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“No, figure this out yourself. Good night. Love you.” She ended the call before I could beg her.
It’d beentwo days since the incident with Adrian. I hadn’t seen Adrian since my outburst, and Tristan had been keeping his distance from me. I hadn’t gotten the chance to talk to him about our deal, and I was hesitating. Maybe I didn’t want my old life back. Maybe Tristan’s actions had opened my eyes to the truth about my family and Grey. Something must have happened to my brain for me to consider that.
I stayed in my room with three bags of potato chips, engrossed in research for my paper. I told Morris to only come to my room when it was time for dinner.
At 7:37 p.m., he was knocking on my door. I told him I’d be down in a minute, and he left. I cleared my bed and wore my big bunny slippers. I walked down the stairs, rubbing my eyes. I froze when I heard Adrian’s laughter, and my heart raced. Feet glued to the ground, I forgot how to move for a moment.
I stepped back slowly, trying not to make any sound.
“Did you forget something, Miss Simpson?” Morris asked the moment he saw me.
I wanted the ground to open and swallow me.
“No,” I said with a laugh but couldn’t help glaring at him for ruining my escape.
I summoned every ounce of courage I had and went to the dining room. Karen wasn’t with him. I sat next to Tristan, not uttering a word or making eye contact. I watched Morris dish out our food like it was the most interesting thing ever. I could feel someone’s eyes on me, and it wasn’t Tristan’s.
From my peripheral vision, I saw Adrian standing up. I stopped breathing as he walked over to me.
“Can I talk to you outside? It’s only going to take a few minutes.”
I nodded, not trusting myself enough to say a word.
“I will be waiting for you in the garden,” he whispered and withdrew, carrying his warmth with him.
I glanced at Tristan. He was already eating and didn’t look bothered. I stood up, leaving for the garden. I tried to calm my breath as I got closer. I saw Adrian’s broad and tall physique touching the garden gnome. I’d thought it was small compared to me, but it was an ant next to Adrian.
I walked to where he was, standing next to him. There was a long silence between us. He smiled at me like an angel, like he had done no wrong. I rubbed my left elbow, staring at the gnome too. He faced me, and I did the same. I bit my inner cheek as I waited for him to say something.
“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry if I gave you the wrong signal.”
I was disappointed and heartbroken. “It’s fine. I was drunk and said nonsense.” I laughed off the pain.
“I wouldn’t have brought her here if I had known. I can’t imagine how you felt. I’m truly sorry.” His gray eyes glimmered under the moon.
Was it possible to feel such disappointment garnished with grace?
“Adrian, I’m over it.” No, I wasn’t. I felt rejected.
Adrian was a ray of sunshine to everyone. He cared about the people around him. He spoke sweetly to everyone, he gave everyone that special smile, and he hugged them all the same. I’d misunderstood everything.
“Any guy would be the luckiest in the world to have you. I feel lucky right now. I mean, Chloe Simpson has a crush on me. I’m flattered,” he said, and we both laughed.
His words poured on my aching heart like honey on a poisonous apple. No matter how much he sugarcoated it, I was still hurt.
“Stop,” I groaned, unable to look at him.
“In my next life, I want us to meet in a different way. Things won’t be so complicated,” he said, looking up at the stars.
Be strong. Don’t get emotional.
“Forgive me for hurting you, Chloe,” he said after a long silence.
“It’s okay,” I whispered.
“Believe me, dating Karen doesn’t change anything between us. You still own a special place in my heart. You’re an amazing person—smart, funny—”
“Please stop,” I cut in with a strangled voice, holding back tears.
