Just you. Here.
Instead, I shook my head, knowing he couldn't see me.
"I'll call you straight back."
"No, it's okay. I'm gonna try and take a nap. I'm exhausted."
Emotionally I was. But I wasn't going to sleep. I was going to wallow under my blankets like an angsty sixteen-year-old.
"Call me when you wake, please. It'll be okay, I promise. "
"I know," I whispered. "I'll let you go. Bye, Si."
I slipped my phone back into my pocket and took my apartment keys out.
"So you and Simon are still a thing, huh?"
I dropped my keys in shock and turned to find Maria standing there. She had a brown paper bag in her arms, and I could see cereal and bread sticking out. Her face was emotionless as she continued to stare at me.
"Ah, yeah..." I awkwardly said, unsure what else to do.
I'd been lucky not to run into Maria while Simon stayed over. He hadn't mentioned seeing her around, and I doubt he would.
It was funny how life worked out. One minute I was rolling my eyes at Simon after Maria kicked him out, arguing with her about returning his things so he could get out of my hair and return home. Now, I was turning to him for love and support, wishing he was here with me.
Maria nodded, turning her eyes down briefly. She looked back at me with a small, resigned smile and a sad gaze. "Hopefully, he doesn't shred your heart in two. Good luck." And with that, she unlocked her door and slipped inside.
Even though her words were not exactly complimentary, they lacked any real malice behind them. She sounded like a woman offering another woman a piece of hard-learned advice.
I felt a little pity for Maria - after all, I managed to get the best version of Simon. But I couldn't be bothered unpacking all of that now.
After collapsing on my bed, I called Ryan to fill him in on the news. He immediately wanted to come over, but I lied again and told him I wanted a nap. Truthfully I wasn't in the mood for physical company.
Well, that wasn't exactly true. I wanted Simon.
I didn't bother calling Eden. She was in Los Angeles on a job and already stressing about her wedding in three weeks.
A few hours later, after watchingLegallyBlondeandClueless- my go-to comfort movies, I decided to call it a night. I picked up my phone and frowned that I had no texts or calls from Simon. Granted, I was too busy feeling sorry for myself to contact him, but it was unusual for him to go this long without calling or texting me.
After going through my bedtime routine, I was about to head to bed when a knock sounded on my door. Thinking it was Ryan, I hurriedly answered.
My mouth dropped, and my heart picked up a quick beat. Simon stood in a suit with an overnight bag in his hand. Tears sprang to my eyes. "How did you know?"How did you know I needed you?
He gave me an incredulous look. "You think I'm gonna just go to sleep knowing my girl is heartbroken?"
With a choked sob, I flew into his arms.
Much later, as we were lying in bed, sated, I lifted my head from his chest. "I think you should apologize to Maria."
He jerked and looked down at me in surprise. "What?"
"I ran into her in the hall," I explained, tracing an invisible circle around his nipple. "She looked really sad. I honestly think she was in love with you."
Simon made a face like he was embarrassed and uncomfortable at the turn of conversation. "I did text her an apology."
I gave him a droll look. "A half-assed one."
"I mean, it was sent during pre-improved me," he acknowledged.
