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Something unique.
Something that’s a game changer.
Chapter Forty-One
JAXON
It’s been a week, and I find myself feeling lost. I don’t know how to navigate my way around this situation. Sure, I can write. But what about that sinking feeling in my chest? I’m not sure what to do about it.
Like a fucking paradox, where I was the one who slept around in order to avoid getting hurt again, and somehow ended up getting hurt in the end, anyway.
Since leaving the bar, I decided to just sit and work on my book whilst dealing with Melissa on the side, which took my mind off things in patches throughout the day.
Realizing my bottle is empty and my ass is now numb, I press save on the document and stand up, stretching my legs from the lengthy sitting down session.
I walk over to the kitchen and grab a bottle of water, then scan inside the fridge for something edible.
“Of course, the fridge is empty,” I mutter to myself, shutting the door.
As I go to open the drawer of take away menus, my pocket vibrates. I quickly fish out my cell and see the screen light up with a message from Abigail.
Abi: Hey, how’ve you been? I was hoping we could catch up tomorrow evening at 7.30. Could you meet me at Promontory Point? And please bring along a box of things that remind you of your past. This sounds cryptic, I know. Just go along, please.
Abi: Let me know if you can make it.
I drop my jaw, surprised at Abigail’s text message. It reminded me of her back in Australia, very driven and confronting without realizing it. Despite that, I respond.
Me: Hi, I’m alright, thanks. Sure, I’ll meet you there.
Whilst I would prefer to meet her earlier, I hold back because I decided not to get in touch after she pointed out that I wasn’t trustworthy. She needs to learn how to trust someone, and I can’t push her to want me. The mess of emotions is giving me a headache and even though I really miss good sex with her, she needs to work on her beautiful mind and heart. I’ve seen different sides of her and it’s refreshing.
I glance back at my cell, and, despite my serious thoughts, a smile appears on my face.
*
It’s late Friday afternoon, and I am feeling tetchy, wracked with nerves. The view of the lakefront is picturesque, even though the air is chilly, and people are wrapped up in warmer clothes. Unable to find parking close by, I walk a block to get to the Point, holding a small box that I put thought into. I’ve been wondering what Abigail has up her sleeve, and the anticipation runs through me, keeping me on my toes.
Suddenly, I pause as my eyes fall onto a tall woman wearing a bright pink beanie and scarf. Her eyes scan the area until she finds me and waves me over to a spot that she seems to have claimed. As Iget closer, I notice the bonfire beside her, small, nothing dramatic, but still… a bonfire?
“Wow, this is certainly a surprise,” I say as I glance down at the fire dancing on the wood, rubbing my gloved hands together, enjoying the emanating heat.
“Give it a minute and you’ll understand,” she says with a sweet smile. Her cheeks are a little flushed, and she is holding a little box tightly. Clearing her throat, she gestures me closer, and I follow directions. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what’s been said between us for the past two months. From the arguments to the fun stuff, to the wrangling of emotional baggage… it’s been a lot and I just don’t want to do it anymore.”
Now, I’ve been nervous about this whole meeting, but hearing her words… now that was disappointing. The hope I had sitting inside disintegrates.
However, I am fed up with running after her, and if this is how she feels, then that’s her prerogative, so I stay quiet and simply nod my head.
Then, she surprises me by opening the box in her hands and takes out a photo of what resembles a younger Abigail, minus the pink hair, and a guy wrapping his arms around her. Then she makes anexasperated sigh and says, “Long-term boyfriend. Made me feel worthless and the opposite of how a girl should be treated by her partner.” Then she flicks it into the fire.
She follows by reaching in and taking out some selfies of herself and two girls, holding up drinks and sticking out their tongues. “The night I broke up and was dragged out by friends to get over him by finding a rebound.” She pauses and glances up at me and chuckles as she flicks the picture into the burning haze. “That delightful night I overheard your speech.”
I am stunned by all of this and find myself speechless as I watch her throw memories into the flames.
She fishes out a small plastic bag, a few trinkets and articles that relate to her past, of things that reminded her of situations that she regrets. All into the pit of fire that’s currently eating up her ex-belongings.
When she finishes, she looks like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders. She gives me a small smile and nods towards the small box I’m holding, one that I’ve already forgotten about.
I clear my throat. “I ended up keeping three things from my time with Natasha, which would surprise anyone, considering how bad the breakupwent.” I look up at her and make a bitter laugh. I follow her lead by opening it and taking out a piece of paper. “The email I printed out, where she was corresponding with another man. What I used as proof, amongst other things.”
