But that’s not what it was at all, was it? He just didn’t like lying to his mate. That’s it.
He could have told Jake, “Georgie’s my girlfriend whether you like it or not.” That’s what I was prepared to say to Jake.
Patrick didn’t say that.
Because he wanted two things: sex with me and friendship with Jake, and now that he can’t have both, the choice is easy for him. He chooses Jake.
I’m the fool for reading more into it. That thinking “I care for her” meant the same as “I want to be with her.”
But caring isn’t choosing. Caring isn’t fighting. Caring is just... feeling bad while you walk away.
I made myself so available and grateful for his attention. Just like I did with Steve. Just like I always do. I hand men the knife and then look surprised when they cut me open.
When will I get it through my head that loving someone desperately doesn’t mean they’ll love me back?
Maybe never. Maybe heartbreak is just the language my heart was built to speak.
I’ve cried all night. My eyes are puffy, my throat raw, and my body feels like it’s been dragged behind a lorry. I’m meant to meet Jake for breakfast, but the thought of food makes me want to vomit.
I’ve already made up my mind. I’m quitting. Not just because of Patrick—though, honestly, seeing him every day would belike constantly ripping off a scab—but because of that intercom disaster that’s guaranteed I’ll be the office gossip for months.
Fee tried to cheer me up, saying people were too drunk to hear what happened, that they couldn’t be sure it was me. But some will figure it out. They always do. And I’ll be known as “that girl who got caught hooking up with the CEO” forever.
But I’m not quitting today, not until this project is finished, because no one is taking that away from me. This system is mine, my proof that I can actually accomplish something. It deserves to be on my CV, fully delivered, not half done. The implementation is nearly complete in Skye. I just need it to be successful in the first hotel.
I’ll cry in the toilets if I have to.
But I’m finishing what I started.
Steve stole two years of my confidence and the degree I was on track to finish. I blamed him, but deep down I know I let him do it. That was on me.
I’m not repeating that mistake here.
Patrick can have my battered heart—apparently, he’s already binned it anyway—but he is not taking my work and my professional reputation as well.
I grab my keys, open the door, and almost walk right into Patrick coming up the path.
Fuck.
My stupid, traitorous heart starts racing. I tell myself to stay calm.
“Morning.” It comes out all stuttery, which is somehow worse than saying nothing at all.
He’s here to tick off the “talk to Georgie” box on his to-do list.
“Morning.” He stops awkwardly, hands shoved deep in his pockets. Dark circles under his eyes. Good. Hope he didn’t sleep a wink.
“Jake asked me to stay away last night. Give you space. Thought I’d better respect that.”
I shrug because I can’t trust my voice. What am I supposed to say?Thanks for the space while you figured out how to dump me?
“Georgie…”
“I’m glad you and Jake patched things up.” I force myself to look at him properly, to give him this one last chance. “We should’ve been upfront with him from the start. We had nothing to be ashamed of.”
I pause, letting that sink in. His jaw tightens, but he doesn’t say anything.
“We’re two consenting adults in a relationship.” I let that word hang there.
