JAKE
I put the last of my clothes in my suitcase then let out a long, defeated sigh.
I couldn’t believe that in just half an hour, I’d be leaving this villa and Halle.
Forever.
Last night was off the charts.
Even when Sammie had messaged whilst I was at Santa Monica filming, to say that Halle had agreed to come on the date, I still couldn’t believe it.
My heart was in my throat for the rest of the day because I was worrying whether she really would turn up and, if she did, whether she’d forgive me.
When Halle told me she loved my songs and accepted my apology, I was so happy I was convinced that if I took my feet off the ground, I’d float away.I was on cloud nine.
The evening couldn’t have gone better.The conversation, the food, the sex…
Except this time, when I was inside her, it was more than that.
I felt the connection in my soul.It was like I’d come home.That being with Halle was where I belonged.
After we’d finished making love, we’d watchedPretty Womanagain (we didn’t get to watch it properly last time), then headed back to the villa where we fell asleep as soon as our heads hit our pillows.
We ordered in breakfast, then once she’d packed, Halle said she had to see Sammie about something.Now I was here, waiting for her to come back, so I could kiss her properly.For the last time.
A sharp pain shot through my chest.
I already knew that this was gonna be one of the most painful experiences of my life.I didn’t want to say goodbye, but I had no choice.
‘Hi!’ Halle called out as I heard the door slam behind her.‘I’m back!Can you come out here, please?’
‘Sure,’ I shouted back, before wheeling my suitcase out, my heart feeling heavier than a bag of stones.‘Hey, beautiful.’ I kissed her on the lips, wondering how I was gonna survive without being able to do that every day like I’d gotten so used to doing.
Getting over her was gonna feel impossible, but somehow, I’d have to find a way to do it.I had no other choice.
‘Hey, you!’ she replied, her hands behind her back.She sounded surprisingly upbeat considering we only had minutes left together.
‘What you hiding there?’ I asked.
‘Gifts.For you.’
She thrust her hands in front of me.Halle was holding a small red rectangular box.
‘You got me jewellery?’ I frowned.
‘Hmmm, no.Open it.’
I took the box from her and when I popped the lid, I saw that it was a key.
‘So, I was thinking…’ She looked at me, a mixture of nerves and excitement in her eyes.‘You said last night that you’re not ready to say goodbye to me, right?’
‘Right,’ I said quickly.
‘So, let’s not.This doesn’t have to be the end!Come to New York and move in with me!’ she blurted out and my eyes popped.‘That’s the key to my apartment.Sammie arranged for it to be cut this morning.I know it’s fast, but when you know, you know, right?I remember reading something that said, “When a guy likes you, you’ll know and when he doesn’t, you’ll be confused.” And Iknowthat you like me.I can feel it.Here.’ She touched her heart and I blinked rapidly, still trying to take in the magnitude of what she was asking.
‘I…’ I stuttered, trying to think of what to say.
‘And I believe in you!’ she continued.‘Those new songs you wrote are incredible.I’m certain that you’ll get your career back on track.You’re gonna thrive.The world’s about to become your oyster.And I want to be right beside you, cheering you on, every step of the way.So live with me and get back on your feet.My place isn’t fancy, but you’ll have a roof to sleep under and a slightly lumpy, but semi-comfortable bed to sleep in!I know it’s early and it’s a risk, but if it doesn’t work, we’ll find out pretty quickly, but something tells me that it will.’
