Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 52643 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52643 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
“Okay, so option two it is.” She scoffs. “I’ll be right back.”
She leaves and returns to the room moments later, helping me to sit up and sip water.
My vision blurs and I follow her instructions, but the next thing I know Liam is sitting on the edge of the bed and running his fingers through my hair.
“What the…” I try to sit up, but I can’t. “What are you doing here?”
“Shhh.” He looks concerned. “Try not to move so fast.”
“Where is Lauren?”
“At work,” he says. “She insisted that I take her place for a few hours with you.”
“She really likes you.”
He doesn’t say anything.
“Really really likes you,” I say. “You’re cute together.”
“I think it’s clear that my relationship with her is over.”
“I don’t see why.”
“Do you need a mirror?”
Silence.
“I haven’t been able to sleep since I kissed you,” he says. “And I know you’re having trouble, too.”
“You’re wrong.” I shake my head. “I’m fine. I’ve been keeping myself very busy.”
“By studying?”
“Exactly.” I nod. “And being with a man who won’t abandon me.”
“You lied to me, Genevieve.” He runs his fingers through my hair, and when I look into his eyes this time, I don’t see the anger that was there before.
“I hope you’re not expecting an apology…” I repeat words he once said to me before.
“That would actually be nice, seeing as though both of us wouldn’t be in pain if you hadn’t lied.
“If I’d told you the truth, you would’ve never given me a chance,” I say. “I practically had to beg you to look my way when you thought I was eighteen, and…” My words trail off into a soft sob.
He pulls a handkerchief from his blazer and dabs my eyes.
“Anyway, it doesn’t matter now, because I’m in love with Brett.” My voice cracks. “I’m in love with him and I’m joining him on a two week trip to Japan.”
“Okay, Genevieve.”
“We already bought the tickets.”
“I didn’t ask.”
“I’m not cancelling the trip for you.”
“Once again,” he says, running his fingers through my hair, “I didn’t ask you to.”
“I chose him by default when you didn’t come back…”
“I know.” He stops another stream of tears from falling. “I know…”
1
GENEVIEVE
Boston Logan International Airport
Iclutch the handle of my luggage at the check-in desk, looking around at the passengers who are actually flying somewhere today.
“There you are, babe!” Brett strolls up to me. “First class check in is over here.”
“I’m not going.”
“Huh?” He looks at his watch. “Come on. I made a reservation at this bar but we need to get through security first.”
“I’m not going to Japan with you, Brett.” I say, keeping my tone firm. “I can’t.”
“We’ve had this trip planned for months.”
“I know.”
“I made sure to hire someone to help you study while we’re there, so if you’re suddenly worried that I’ll be a distraction—”
“It’s not that.” I shake my head. “I just can’t go, and I’m sorry.”
“You could’ve told me this last night.”
“I know.” My voice cracks. “I tried to.”
He arches a brow. “What’s going on? Really, Genevieve. Where is this coming from?”
“It’s a long story. I really like you, but I think we’re moving too fast,” I say. “I think I need a break.”
He sighs, placing his hands on my shoulders. “Lauren told you I was ring shopping didn’t she?”
“It was an accident.”
“I knew she couldn’t keep her mouth shut for shit,” he says. “Now she’s gone and scared you away.”
“It’s not that, Brett. I just need a little time.”
“Is that what you really want or are you trying to self-sabotage and burn what could be the best relationship you’ve ever had in your life?”
“There’s no need to psychoanalyze me, Brett.”
“I’m trying to get to the truth.”
“I just want to slow things down,” I say. “I need a break.”
“A break or a breakup?”
“Both right now.”
“Jesus Christ, Genevieve.” He shakes his head. “Is there someone else?”
I shake my head.
“Is there?” He narrows his eyes. “Are you cheating on me?”
“I just need us to slow down,” I say. “Between the intensive and everything that comes with dating you, I…”
He tilts my chin up with his fingertips, looking deep into my eyes.
“I don’t want to fight with you, Brett,” I say. “I just need some time to think.”
He sighs and pulls me close, pressing a kiss on my forehead. “I’ll still call you when I land in Japan.”
“Will you also send pictures?”
“Of course.”
I watch him check in and make his way through security before hailing a taxi.
I cry all the way home.
2
Five Days Later
My apartment feels unfamiliar without Brett’s daily delivery of flowers. I’ve noticed small things I’ve taken for granted. The coffee maker set to the exact flavor and size I like, the slippers waiting near the edge of the bed, the reconfigured remote that opens and closes the blinds on a schedule.
“Thinking of you.” I draft a text. “I miss you.”