“Has he continued texting?”
“Every day.” My chest twists at the painful reminder. “I’m so conflicted, Ken.”
My best friend’s face softens. “Mabel…”
“One part of me is mad at him, and the other part of me just wants to forgive and move on. I haven’t ever gone this long without talking to Liam and I miss him so much.”
“I know, but maybe you just need to give him the chance to speak to you once more and explain things—and not through texts. Some conversations need to be had in person.”
Everything Kennedy is saying makes sense.
I’ll be the first one to admit I can be a little bit stubborn. It’s probably why I haven’t replied to Liam yet.
“You should answer him. Put yourselves out of your misery,” Kennedy says. “The truth is you both don’t want to be without each other, so you need to work this out. And even though you’ll deny it, I know exactly how you feel about him.”
My lips pinch together and I swallow with difficulty.
Kennedy gives me a pointed look.
The four-letter word.
I do feel it for Liam.
I have for a long time, if I’m being transparent.
How could I not have fallen for my shy, sweet, kind best friend who tends to all my needs, acts like my protector, and cherishes me wholly?
“I think he’s it for me, Ken.” I exhale slowly. “I want to…be with him.”
Admitting it out loud is the best feeling I’ve had all week.
“Then be with him, May. He’s given you an olive branch. It’s time for you to reach out and grab it.”
Kennedy is right. Liam knows he’s made a mistake and he’s been wanting to fix it.
It’s time I heard him out.
After days of being stuck in limbo, my heart weighs lighter.
I thank Kennedy for being an amazing friend slash therapist slash personal hype-woman and we hang up.
Pulling up Liam’s conversation, my thumb hovers over the screen as I read the last few text messages.
I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry, babe. —Liam
I know I’ve hurt you. It’s the worst thing I’ve ever done in my life. —Liam
I messed up and I don’t know how to make this right. Will you ever forgive me? —Liam
I can’t stand this rift between us. I miss you so much, Bel. Miss your texts. Miss our banter. Miss it all. —Liam
Please, sunshine. Tell me how I can make things right again. —Liam
Bel, I’m begging you. Please don’t think badly of me. I can stand it from others, but not from you. —Liam
I can’t stop thinking about you. Day and night. You live in my mind. You have, since the first letter. —Liam
God, the way you looked that night, Bel... Didn’t know a woman could be so perfect. —Liam
