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“No, it’s not about believing, but just moving forward,” I say with conviction.
“Why are you doing this?”
Asking her out isn’t enough. I study her, trying to understand her guarded gaze.
“Because I want to go out with you,” I explain, choosing the simple answer. “I want us to be a real couple who fight about the toothpaste, the toilet lid, and who’s feeding the dog early in the morning.”
“Just like that?” She glares at me. “You want us to be a couple? Does this have anything to do with Cassie not wanting me to leave Kentbury?”
“What do you mean?” I frown confused.
“She offered me your room if I wanted to move into a new place.”
“Well, obviously we’ll have to buy a house.” I agree with Cassie’s assessment. “Your dog takes over an entire room.”
“So, let me get this straight. Cassie told you that I’m leaving. She doesn’t like it and you’re trying to fix it for her,” she says, her hands on her hips and her chin tilted. “But I bet that’s just the tip of the problem. You don’t like the idea that the help is leaving. My father must’ve told you some sob story about my place in Kentbury and how you should stop it.”
“You’re wrong,” I protest.
“So, Cassie didn’t ask you to stop me from moving to New York?”
I swallow hard and stare at her. How do I explain to her that even though Cassie doesn’t want Lee to leave, I’m here for myself?
“Did she or did she not?” She taps her shoe against the hardwood floor.
“That’s not why I’m here.”
She huffs. “You’re one of the best dads in the world. It’s cute to see you work with her in the garage, explaining to her how every wrench works. Let’s not forget how heart-melting it is to watch you guys go on Daddy-and-me dates. There’s nothing you wouldn’t do for her, including trying to stop me from leaving.”
“Can we forget about Cassie for one moment and talk about us?”
“Landon, I can’t toy with the possibility of dating you. It’ll never work. I’m just Lee, your friend.”
She fixes her scarf and leaves the building. I follow right behind.
“Damn it, Lee. You’re not only that. Can you listen to me, please?” I call a cab before she starts walking back to the hotel or leaves me behind.
During the drive, she remains silent. Once the driver stops, she flies out while I’m paying. I have to run to catch up with her. She’s trying to lose me, but I won’t let her. I have to plead my case and beg her for a chance.
“Can we please talk about our situation?” I insist.
“We don’t have a situation, Landon,” she clarifies.
“Because you’re shutting down all the possibilities,” I blame her.
“Are you going to tell me that you grew feelings for me overnight?” She rolls her eyes.
“Feelings don’t grow overnight, but I can hide them for years,” I tell her.
“Look, I’ve had my heart broken almost every day for the last eighteen years. First, it was Marcia Newton.”
“What about Marcia Newton?”
“She was your first kiss, not me.” Her low voice breaks.
“Then, it was the string of girls you dated while you were in high school,” she continues, hunching over, almost choking a sob.
My heart slows down as I witness the pain I’ve put her through. If I had known I was hurting her, I swear to God I would have stopped.
