The minutes were ticking by. Every second felt like another bomb blowing up in my head. I wanted to remain strong. It wasthe only power I still held in this situation. Shaking off the fear, I thought about a possible future with both of them.
Is that even an option?
“Hey,” I announced, shifting my worried regard to meet his. “I know this is a dumb question, but I’m going to ask it anyway. Are you okay?”
He nodded.
“Like for real, or are you just saying that for my benefit? Because I’ll tell you right now, you don’t need to stay strong for me. I’m here for you too.” I inhaled a deep breath. I hated seeing him like this. “What are you not telling me?”
I’d never forget the expression on his face as he replied, “What happens next might make you hate me.”
I jerked back, startled.
He didn’t say a word.
Not one.
“What’s going on?”
When he held his hands in a prayer gesture, sitting on the edge of the bed, I knew whatever he was about to say would set my world on fire.
I just never expected him to be holding the match again.
“Tell me, please.”
“You were always such a good girl when you wanted something from me.”
“No. Don’t do that. Not right now. No flirting. What are you scared of?”
He arched an eyebrow. “You think I’m afraid?”
“You’re panicked, and that’s far worse.”
He softly smiled. “You know me well.”
“I used to think I knew you best.”
“And now?”
“I don’t know.”
“How about you try?”
I hesitated for a minute, trying to gather my thoughts. “Sometimes it feels like I was the only one who really knew you. Other times, it feels as though I never did.”
“I see.”
“Do you?”
“You’re standing right in front of me, Mouse, and you still feel miles away.”
My eyes brimmed with fresh tears.
“Don’t cry.”
“I can’t help it. You’re freaking me out.”
“I wish there was another way.”
