“As I said, it was on the screen for everyone to see. I’m sure your mum will be so proud.”
“Just hear me out.”
“I think I’ve heard enough. You should go now, the band are waiting for you and no doubt, you have things to sort out with Dani.”
“Cal—”
“Please Ash, just leave me alone.”
“If I go now, I won’t see you for months. I’m not leaving things like this when I haven’t done?—”
“I said, go!” she shouts. This is the first time I’ve ever heard Cal raise her voice.
I know I have to get back to the band as soon as possible, but fuck, if my heart isn’t breaking right now. I came here last night knowing I had limited time with her, but I should have gone back before now. Maybe if I had, this wouldn’t have happened. Perhaps she would still be sleeping. Now, I’m in the shit with the label and worse than that, I think Cal hates me.
I take in a breath. “Don’t let this be the end, Cal. Don’t let them break us apart.”
She goes to open the door and stands by it, waiting for me to leave.
“Can I call you later?”
“Not today.”
“Then, when?”
She looks deep into my eyes and the hurt is clear. “Just give me some time.”
I nod, grab my t-shirt and pull it over my head. I hate leaving things like this. “Maybe when you’ve got your thoughts together…we can talk more then.”
She takes in a breath, closing her eyes briefly. “I don’t know when that will be.”
My throat hurts when I swallow down the hard lump wedged there. “You don’t want to sort this out?” Cal just stares into space. “Cal? Why won’t you accept what I’m saying?”
She remains silent, so I ask the question I don’t want an answer to. “Are you breaking up with me?”
She chews her bottom lip. “I think I have to. I just can’t—” then she stops mid-sentence, so I finish it for her.
“Trust me? Is that what you were going to say? You can’t trust me.”
She rubs her forehead. “We’re just on different paths, Ash. You’re about to go back to New York then on tour forthree months. We thought this would be easy; we could cope. We love each other, right? Nothing can impede love, except… I don’t like the person I become when you’re away and now maybe…”
“Maybe what?”
Cal closes her eyes briefly then sighs. “Maybe my worries are valid.”
“They’re not. I can promise you. I’m not letting you go, Cal. Not over something so fucking stupid that wasn’t my fault.”
“Let’s not make this any harder than it already is.”
“For fuck’s sake.” I take a step forward hoping she will at least let me hold her, but her hands immediately fly up to stop me. I try to reason, “I can’t let you go, Cal. In fact, I won’t.”
“It isn’t up to you anymore.”
“Yes, it is. I’ll give you time if that’s what you want, but I’m coming back for you. Simple as.”
I reach around to the counter beside her, slip my wallet in the back pocket of my jeans, while Cal stands next to me; staring into space, but choosing not to look me in the eye. As I walk away, I say, “I’ll call you.”
She doesn’t reply. The door clicks behind me as I leave. For a second, I let the wall take my weight as I lean against it. How the fuck did we go from nought to sixty in a matter of seconds? My phone buzzes and Dani’s name illuminates my screen. I can’t deal with her right now. My blood is fucking boiling as far as she’s concerned. Instead, I attempt to get to where I should be.
