Realization dawns upon me slowly at first and then escalates in a domino-like effect when I push aside my insecurities and really think about my relationship with Mabel.
My mind conjures up little snippets of our conversations. Mabel calling me the bestest best friend. Mabel telling me she adores me. Mabel declaring me as perfect, without having once seen me.
Oh, God.
She called you perfect and you hurt her. The onlygirl in the entire world who’s shown you truehappiness and you actually fucking hurt her.
This whole time, I think I’m the only one dealing with a bad case of unrequited love. Now I’m riddled with the possibility that Mabel may have felt something for me beyond the boundaries of a platonic friendship.
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Has Mabel been trying to tell me in her own ways what she feels and I’ve been too daft to hear it because of my own negativity? Goddammit, did I sabotage my own chances with her because I took too long to pull my head out of my ass?
Even worse…Have I ruined us forever?
No, no, no.Please, no. Anything except for that.
“Based on the face you’re making, I gathered Mabel likes you and you tookwayyytoo long to realize it?” Pia winces when I rub a hand over my face in panic. She lays a comforting hand on my shoulder and gives it a little shake. “Take my advice, Lee, and reach out to her again. If she truly cares about you, she’ll hear you out.”
I nod, running my fingers through my hair. “You’re right. I have to reach out to her.”
Pia grins, trying to set me at ease. “Don’t worry. Everything will be okay.”
I’m so very thankful Pia and I had this conversation. Everything she said resonates and now I know what I need to do.
Anything and everything in my power to make amends.
I need Mabel to give me achance.
Because God as my witness, I want to be with this girl. I want it more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life. I may not feel deserving of her, but I’ll make it my life’s mission to be everything she wants and needs.
I love Mabel Garcia.
I have for two years.
Now it’s time for me to finally show it to her.
I stand up from the stool and shrug on my flannel jacket. “Thank you, P, for everything. I needed to hear this.”
Pia reaches forward to lightly punch my shoulder, her eyes shining with pride. “You’re welcome. Now stop wasting time and go get your girl, Lee.”
My girl.
For the first time in days, I breathe better. Hope wins the war of torment raging inside of me. I actually find I have a shot at winning back Mabel.
After closing, I walk Pia to her car and then hightail it to mine, my thumb moving over my phone screen as I press the call button. It may be 2:00 a.m., but Mabel is a night owl. There’s a strong possibility she’ll answer.
It rings once.
Twice.
Thrice.
I’m nervous. I’ve never called her before. I’m equal parts excited and worried about her picking up. There’s no big speech I’ve rehearsed. Just my honest truth ready to go.
You’re it for me, Bel. My forever girl. Give me one more chance to makethis right. Please. I miss you. I love you.
On the fifth ring, it goes to voicemail.
