“I miss this side of you,” I tell him.
“I know. I’ll always regret how I treated you.” His lips move towards mine but I don’t budge. I let him softly kiss my lips and when he backs away, his smile is sad. “Has Darla asked about me?”
This is the first time he’s ever really said her name. The shock continues to hit me. “She asked not long ago. I was nervous about what exactly to say to her.”
“Did you tell her I loved her even though I never met her? Tell her the truth. I can’t be mad at you for that,” he tells me as he releases me from his arms.
I watch as he walks towards his vehicle and gets in. The tears stream down my cheeks as I get into my car and start it. I’m so baffled by today. I’m not sure what to even think anymore. But one thing’s for sure—Brendan’s about to be gone for good and I’ll never see him again.
Chapter 22
Austin
It’s almost nine in the evening and I’m still waiting for Paige to answer my text from earlier. I yawn and climb under my comforter. I didn’t do much today as far as sparring. I mainly sat around, which is unlike me. I just wasn
’t feeling it today. My eyes begin to grow heavy. My guess is she’s not going to reply tonight. I hope she’s okay, but I don’t want to bug her.
My phone dings and I jump up immediately to see what it is. With my luck it’ll just be some email notification, but I look and it’s Paige. I sigh as I open her message.
Paige: Hey, sorry it took me so long to answer.
Austin: I was getting worried about you.
Paige: Don’t be. I’m okay. I had some things to take care of after work.
Austin: Do you maybe want to get dinner tomorrow?
Paige: Sounds good, but I can’t. I’ve got plans.
Austin: Oh. Okay. I’ll talk to you later then. I’m about to go to bed.
Paige: I’m sorry, Austin.
Austin: Don’t be.
I toss my phone back onto my nightstand and close my eyes. They open as quickly as they closed. I’m agitated now. Maybe I’m misreading the entire conversation, but it just seems so out of place for her. She’s acting strange, almost like she’s hiding something. My phone dings again and I debate on whether or not I’m going to pick it up and read whatever it is. I know it’s her. Because I want to put myself through this misery, I pick the phone up.
Paige: I’m sorry. I’ve just had a really long day.
Austin: It’s fine, Paige.
Paige: I wasn’t trying to upset you, I promise.
Austin: I know.
Paige: Goodnight, Austin.
Austin: Night.
This time, I set the phone down for good and when I close my eyes, they don’t reopen.
***
The next day at the gym is better than the yesterday. I’m actually sparring and it feels so good to be in action. Garrett tells me Raegan is making tacos for dinner tonight and invites me over. Lance laughs and tells him it’s not Tuesday, but he’ll be there too.
“Really? You do know it doesn’t have to be Tuesday to have tacos,” Garrett tells him.
“It’s called Taco Tuesday, dude. You eat tacos on Tuesday,” Lance argues.