AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“And now someone else makes me feel like you do, and it’s weird. I guess I thought I’d always be yours.” I’m stunned at what she’s saying but can’t work out what she means. Again, what she’s saying is one thing, but how she’s saying it is another. “Just because we’ve known each other so long, and you’re like my safe space. I trust you with my life.”Fuck.I think I felt my heart splinter in my chest. She feels guilty for needing Ezra instead of me. She’s trying to say goodbye. It takes me a minute to formulate a reply, and she doesn’t look at me while I do.
“Angel, I’m not who you should be worrying about.” Those words taste like sawdust in my mouth, but the last thing I want is for her to not pursue happiness due to some unwavering loyalty to me.
“No?” she asks, looking up at me.
“No. Ezra is great for you. He brings out the best in you, and you’re so happy.”
“Yeah, I know, but—”
“Please, Harlow. Don’t think about it for a minute more. I’m always here for you.” The words are like a knife in my chest, but I have to say them. “Like an older brother, remember?”
Harlow’s eyes are glassy, and she looks like she’s blinking away tears. “Yeah. Yeah, of course. I appreciate it.”
“Always, Angel. I’ve got to get ready for work.” She nods, and I kiss the top of her head and turn, doing my best to not walk to my room too quickly, to not show how much saying those words hurt.
When I come back out to shower, Harlow has disappeared. I guess she’s taken the chance to get out of her session now that we’ve talked. I hope she feels better; that she understands she doesn’t owe me anything. I’ll always be here for her, and I thank my lucky stars that I kept my word so far. I already know I can’t come back here tonight and see her and Ezra all loved up on the couch. I meant what I said about Ezra being a good guy, but that doesn’t mean I can sit there and watch a good guy loving on my girl. I just can’t. Not yet.
