“Confirmed,” I respond, keeping my tone just as neutral and business-like.
“Perfect. I will text you on Saturday. Looking forward to meeting you in person.”
With that, we say our goodbyes, and he disconnects the call. I continue eating my weird concoction as I try to get back on track. What was I doing before this guy called? Oh, that’s right. I was analyzing my last breakup with Alex, and…
A knock at the door makes me jump so hard that I drop the spoon to the floor. It makes a clinking noise upon landing, and now I can’t even pretend that I’m not home.
My heart beats out of my chest when I stand up, feeling it in my soul that it’s Alex on the other side of the door. Do I want to let him in? While I don’t think his direct intent is to manipulate me, he can still do it because I just can’t think clearly when he’s around.
I walk over to the kitchen and place the two jars on the table before dropping the spoon into the sink. A second knock echoes from the door, this time a lot more insistent.
With a definite attitude, I take a deep breath in and brace myself for coming face to face with the man I love, but who can’t ever love me back. My fingers wrap around the knob, and I take my time undoing the locks.
I can feel my chest cavity actually moving with how hard my pulse races through my veins. It’s like I’m having an out of body experience as the hand on the knob turns, and I finally yank the door open.
It takes a minute to process what I’m looking at. Or rather, who.
“Kyle.”
The disdain in my voice is obvious. Also, disappointment. It crashes into me with such force that it takes my breath away.
“Hey, Mona!” He literallywavesat me. “I was in the neighborhood.” He gives me his always goofy grin. “I thought I’d stop by… Say hey…”
“Hey?” I can’t process what he’s saying. “How do you know where I live?”
I know for a fact that none of his friends ever came to my apartment.
“Cal told me.” He sounds way to cheery when he speaks. “He gave you a ride home a few weeks ago, remember? Besides…” He shrugs self-consciously, the smile never dropping from his face. “We all dropped Alex off at your building a time or two.”
I remember Cal saying the same thing when he brought me home that one time. Apparently, everyone in their group was in the know about my personal life while I barely got to know them over the years. In fact, the party Alex took me to last weekend was the only time that I can remember where we all sat down, talked, laughed and had just a great time overall as a group with me included.
“I was hoping to come in,” Kyle teases when I continue gaping at him without saying anything.
Moving a step to the side, I motion for him to come in. Once he’s inside, I close the door, rolling my eyes toward the ceiling before turning around to face him. He looks like a complete clown as he grins at me from ear to ear.
“What?” I jut my chin at him.
He brings his arm up and makes a motion with his finger. “You got chocolate all over your face.”
“What?” I let out a loud gasp, pressing both hands to my cheeks.
“I can see why Alex can’t let you go,” he continues. “You are kinda cute.”
I rush to the small kitchen where I rip a sheet of paper towel off the roll I have close to the sink, then I wet it and scrub at my lips and all around them. I dry myself off before facing Kyle again.
“Sorry for putting you on the spot like that.” It seems that you cannot wipe the smile off this man’s face. It’s quite off putting if you ask me, and I don’t know how his girlfriend puts up with it.
“I’d offer your refreshments.” I cross my arms over my chest and lean back against the sink. “But I got none.”
I almost laugh, too, when he does, but I don’t want to give him that power over me.
“So, get on with it. Why are you here?”
Kyle’s face becomes serious in an instant. “I can tell you’re a ball buster, and I respect that. As you probably guessed, I’m here to talk to you about Alex.”
“What is there to talk about?” I challenge. “Things are quite clear between us.”
“Well…” Kyle runs his hands through his hair, suddenly putting out a nervous vibe. “I’m here to add even more clarity to the situation.”
