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I sat on the couch, savoring the warmth of the sun as it seeped through the curtains. The house was filled with the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee. I picked up my phone, the brightness of the screen momentarily blinding me as I unlocked it with my thumbprint.
A message notification popped up, and my curiosity was piqued as I read the preview.
C: I am sorry, Anthony. Can we meet?
My heart sank as I realized who it was from. It couldn't be her, not again. And how in the hell did she get my number? My stomach churned with a mixture of anger and anxiety as I debated whether to open the rest of the message or ignore it altogether.
I took a deep breath and clicked on the message. Sure enough, it was from Christine, my ex. Memories of our tumultuous relationship came flooding back, and I a sense of dread permeated my being to the core. I knew that responding to her would only open up old wounds, and I was determined to move on with my life.
Me: We can't. I can't ever meet.
I hit send and tossed my phone aside, feeling an immediate sense of relief.
As I sat there, lost in my thoughts, I heard a rustling sound coming from the other end of the couch. I turned to see my daughter, still fast asleep, her chest rising and falling rhythmically. Her curly hair was a tangled mess, and her little fists were clenched tightly. I smiled at the sight of her, feeling grateful for the simple joys in life.
I decided to make the most of the morning and put my phone away. I got up and made my way to the kitchen to prepare something for us to eat.
As I savored my breakfast alone, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the life I had built for myself. The thought of Christine and the drama she had brought into my life when Amanda was born seemed like a distant memory now, and I vowed to never let her disrupt my peace again.
The rest of the morning passed by in a blur. My daughter woke up, and we spent some quality time together, playing with her dolls and building towers with her blocks.
As the day drew to a close, I found myself feeling content and at peace with the world. The recent encounter with Christine had been a mere blip on the radar, and I deleted her message. Life was too short to dwell on the past, and I was determined to live in the present and make the most of every moment.
As I tucked my daughter into bed that night, I felt a sense of peace and gratitude. The warmth of her little body against mine, the sound of her breathing as she drifted off to sleep—it was moments like these that made life worth living. I kissed her forehead and whispered a silent prayer, hoping that she would always be surrounded by love and happiness.
Chapter fourteen
Laura
I sat on the couch, still replaying in my mind the conversation I had had with Becca earlier in the day. One thing she had said had struck a chord with me, and I felt a slight sense of unease.
"Is he really going to keep you by his side just as friends? Is there no chance to ever take this relationship to the next level?" she had asked, and her words had left me feeling conflicted.
The human mind is a deep and mysterious place, and I wondered what was really going through his head. We had known each other for a while now, and after the business trip, we had started spending more time together—going on long walks, having deep conversations late into the night, and sharing our deepest fears and desires. It felt like we were on the brink of something more, but at the same time, I couldn't help but feel like we were stuck in limbo.
I wanted him to want me, but all he seemed to want was to be friends. At least, that was what it sounded like. I know he had said he was concerned about what James had told him, but I couldn't shake the feeling that he was holding back, that there was something he wasn't telling me. Was he scared of commitment? Was he not ready for a relationship? Was there someone else in the picture?
I picked up my phone, hoping to distract myself from my thoughts. As I scrolled through my social media feed, I noticed how everyone seemed to be in stable, happy relationships. Couples everywhere posing for selfies, going on romantic getaways, and posting sappy love quotes. It all made me cringe.
I put down my phone, feeling envious. Why was everyone else able to find love so easily while I struggled to define my own relationship? I felt like I was stuck in a never-ending loop, constantly questioning my feelings and trying to decipher his.
I decided to take a walk, hoping to clear my mind and get some fresh air. The sun was beginning to set, rays of amber light penetrating the tree branches, and I felt a sense of calm. As I walked, I noticed how beautiful everything looked at this time of day. The sky was painted with hues of orange and pink, and everything below was bathed in a soft, golden tone.
Just then, my phone rang, and I was startled out of my thoughts. It was Anthony.
"Hey! Are you not home? I'm outside your apartment.”
"I’ll be right back," I replied, eager to see him again.
"I’ve missed you," he said softly.
I stopped a taxi and climbed in, giving the driver my address. As I rode silently in the back seat, I felt a growing sense of anticipation. What would happen when I got home? Would he finally want to be intimate?
Finally, we arrived at my apartment building, and I quickly paid the driver and hurried inside. I rode up the elevator and then spotted Anthony waiting for me by my door. My heart leaped in my chest. I ran to him, embracing him tightly as he returned the gesture.
Once we broke apart, I opened the door and led him inside. The apartment was quiet, but I could hear the sound of our breathing echoing in the empty space. I could feel the electricity between us, the tension building as we looked at each other.
Without another word, I stepped forward and began kissing him. He responded eagerly, and soon we were locked in a passionate embrace. We continued to kiss feverishly, my hands sliding under his jacket and behind his back and his dropping down to grab my butt. Our bodies were pressed so close together, it was as if the rest of the world outside had ceased to exist.
