When Jason moved on to ask Nick some questions, I listened intently as he explained how we’d settled on the current property.
“It met all our needs for space and the architectural elements we wanted to incorporate. Preston has a strong desire to give back to the people of Portland, and building something that touches all socio-economic levels and a children’s program was easily available within the space that particular building provided.”
I loved when he saidour. And this just further confirmed I was a goner for him.
I didn’t think there was anything that could wipe the smile from my face. But I was wrong.
“This design is quite impressive for a college graduate. You should have your pick of firms bidding for your three-year internship. However, the four front-runners specializing in your field are not located in the Pacific Northwest. Do you have a preference in the firms between New York, Chicago, Atlanta, or San Diego?”
What the fuck? What was he talking about? “Wait,” I asked. “What do you mean by the four front-runners in his field?”
Jason looked at me with surprise in his eyes, and he looked to Michael.
“Preston—” Nick mumbled.
I held up a hand and looked at Michael. “What is he talking about?”
My heart was hammering in my chest and began to tighten. This fucker knew about us, and I wanted answers.
“His best opportunity to continue doing what he did for you would either be in New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, or San Diego. Where he chooses to intern will be critical to his future success.”
My breathing was becoming more shallow the longer I sat there. Nick wouldn’t look at me, and I became painfully aware that he’d known this all along. He was leaving me. Memories of long ago conversations came back. Conversations about moving to another city and how he knew it was going to be necessary to get what he wanted.
All my dreams for a life together crumbled before me. I’d opened up and let him in, only to be kicked in the gut again.
I rubbed at the pain in my chest as it morphed into anger. I had to get out of here before I exploded. I stood abruptly. “I need to go.”
I didn’t look at Nick. My only goal was to get the fuck out of there before I lost my shit in front of everyone and spilled my guts all over the floor.
I walked out as quickly as I could while my gut churned and threatened to upend the coffee in my stomach.
I’d almost reached the door when I heard Nick calling out to me.
“Preston, wait. Please…” I knew he was falling apart, but right now I didn’t give one solitary fuck. I rebuilt up the walls I’d let down with him and hardened my heart as best I could.
Stopping only to avoid a bigger scene, I turned to him. There were so many things I wanted to ask, but this was not the place.
“I’m sorry…” he gutted out, on the brink of tears.
I held my hand up and shook my head. “I don’t want to hear it. I have to go.”
“Please,” he begged. “I love you.”
Anger and pain fought for dominance as they surged through me, burning white hot. I knew I was going to say something I’d regret if I didn’t get out of here, and I tried to hold it back, but it came out anyway.
“You love me?” I spat. “You love me so much that you didn’t bother to tell me you were leaving Portland for three fucking years? You let me fall in love with you and lay all my wounds open for you. I spent the holidays with your family and fell in love with the dream of a life we’ll never have.”
He swallowed roughly. “I was going to tell you tonight…”
I cut him off. “Let me save you the trouble. You can have your precious career without worrying about me, because we’re done. Don’t call me. Don’t text me. Have a nice fucking life wherever the fuck you end up.”
“Preston, please! Just let me explain.” Tears filled his eyes, but they came quicker than he could wipe them away.
I was gutted and tried to hold on to my anger. “Did you intentionally keep this from me?”
“No, but…I tried…and…” he sputtered, wiping furiously at his eyes and nose.
I gritted my teeth. “Keeping that from me is a lie of omission. Just like she did, and that makes you just like her. And I’m a fucking idiot for believing I could have that life with you.”
