My throat went dry. “Blake… I’m a real asshole, and you’re about to find out just how much.”
Her eyes widened, and I could see the pieces clicking into place.
“What’s going on, Will?” she demanded, her voice trembling.
“I owe you an apology,” I said, running a hand through my hair. “There’s someone inside. Someone I’ve been… seeing.”
Blake’s face twisted in disbelief. “Seeing? You mean cheating? Like, right now?”
I nodded, shame washing over me. “It’s complicated?—”
“No, it’s not!” she snapped. “Who is it?”
I hesitated, but before I could respond, she pushed past me, shoving the bag of groceries into my chest.
“Blake, wait?—”
But it was too late.
Natalie froze the moment Blake walked into the kitchen. Her face went pale as she realized what was happening.
Blake’s eyes locked on Natalie like a predator sizing up its prey. “Maybe you don’t remember me,” she said with a cold smile, “but we met Friday night at the bar. I’m Blake. Will’s girlfriend.”
Natalie’s mouth opened, then closed again. “I… I’m sorry about being here,” she stammered. “I was just leaving.”
She grabbed her purse, leaving the groceries she’d brought on the counter. As she walked past me, she avoided my eyes completely.
“Natalie, wait?—”
But she was already out the door.
Blake turned back to me; her arms crossed. “You’re such a piece of shit,” she said, her voice low and shaking.
“I know,” I said quietly.
“You’ve been acting strange all week. I knew something was going on,” she said, tears brimming in her eyes.
I didn’t know what to say. She was right, I’d been stringing her along, avoiding her because I was too much of a coward to end things.
“How am I supposed to feel right now, Will?” she asked, her voice rising. “You bring me here, make me think we’re building something, and the whole time you’re screwing her? Does she even want to be a stepmom to your kids?”
The question hit me hard, but I stayed silent.
Blake let out a bitter laugh. “Of course not. She gets you all to herself for the weekend, and I’m the one dealing with your baggage. I bet she doesn’t even know what she’s signing up for.”
I took a deep breath. “You’re right. I’ve been a terrible boyfriend, and you don’t deserve this.”
Her voice cracked as she said, “You were willing to throw this away? I was prepared to take on everything—your kids, your messy life. I cared about you, Will. I was falling in love with you.”
“Blake,” I said, stepping closer. “You’re an amazing woman, and you deserve someone who can give you everything you want. But I’m not that guy.”
She stared at me, her tears spilling over. “I thought you were.”
“I thought it could be a possibility,” I admitted. “But I’ve been lying to myself, and to you.”
Blake grabbed her bag and walked toward the door. “You know what, Will? I hope she’s worth it.”
And then she was gone.
