I love him. That’s never been the question, and that love isn’t going away. There’s been a lot of hurt, though. He’s made some changes, but I honestly believe he’s got so much more to do before I can even think of forgiving him, let alone us taking another shot at a relationship I’ve considered doomed.
But for him to prove I’m the one he’s always wanted, I’d have to let him close enough to try making it right.
The walls around my heart soften, and before I know it, my phone is in my hand and his number is unblocked.
I bite the inside of my cheek, finger hovering over the message icon beneath his name.
Before I can second-guess myself, I type a quick message and hit send.
ME
Thank you for the flowers. They’re lovely.
As soon as it says sent, panic flares and I scramble to block him again, but his reply lands before I can.
A tiny squeak slips out and I fling my phone onto the counter.
“Stop being ridiculous,” I mutter. “It’s just a message, for crying out loud.”
I freeze, hand hovering over my phone, then grumble and snatch it up, opening our messages.
Alek
Shit, baby girl. It’s good to see your name pop
How are you feeling?
Really am fucking proud of you. Always have been,and I’m sorry I never told you that enough.
“Great way to show it,” I mutter, backing out of the thread without replying.
As much as I want to run to Everleigh, I can’t pile more on her with everything she’s dealing with and Grimm. Her brother will give it to me straight, just like she would, and maybe a guy’s perspective is what I need.
“Everything good, Vin?” Titan answers.
“Alek sent me flowers. His card congratulated me on the awards. I was dumb and unblocked him to say thanks, but before I could block him again, he messaged. Now I’m all mixed up,” I blurt.
Titan exhales slowly. “Wow. That’s a lot to unpack in a few seconds.”
I wince, suddenly worried I’m dumping on the wrong person. “Crap. Sorry, Tan. I’d usually go to Ever, but she’s got enough on her plate.”
“No,” Titan chuckles. “It’s okay. It’s just weird because I thought I’d feel…jealous or some shit, but surprisingly, I don’t feel anything like that. Just concern for you.”
“We were just kids, Tan. We’ve grown up and changed. We loved each other back then, but not anymore. Not like that. And that’s okay.”
“Yeah. Good to know I can finally put you in the past in that aspect and leave you there.”
“Ohhh. Fancy someone, do you?” I tease.
“We’re not talking about me,” he says, making me laugh at his dodge. “How did his card make you feel?”
I put my phone on speaker and lift one foot to unbuckle the heel, then move to the other. Then, I toss them carelessly in the corner of the kitchen as I think over his question.
“I’m mostly confused, but also angry. He’s always known about my career. He sent flowers every time I won, got nominated, or finished a song. I never noticed until now. Why pretend not to care if he did? He says he’s proud, but how true is that if he never showed it?”
“I don’t know, Vinnie, but maybe it’s time to talk because you’re starting to question things you thought you knew. Things he intentionally let you believe. Alek is the only one who’s ever going to be able to give you the answers you’re seeking. So, I’m going to ask you. What do you want, Hayvin? He’s already made his move at the restaurant. Now, it’s up to you.”
“What if his answers cause more pain?”
