I’d managedto hold out hope over the weekend, but it was now Tuesday, and still no Gabe. There was no clearerI’m not into yousign. So message received.
Even though Jonathan had stopped by yesterday while I’d hidden out and worked at home and told me not to give up on Gabe, I wasn’t stupid. I could read between the lines. And no matter what his family said, Gabe himself was communicating loud and clear, and I wasn’t planning on waiting to get the boot from him.
He probably wouldn’t fire me, but things would slowly get awkward, and then Rhys and the rest of the family would take sides, and it wouldn’t be mine. That was for damn sure.
I folded the clothes on my bed from the dresser and got the rest out of the closet. Crap, I needed to get my luggage. I sighed and left the room to go down to the garage where we’d put my suitcases when I’d moved in. I looked at the spot on the shelf where they’d been, but all my luggage was gone.
“Rhys,” I sighed. I guessed he knew me very well.
I went back upstairs, and I pressed my hand to my belly as my stomach rolled again when it hit me that I was actually leaving. Truth was, I’d been feeling slightly queasy since I’d woken up, but I was chalking it up to still not knowing where I was going. And having to leave at all. But anywhere was better than here.
I still didn’t know how a guy I’d only had two-and-a-half dates with affected me so much, but he did.
I sighed and sat on the bed, grabbing my phone from the bedside table. I knew Rhys would be upset, and if I could, I would have ducked out, but I refused to do that after how kind Rhys and the whole family had been.
I called Rhys, and he answered on the first ring. “Kian, are you okay? Do you need me to come home?” The worry in his voice was clear as day, and it made me feel like a nuisance. I’d basically sat on the couch the last few days binge-watchingModern Family,but even one of my favorite shows couldn’t seem to pull me out of this.
“I’m fine, Rhys,” I said. “I was just wondering where you put my suitcases.”
“No, Kian, just wait, please,” Rhys pleaded. “I’m coming home. Don’t go anywhere till I get there.”
“I wasn’t just going to disappear, Rhys. I just need to get everything packed. I was going to say goodbye, I promise.”
“But you can’t leave—you just can’t, Kee.” Rhys sounded upset, and my stomach rolled.
“I’m coming home. Just wait,” Rhys said. “Promise.”
“Well, you hid my luggage.” I reminded him and even managed a small smile.
“I’m coming home,” Rhys said. “I’m on my way.” I heard an engine come on.
I took the rest of the clothes off the hanger and folded everything so I was ready when he showed up. I walked to the ensuite and grabbed all my things too. My heart felt like it was being put through the grinder.
I sighed and turned to leave, but I felt faint and had to grab hold of the sink to keep from falling. I drew in a breath and let it out slowly, again and again until I didn’t feel like I would puke.
Maybe I needed to eat; I hadn’t really had an appetite the last few days—I guess it was finally catching up with me.
I walked slowly back into my room and lowered myself to the bed. But that queasy feeling didn’t leave. I leaned back so I was flat in bed, and that was where Rhys found me.
“You’re still here,” he sighed, relief in his voice.
I chuckled and sat up slowly. “Well, my only other choice was putting all my clothes and shoes in the backseat and trunk of my car.”
Rhys shrugged, then took a seat beside me. “I don’t want you to go.”
“I have to.” I sighed, leaning my head on his shoulder.
“No, you don’t. Even if you and Gabe can’t figure your stuff out, I’m here,” Rhys whispered.
“I know, and you’ll always be my best friend.” I nudged him.
“But you’re set on leaving,” Rhys sighed. “It’s already late today, so maybe wait one more day?” He sighed. “I really don’t want you to leave, Kee.”
“I know.”
14
Gabe
