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You’re married.
Right. Damn.
“You still love me?” I take a sip of my orange juice. Fold my hands together. Spear him with a sharp look that makes him wince. “You broke up with me via text Thad.”
“A severe miscalculation on my part.” He squirms.
I laugh bitterly. “You know what kills me. You knew I was going to the bridal boutique. I told you about that from the night before. And when I got your text, all I could imagine was you, sitting in your mama’s house, thinking about me trying on dresses, thinking of me wearing that dress when I walked down the aisle to you. And…” Emotions scratch against my throat. “And that vision of me committing my life to you disgusted you so much that you—” I hang my head and stare at the fancy china plate on the table.
“Asia, no. That’s not it at all…”
I hear a chair scrape against tiles.
Hansley charges to his feet, his jaw clenching.
His eyes blaze into me. Beam with worry and concern.
I subtly shake my head in his direction.
He takes a step anyway.
I jut my chin left and right no.
Anger sizzles from his expression. I can tell he wants to grab Thad by the neck, wrench him out of his chair and toss him off the balcony.
His chest heaves beneath the T-shirt.
Dark eyes narrow in agitation wrap it up.
I draw my chin in a straight line sit down.
He does. Unwillingly.
His long, pale fingers wrap around the head of the chair and hold on tight as if he’s bracing himself, waiting for one sign from me. As if he’s ready to pop out and sweep me away from Thad at a moment’s notice.
I jerk my attention away from Hansley and focus on my ex. As broken as I feel, it’s not because I was crazy about Thad.
I’m reeling from shame. Embarrassment. Time wasted.
Thad’s rejection hurt my ego. Having to tell my friends and family the truth will bruise my pride. But the aftermath of living without him is something I will get over.
I’m not a fragile princess who needs rescue. I can handle this myself.
“Thad, do you remember what I said to you on our first date?”
He rubs his chin, pursing his lips in thought. “You said you wanted someone you could count on.” His grey eyes barely meet mine. “You said that being consistent and reliable meant more to you than anything else.”
“That's still true.”
“But Asia, I’m still me. I’m still the guy you can rely on.”
“No, you’re not Thad.” I stare at him. “You’re an incredibly intelligent man and before you do anything, you consider the process and consequences deeply. I know that because I’m just like you.” My laugh is soft, a little resentful. “The method, the words you used—I can forgive everything, but it won’t change the fact that you showed me I can’t depend on you. When things get tough or you get nervous, you’re going to make a run for it. You’re going to leave me alone to pick up the pieces by myself.”
“I’m here, aren’t I?” He hisses. “I flew all this way to make things right. This is my grand gesture.”
“It’s too late.” I turn away. “Now that I’ve heard you out, I’d like you to leave.
Hansley stands, a silent threat in the background.
