That Thing Between Eli & Gwen

“Yes. I’m just still trying to figure out why you are standing here.” I pointed to Hannah.

She sighed. “I know what I did to you, the both of you, was wrong. I’m so sorry—”

“Will your 'sorry' make everything better?” I smiled at her. “I mean, you only destroyed two people’s dreams in what, thirty seconds? Not to mention all those phone calls and emails I had to make to family and friends, trying to figure out how to explain my that fiancé ran off with another woman…on her own wedding day.”

“We aren’t together—”

I just looked to him in shock.

“Hannah, you are not helping.” Eli sighed.

“Let me hit her,” I said to him. “Please, let me hit her.”

“You don’t want to make a scene—”

I stepped toward her.

Hannah didn’t back up. “I deserve it.”

“You do deserve it. I should curse you out, throw water in your face, and so much more, not just for hurting me, but for hurting him. What makes it worse is you didn’t even have the decency to make your affair last. Should I feel better about that? If you two were soulmates, at least I could say 'they really fell in love.' I’m a romantic like that. I thought I was the pitiful one, but the truth is, you are. How stupid you must feel right now for throwing everything away. I feel sorry for you.” I took a step back and turned around.

Chapter Twelve

Mistake or By Design

Eli

Not just for hurting me, but for hurting him.

Her words repeated in my mind as the driver held open the car door for us at our apartment. She hadn’t even argued with me, just got in the car and didn't say a word or even look at me during the drive. In the elevator, she kept her head down, and when we reached our floor, she slowly walked to her door.

I don’t want it to end like this.

She unlocked the door, and I came up behind her, pulling it closed. “Say something,” I whispered.

She didn’t turn around.

“Guinevere, please say something. Anything.”

“Eli, I’m tired. Please let it go.”

“She said he’s still in love with you. Will you go back to him if he calls?” I didn’t know why I asked, but I just knew I had to. I couldn’t let it go.

“Do I look that desperate?”

She still wouldn't face me. “I don’t know how you look right now. Turn around and ask me again.”

“I can’t.”

“Why?”

“Because you are confusing me.”

“I feel the same.”

Her hand tightened on the doorknob. “We’ve had too much wine. Let’s call it a night, Eli.”

“All right. If that's what you think it is.” I let go of her door, waiting for her to head inside.