Page 245 of Valentino

Should I wait?

Of course I have to wait for her, I have to say goodbye.

I clasp my hands in front of me and stare at the wall, my heart is in my throat.

The uncontrollable bouncing of my knee holds the dark shadows away, briefly I know…. But still better than nothing, and I just need to leave.

This feels like a fucking death.

All over again.

I shouldn’t have followed her, I knew at the time that it was a mistake.

What was I thinking?

I glance at my watch again, maybe I should go and find her?

And say what?

Maybe she’s not even coming back to the room, maybe she’s gone into town or something to avoid seeing me. Probably has if I’m being honest.

I’ll give it ten more minutes.

I wait five, ten, fifteen, twenty…and here I am, still staring at the stupid fucking wall. She’s not coming back.

Leave.

I walk into the bathroom and check it one last time, I glance around the room.

Time to go.

The key sounds in the door and Anna comes into view, her face falls when she sees the bag. “What are you doing?”

“I’m going to get going.” Unable to look her in the eye, I glance down at my bag instead. “I’m heading back to Milan.”

“Why?” She takes my bag from me and puts it onto the bed. “You can’t leave, we have until tomorrow.”

I press my lips together as I stare at her beautiful face, if only I were that strong.

“I think it’s for the best if I go now.” I force a smile.

“Oh.” She nods as she looks around the room. “Have you got everything you need?”

“Not the only thing that matters.”

Her eyes search mine. “That makes me so sad.”

“Me too.”

“Will you think about changing your mind?” she whispers up at me.

“No.”

Her nostrils flare and she nods.

“Not all love stories have happy endings.” I force a smile. “Unfortunately.”

“I always thought mine would.” Her eyes well with tears.