And so when he simply looks at me—
“Why did you walk out on me that day?”
I still don't back down. I've already gotten this far. The only way not to lose is to see this to the very end, no matter how terribly awkward and painful the truth—
“Because I was dating another woman then.”
My heart starts breaking into pieces again, and I'm starting to wonder how long this can last. How long before my heart runs out of pieces, and I just end up dead?
Why am I still standing here? He'd just admitted it. The cemetery walk-away wasn't about me. It was about her.
“Is it Francine?” I don't know why I'm even asking.
“Does it matter?” And he clearly doesn't get it either.
“Why won't you just answer—”
“It's not her.”
Oh.
“And I ended things between us that same day.”
OH.
My eyes widen...at the same time he stiffens...because we're thinking the same thing.
“Don't—”
That's him probably about to tell menotto read anything into what he's just admitted, and that's why I cut him off—
“Why are you walking out on me again?”
“Because it's better this way,” he grates out.
Right. Sure. Does he really think I'm that stupid?
“You don't have to lie...”
Those first words come out jerkily, but the moment I start speaking, it's like having something take over me, and the rest of the words come tumbling out in a rush.
“If you've...if you've lost interest since then, then just say it. There's no need to feel bad. I may not be the prettiest girl in the world, but I can...I can find another guy, and you know what? I promise you I'll find a guy within the day, so don't feel bad, okay? Don't feel guilty about me again.”
What in the world did I just say?
I walk past him as reality starts sinking in, and I feel like sinking into oblivion myself. I can't believe I just said that. Like, seriously, what in the world was I thinking?
I step inside the elevator and slam my hand on theClosebutton. I don't care which floor I'm whisked to. I just want to go and forget—
Ah!
Fingers curl around my wrist, spinning me around as the doors close, and next thing I know I'm staring up into angry dark eyes as the elevator begins its ascent.
“Are you trying to make me jealous?” he snarls.
“E-Excuse me?”
“You're going to find another man, are you?”