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As much as I dread it, I’m willing to do it to make Spencer happy. My poor sister has terrible luck with men, and it's time she finds someone to love.
Spencer is quick to find her groove and mingles around the room full of singles, leaving me to fend off the horny middle-aged men who seem to swarm toward me like a bee to honey.
Fifteen minutes later, a bell rings, and Claudia, the event organizer, announces that all the women are to find a seat, and the event will begin. Women will remain seated, while men will practically play musical chairs, only having five minutes with each woman.
Setting my glass of wine and notepad on an empty table, I claim it as my own. The fact it’s near an exit sign is pure coincidence.
I'll be able to bolt without being noticed.
Two minutes later, another bell rings, and the men all take their seats in front of the women, instantly jumping into a conversation.
I’m looking around the room to find Spencer, not paying attention to the chair on the other side of my table. It doesn’t matter who sits. I won’t be interested anyway. I’m not interested in dating.
Lately, I've spent the majority of my time going to therapy, taking yoga classes, and focusing on myself and my mental health. I’ve been doing good, really good.
I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time, and for the first time in nearly two years, I can think about my son without breaking down, and I can get through my days without medicating myself.
I haven’t seen Dean since that night in the bathroom at the nightclub. I know from his mother that he’s still attending therapy and is doing very well. I’m truly happy for him, though I’ve yet to see him. I know that he wants a relationship, but I’m not mentally able to have anything romantic with anyone right now. My mind is still fragile, and being with Dean was too toxic. All I can handle right now is friendship.
“Well, hello there, pretty lady,” a short bald man says, stealing my attention from the room and my thoughts. He pulls the chair out, ready to sit, when he’s stopped.
“Sorry, this seat is taken.”Hisvoice sends chills down my spine. Instantly my posture straightens, and I reach for my wine glass, my eyes fixating on the red liquid as if it’s the most exciting thing to ever exist. I refuse to look him in the eyes.
Baldie says something under his breath just as Dean sits in front of me.
“Looks like we only have four minutes left, so I’ll try and be quick.” He clears his throat. “Hi, my name is Dean Jameson, and I would like the chance to prove to you that I’m worthy of you.”
What the actual fuck? What is he doing?
I choke on my wine and set the glass down, finally letting my eyes land on him.
Finding my voice, I finally ask, “What are you doing here, Dean?” curious to know what game he’s playing.
He chuckles. “My mother forced me to come. A friend of hers is the one hosting this event, and she signed me up.” Ah, of course she did. Lydia knew I’d be here.
Feeling bratty, I sigh, taking another sip of my wine. "I was very excited to get to know the man you just ran off."
He looks around to find the short fat bald man standing on the side. "Yeah, I bet you're dying to get him home and have him sweat over you while he pumps you with his pinky dick." His lips curl in disgust.
Unable to keep up the act, I burst out laughing.
“It’s good to see you, Cam. I’ve missed you.”
“It’s good to see you too, you look very nice,” I say grinning. “Did you sit down to say hello, or did you have something to get off your chest?”
He nods. “I want you to know that I’ve changed. I’m good now, and I would like the honor of being in your life again. I still have a long way to go, but I’m confident I’m getting there.”
His words take me by surprise, but still cause my heart to skip a beat. “Let’s start with being friends. That’s all that I have to offer you right now. No dating, no sex, nothing physical whatsoever. Platonic friends, that’s it.” I love him, and I know that I always will, but I can’t allow myself to fall back into the toxic cycle we were stuck in. Dean had a lot to work on, and he needed to grow for himself, not for me.
For now, we can be friends and get to know each other again, like we should’ve in the beginning instead of jumping into an affair. If he’s truly changed as much as he claims, then we’ll see where the future will lead us.
“I accept your terms. I’m happy with being friends for now. I’ve treated you badly, and I have a lot of shit to make up for. Sorry isn’t good enough, and I’m prepared to grovel and spend every day making up for my actions and earning your trust and forgiveness.”
Nodding, I agree. I’ll give him a chance. “Okay. We’ll start over and see what happens.”
When it comes to love, you don’t always get a happy ending. Sometimes, you’re simply happy for now, and that’s okay, because I know that our story isn’t over yet. I don’t know where the future will take us, if we’ll grow together or grow apart, but I know that I’m willing to explore our options and see where we end up.
For now, I’m happy. I’m looking forward to growing a friendship with Dean. I know our story may be unconventional, but I wouldn’t change it because this is us.
This is our story.
This is our way back.
The End
