“You’re meeting with your ex, right?”
“Yeah?” Marc raised a suspicious brow, glancing at her through their reflection while brushing his hair.
“And why are you looking so good? Like holy fuck, are you trying to get him back or what?”
“Jesus, no. But I’m going to a snobbish art gallery. Do you want me to go in sweats and a hoodie?”
“Yes. That would be better than this.” She pointed at him.
He was just wearing some normal non-ripped black jeans and a dress shirt that, together with the suspenders, made him look like a hybrid between a hipster and rockabilly dude more than a metalhead.
Marc huffed, leaving the brush on the counter and grabbing his cologne. “They’d kick my ass to the curb quicker than you say Jack Robinson.”
“So let them.”
“Soph, I told him I’d go, and I’m planning to keep my word.”
“Whatever.” She rolled her eyes. “You do you. Be careful, though. I get that he’s in the city, doing better, and ready to talk. Maybe even to apologize for the way he broke up with you. Viktor was always a nice guy. But something’s telling me he might also want to see if you’re available.”
His heart writhed.
He didn’t love Viktor anymore. But he couldn’t ignore the feeling that had been slowly sinking into his system since he received his first email: longing. Longing to be the only one on someone’s mind. Longing for the wholeus against the worldand the emotional stability the relationship with that man had provided. Something he clearly couldn’t have with Chris, who was hell-bent on keeping things casual, whatever that meant. Because as intimate as they had gotten, the rollercoaster they were on was untenable long-term. And it hurt. It hurt not being enough. It hurt thinking they had an expiration date.
“What makes you think that?” the bassist asked as he turned around, ready to leave.
“You seriously can’t be that dense. Can you?”
“Can’t say I didn’t think he may have a double agenda with this reunion. But c’mon, it’s been almost four years. He’s probably dating someone.”
“What if he isn’t?”
For a moment there, Marc froze and didn’t know how to answer.
“Are you doubting?”
“No, I’m not. I wouldn’t get back with him, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Then why did you hesitate just now?”
“Because I miss the stability of a serious relationship, that’s all. I love the idea of what we had, not him as a partner.”
“Are you sure?” Sophia’s brows pinched together with concern.
“Yeah.”Hundred percent fucking sure.
“Okay… Have fun, I guess.” She stepped aside to let Marc leave.
“I promise I won’t be as stupid as you think I am.” He kissed her cheek.
“We’ll see about that.”
Ordering an Uber, he made his way down to the main floor. He was at the front entrance getting his wallet and putting on his boots when his mother peeked out from the kitchen.
“You look so handsome, honey.”
“Thanks, Mom,” he said, standing up.
“Just to make sure. You’re not coming home for dinner, right?”
