“Thanks again, Zane.”
And before I can find the right words, before I can fix whatever just broke, she’s gone.
The door closes behind her.
I sit there for a second, staring at the empty space she left behind.
Then I lean back and drag a hand over my face.
What did I do?
How did I mess that up?
Was it the picture?
The questions come fast. Loud. None of them helpful.
I signal for the bill, my thoughts spiraling, and not a single one of them lands on something good.
Chapter 7
Gwen
I’m such an idiot.
Of course, he doesn’t want to be seen with someone like me. What was I thinking? Why did I ever believe I had even the slightest chance?
This wasn’t a date.
That’s why he let go of my hand.
It wasn’t a date, and he didn’t want to be seen with me.
Frustration surges through me as I shove my apartment door open and slam it shut behind me. The sound echoes louder than it should, but I don’t care.
I’m angry at myself.
How could I let myself believe this was even an option? How could I think someone like him would ever?
My phone buzzes.
My stomach flips.
I don’t want to look. I don’t want to deal with this.
But I do anyway.
ZANE: I’m sorry our date ended this way. Can we talk?
For a second, something softer rises; he’s trying. He’s still here.
Then the sharper part of my brain cuts in.
I might not be the most confident woman in the world, but I deserve to be seen.
If he’s embarrassed to be in a picture with me, then he shouldn’t be spending time with me.
I exhale slowly, forcing the feeling down, and grab my favorite book by Rina Kent before climbing into bed.
