And yet, he wants to stayjust friends?
I’m a little stunned.
But this is Matt, and I’ve never been on his list, so I guess I have to remember I don’t meet his damn rules.
I’m not the girl he wants.
I was there last night when he needed me, and that’s all this was.
So I look away from him and swallow hard. “Ah… yeah, of course. We’re always friends, Matt. But I, ah… have to go to work. So I’d better get going,” I say and turn from his grip.
Realizing, I’m butt naked, I need some clothes, so I make do and grab the top cover of his bed, pulling it over me. Then I hop out of bed, wrap it around me to go about finding my clothing. Matt furrows his brows, leaning on his elbow, watching me cautiously like he’s a little stunned by my actions.
“Didn’t Nate give you the day off? I thought we could hang out together?” he asks.
I find my panties and try to pull them on under the massive duvet while trying to stay covered at the same time. I’m confused and hurt that he wants to go back to normal after last night, and I just want to get out of here. “Yeah, but Ria’s paid me for seven days a week. I don’t want totake advantage,” I say, and let the last two words hang in the air.
He nods and clears his throat as he sits up in the bed, the sheets falling, showing his perfectly toned body. I cringe slightly as all I want to do is jump back into bed with him.
But I can’t.
Matt clearly doesn’t want that.
This was obviously a one-and-done deal.
“I’m so sorry, Alex. I needed comfort last night. I was weak, and I shouldn’t have done that to you,” he says, and my stomach sinks.
There is no doubt that he regrets last night now.
I turn away from him, simply nod, and grab my bra, dress, and shoes, then swallow hard. “It’s fine. What are friends for?” With my back turned to him, I head out of his room before this gets even more awkward. My breathing is short and sharp as I race toward Nate’s old room.
I’m not going to cry!
Iwill notcry!
I won’t allow it.
It feels like Matt used me, and I hate that he could do that. I thought I was worth more to him, but if that’s all this is, all last night was, then I need to stop fooling myself that there willeverbe more. It’s a hard pill to swallow, knowing this has all been one-sided, and I have deluded myself he could look past his stupid list.
I need to distance myself from him.
Before I change my mind, I drop the duvet, quickly get dressed, and race out of his house.
It comes as no surprise that Matt does not attempt to find or stop me. I leave without a word from him, and it’s not until I walk out the front door that I realize I don’t have my car or any means of transportation.
I refuse to go back inside.
Sighing, I shake my head, the weight of my decision settling heavily in my chest. Without another thought, I bend down, slipping off my heels and letting the cool pavement meet my bare feet. The chill sends a shiver up my spine, grounding me in the moment.
The long walk to the gallery stretches ahead. I could call a cab or an Uber, but the thought of waiting around—and risking Matt coming outside to find me—makes my stomach churn. So, I take the first step down his street, barefoot and determined, even as a sinking feeling twists in my gut.
By the time I reach the gallery, my feet are aching, the soles tender from the uneven ground. The quiet hum of the space is almost comforting. For a Sunday, it’s unusually still, but I’m grateful. I’m not my usual chirpy self today, and the absence of a crowd feels like a small mercy.
A handful of customers drift in and out, and while I offer polite smiles and help where needed, I know I’m off my game. My usual enthusiasm feels distant, like a part of me I can’t quite reach.
Nate isn’t here, which is a relief. Seeing him would only bring Matt’s face to mind, and that’s the last thing I need right now. I don’t want to think about him—or the mess of emotions he’s left me with.
I need to focus.
