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Maya’s face fell, and I could see the hurt in her eyes. But I couldn’t let her in. She didn't need to know anyway; it was nobody’s business.
“We’re done here, Maya.”
Maya looked up at me, surprised.
“What? Jack, we still have a few more questions.”
“I said we’re done. Feel free to stay to get any work done for your story, but please, leave me alone.”
All of my muscles were vibrating with anger. How could she bring that up? For a fucking magazine story? Just because we knew each other before didn't give her a carte blanche to ask whatever she wanted.
I stormed out of the room and locked myself in my office. I tried to distract myself with work, but my mind was racing a million miles an hour.
The interview with Maya left me feeling raw and exposed. I couldn't shake off the memory of her touch on my hand, her eyes softening with concern, but I couldn’t believe she really cared. It made me angry to admit it to myself, but Maya was probably just like every other reporter and was looking for a story to sell.
I knew I had to focus on work, but every time I tried to read through my emails, my mind wandered back to Maya. I tried to push her out of my thoughts, but the more I tried, the more persistent my memory became.
I heard the sound of a car starting from the other side of the cabin, and I hoped she was finally leaving, but I soon realized that it was only one car that left. The other was still there. Which meant Maya was still here.
With a sigh, I dropped my head to the desk in defeat. I couldn’t deal with any of this. I came here to avoid it and now, suddenly, it was just pushed in my face.
But I also couldn’t help my curiosity. Why was she still here? Why hadn’t she left? Was she waiting for me to come out?
I took a deep breath and walked out of the room. As I made my way toward the living room, I could hear Maya's voice. She was on the phone, her voice hushed and urgent.
I paused for a moment, unsure of what to do. Should I confront her? My mind was racing with possibilities, but before I could decide, Maya hung up the phone and turned toward me.
"Jack," she said, her voice low and hesitant. "I didn't expect to see you so soon."
I forced a smile.
"Yeah, well, I didn't expect to see you were still here either, but here we are."
Maya looked uncomfortable, her eyes darting around the room.
"I know and I'm sorry, but I needed to talk to you."
I felt a surge of anger bubble up in me.
"Talk to me about what, Maya?"
Maya's face fell, and I could see the guilt in her eyes. Part of me felt like an asshole for making her feel that way, but part of me was still so furious about the interview. How dare she ask me those questions? In front of complete strangers?
But, still…watching her standing in my living room, twisting the silver ring on one of her fingers and chewing on her bottom lip made her look so vulnerable.
I let out a deep sigh, scrubbing my hand across my face and turning toward the window. It had started snowing, a little harder than they had forecasted, but that certainly wasn’t unusual for November around here.
Wordlessly, I walked over to the fireplace to put on another log. I felt Maya watching me and I stared at the wall, collecting myself for five full seconds before turning back to her. Those golden eyes, filled with some unnamed emotion, were staring back at me.
It was like a spell was rooting Maya to that one spot on the carpet. Forcing her against her will to stay here. A full minute passed and suddenly, everything snapped and Maya was moving toward the small dining room and getting her ancient-looking tote bag from the rough-hewn table.
“Maya,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. She didn’t acknowledge me, she didn’t look at me, she just kept moving toward the door.
Away from me.
And suddenly, my solitude in the mountains just felt like loneliness.
Chapter 4
