Until I Met You

Everything he described was so familiar. ‘We’re the same,’ she said.

‘What are you talking about?’

‘I took the first job out of university. I stayed with the guy I met there and tried to make our relationship outlive its shelf life. I’m unhappy at my job. It’s not bad as far as jobs go, but it’s kept me stuck in one place. How is it that we’re the same?’

Roman smiled. ‘What made me think you wouldn’t relate?’

‘I relate, and it’s depressing as hell.’

If he needed freedom to start his life over or rebuild from scratch, as she did, for that matter, where did that leave them?

Roman extended a hand to her, palm face up. ‘What do the lines say about bad timing and even worse luck?’

She traced a finger along the lines she’d once studied, looking for insight into his heart. Tears blurred her vision. ‘No idea.’

He curled his fingers around her hand. ‘Sam, look at me.’

She couldn’t. She was crumbling to pieces inside and could not let him see.

Because the universe was kind, her phone rang giving her the excuse to withdraw her hand. She had a text from Jasmine.

Time for Cake! Where are you?

‘I should go. Important bridesmaid’s duties.’

Roman took a step back and buried his hands in his pockets. ‘I’ll walk with you.’

With a heavy heart, she slipped off his jacket and returned it.