I can hear her sigh all the way from the living room. She’s trying, and I’m grateful for that.
But sometimes, I just need to be alone.
40CECILIA
It’s getting late when the sound of murmured voices from downstairs trickles into my room. Glancing at the clock, my brows furrow together, taking note of the time before I pad down the hallway.
Leaning over the banister, I peer downstairs, the dim light casting long shadows across the foyer below. Lately, it’s become a familiar routine, these late-night visits from Dad’s campaign manager, Mr. Ayala, or Officer Koch.
They seem to be the three recurring presences these past couple of weeks.
“Thank you,” Gabriel’s voice floats up the stairs, his tone tinged with a sense of urgency. “I promise, I’ll be quick.”
The familiar sound of his voice catches me off guard, my breath catching in my throat as I strain to hear whatever he says next.
My heart skips a beat, the mere sound of his presence sending a jolt of anticipation through me.
What is he doing here?
Seconds later, his steps are pounding up the stairs, the rhythm of his stride echoing in the quiet of the house. My pulse quickens, a flutter of nerves dancing in my chest as I stand frozen at the top of the stairs, dumbfounded by his unexpected appearance.
Gabriel clears the last step, his figure looming large in the dim light, his honey-brown eyes drinking me in like a man dying of thirst. The intensity of his gaze sends a shiver down my spine, and I swallow hard, trying to steady my racing heart as he moves closer.
His presence, so close, ignites a flurry of conflicting emotions inside of me—longing, uncertainty, and a flicker of desire.
But I push them aside, steeling myself against the pull he exerts on me.Play it cool.I remind myself.
“What are you doing here?” I manage to ask, my voice coming out more breathless than I intend it to. It’s only been a few weeks, but god, I’ve missed him.
"I wanted to talk," he says, his voice soft. "Can we go in your room?”
My mind races, searching for an excuse to avoid being alone with him, but I know that I can't keep avoiding him like this. Reluctantly, I nod, leading him to my room where we can speak without Mom and Dad listening in.
As we settle into the quiet space, the tension between us is palpable. I can feel his gaze on me, probing and searching, but I refuse to meet it, focusing instead on a spot on the floor.
"Why didn’t you just call or send me a text?" I finally ask, unable to contain the question any longer. “It’s late. Don’t you have practice early tomorrow?”
Gabriel shifts uncomfortably, his expression pained. “I wanted to talk to you in person,” he admits. “I know things are … complicated."
I offer him a small nod, a silent acknowledgment of his words.You can say that again.
"I just ... I miss you, Cecilia. More than I thought possible." The vulnerability in his voice cracks through my defenses, stirring something deep within me. But I can't let myself be swayed by his words, not when I've worked so hard to rebuild the walls around my heart.
"I miss you too," I admit, my voice barely a whisper. "But that doesn't change what happened."
Gabriel nods, his expression pained. “I know. Which is why I know I have no right asking this of you, it's just …” He hesitates.
Swallowing past the lump in my throat, I peer up at him through the veil of my lashes. “What is it?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper, my heart pounding in my chest.
“I was hoping I could ask a favor,” he begins, his voice hesitant. “If it’s too much, just say the word. I don’t have any expectations here. It’s just …” He trails off again, his eyes searching mine.
“What’s the favor?” I prompt, my curiosity piqued despite my reservations.
“Tomorrow is my Mom’s wedding.” Oh. I’d completely forgotten about that. “And I know you’re busy. You have a lot going on so the timing is absolute shit but, I was hoping you'd maybe hang out with me for the day.”
His words catch me off guard, but as I meet his gaze, I see the raw vulnerability in his eyes, the unspoken plea for me to dothis. My answer is almost immediate. Despite the uncertainty between us, I could never deny him this. Gabriel may have hurt me, but he's hurting too. I won't abandon him when he needs me most. I still care about him.
“Of course,” I nod, offering him a small, tentative smile. “But aren’t you going to the wedding?”
