I glance at my phone again. Maybe I should message her.
It doesn’t feel right leaving things like this.
I know I don’t want to leave things like this.
Even though we’ve only known each other less than a year, and this… whatever this is has only really shifted in the last few weeks—it still feels like there’s something here we could lose.
Later in life, you don’t meet people the way you do when you’re younger. You’re not out there searching for the next partner, hoping to live a love story again.
I had my partner.
I had my life.
So when someone comes along who I can actually see myself with. Someone I connect with. Someone I respect. It feels worth fighting for.
Worth winning.
But she has to feel the same.
And today she stepped away from me. She built a wall so high, I’m not sure we can even see over it anymore.
Sure, business and personal life have to stay separate. But sooner or later, those things always intertwine. Whether you want them to or not.
I type a quick message. No one ever won by being shy.
I don’t like how today was left. Can we talk?
My phone barely touches the table when it pings.
Sure. Come over.
That was quick. Unexpected.
To Opengate?
The reply comes almost immediately.
I’m at home. Come here.
“What is it?” Ollie says. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“Nothing,” I say quickly, standing up. “I just need to pop out.”
The boys glance at each other but don’t comment. They know when not to pry.
“You two finish up,” I tell them. “I’ll be back in an hour or so.”
“Okay, Dad,” Ollie replies. His eyes move to his brother as he grins wide. “Xbox marathon?”
I grab my keys and head for the door.
She’s just invited me to her home. To talk.
***
As I pull up outside her apartment, I cut the engine, pull down the visor, and glance in the mirror. Christ, I look tired. I didn’t even bother fixing myself before leaving the house, so eager to get here.
I exhale slowly.