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“Do I have a choice?”
CHAPTER31
Keera
“You look like shit.”
“Gee, thanks Anjannette.” I set my bag down on the floor then flopped onto the chair. “A lady always likes to be complimented.”
She rolled the desk chair over and rested her feet on the arm of the couch.
“You’re here early.”
“I had to get out of the house. Granny Vi’s hostile stares and sarcastic comments are starting to get to me,” I said. “I wasn’t expecting you to be here.”
“I met with Clay to sign the lease paperwork. We’re officially here for another three years.”
“That’s great.”
“Yeah, you sound thrilled.”
I admit my words sounded less-than enthusiastic, but I really am happy about it.
“No, it’s great. I’m just…” I trailed off and gestured with my hand, hoping that would end the sentence for me.
“It’s been a week since you’ve seen or talked to Simon. Are you ready to call him?”
I shook my head and blinked to keep the ever-present tears at bay.
“What for? Nothing would be different.”
“I don’t know why you think something would have to be. You guys love each other and are perfect together. Why are you complicating it?”
“Seriously Anjannette? You of all people are asking me why I’m complicating my relationship?”
Her eyes rounded and she dramatically pressed her hand against her chest.
“What did I do?”
“Is your memory that short? Or do you really not remember breaking up with Leo over an issue very similar to mine.”
“That’s all the more reason for you to listen to me. I almost lost Leo because I was being ridiculous. You should take heed and learn from my mistakes.”
“Take heed?”
I laughed for the first time in over a week over her choice of words.
“I thought it added a nice touch.” She shrugged. “Plus it’s something you should definitely do.”
“Andyoushould understand my feelings more than anyone.” I took in a shuddering breath. “I don’t want to feel this way and I don’t want to hurt Simon.”
Anjannette dropped her feet to the floor, rested her elbows against her knees, and leaned closer to me.
“Keera, the reason I broke up with Leo is because I was afraid of losing myself again, like I did with every other guy in my past. But he didn’t want that any more than I did. You know why?” I shook my head. “Because he’s a decent, sweet, amazing man who wants a real partner, not someone who’s going to morph themselves into a reflection of him. He’s secure enough inhimselfto let me be myself, which is what was missing in all the other guys I dated.”
I shifted my gaze away from her and focused on the wall at the far end of the room. What she’s saying makes sense, but no amount of logic is going to change how I feel.
“You know that I get caught up in my head sometimes. And trust me when I tell you that sitting in the stands watching groupies offer themselves to my boyfriend triggered each and every one of my insecurities. But instead of letting those negative thoughts and feelings take hold, Leo and I talked about them and moved forward.” She reached out and squeezed my knee. “Simon is a great guy and I have no doubt that together, you can work through anything. You just need to give him the chance.”
