come here,” Marlon said quietly, nodding away from the crowd. He didn’t wait to see if I followed but I did. He pulled me to the side, away from everyone else, near the back where it was quieter then he turned to me.
“You okay, Bunny?” he asked. “Still sore or something?”
I blinked. “…what?”
“You been quiet all day,” he said. “That ain’t you. So I gotta know, did I hurt you before?”
This means he cares right?
I shrugged, looking away for a second. “I’m fine.”
“Don’t give me that bullshit ass answer.”
I exhaled slowly, pressing my lips together.
“I said I’m fine, Marlon.”
“Look,” he came closer. “I don’t know what’s going on but I don’t like it. Go back to the office and get some rest. I’ll handle the rest.”
“I’m fine, I just?—”
“Wasn’t a suggestion,” he replied. “I need you to rest.”
Yeah. He cared.
I smiled faintly. “Yes, sir.”
“And I expect an actual answer later.”
The smile dropped. “Yes, sir.”
