Good luck with that.
He lowers the glass slowly.
“All the things I brushed off,” he murmurs. “The weird feelings. The comments you made…” His gaze drifts to the floor. “It was always you.”
“Yes.”
I sit across from him, giving him space.
Even though I don’t want to.
“Since the first time you saved me,” I say quietly, “you mattered.”
His eyes lift to mine.
“I never stopped looking for you.”
His expression softens.
“My mom was in the hospital,” I add. “Plastic surgery. Nothing serious.”
His lips twitch faintly despite everything.
Good.
Ground him.
Keep him here.
“I saw you,” I continue. “And I knew.” My jaw tightens slightly. “Even though you were with her.”
Luna brushes against his ankles, then moves to me, circling between us like she’s trying to keep the balance.
“She never deserved you,” I say quietly.
That part slipped out, but I don’t take it back.
Drew exhales slowly. “This is a lot.”
I tilt my head slightly. “It’s a lot for you.”
He nods, then finishes the water and sets the glass down with a soft clink.
“I need a minute,” he says. “I’m going to use the bathroom.”
“Okay.”
I don’t stop him.
Pushing right now would be a mistake.
I pick up Luna, holding her against my chest as I listen to the soft sounds of the house.
“I had to tell him,” I murmur.
She meows in agreement.
“He’ll come around,” I whisper. “He has to.”
