Heartless: Episode 3

“Then, why are we here right now? Why are we going through this? Why are you ruining the best relationship I’ve ever had?” It was a low blow, but it was the truth. Sometimes, the truth hurt, and I needed to be crystal clear in this moment.

“Because I figured you’d change your mind. When we first started out, I knew that you saw me as just a friend, but I assumed, after time went by and you got to know me better, that you’d develop real feelings for me.”

I shook my head. “I told you that would never happen.”

“I know,” she agreed.

“You just didn’t believe me?”

“I guess I hoped for different.”

What the hell was it with women? Were they incapable of keeping things uncomplicated? Clearly, the answer here was no.

“I’m sorry that I hurt you, but I never lied to you. I never promised you a future, but I understand now how you could have wanted one.” I had to admit that my actions had been less than gentlemanly and certainly not always considerate even though I had intended for them to be both by being so honest upfront.

“After being with you for so long, I guess I just thought we’d never end.”

“To be honest, Kate, I had no idea that I’d meet someone like Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth had changed everything. My whole world had shifted the moment I found her. She was the one person who had tilted my world on its axis just by being a part of it. That was how it’d felt when Elizabeth stepped into my life. It wasn’t something I could control or talk myself out of. It was just one of those things where a part of me had been drawn to her in that unexplainable way. People would talk about experiencing that kind of thing all the time. I’d always thought it was bullshit until it happened to me.

“I want someone to feel that way about me. I think I always hoped it would be you.”

Knowing that I’d caused this pain forced me to try to make it better. I could be a complete asshole but not to her, not right now. She’d given me everything I needed for two years without complaint.

I hugged her tighter against me, rubbing her shoulder to help bring her comfort. “And I know, without a doubt, that you will find that guy, Kate. I’m just not him. You deserve someone who puts you first and wants to be with you all the time, not just when he needs sex.”

She laughed, and my heart lightened.

“I’m really sorry I called Elizabeth.”

“I know.” I squeezed her gently, letting her know I forgave her.

“Desperate women do crazy stuff,” she said with another laugh.

“You can say that again.” I moved her body away from mine, and I pushed up from the couch. “Come here.” I extended my hand and pulled her up. I hugged her long and hard, knowing it would be the last time.

I whispered, “You are an amazing woman. Don’t ever forget that, and don’t sell yourself short because of what we had, okay? You’re going to make some guy extremely lucky, and if he doesn’t know it or doesn’t treat you that way every single day, he isn’t the right guy.”

A smile spread across her face as my words sank in. “Thanks, Daniel. I’m really sorry again for all the drama I caused.”

“I know.”

“Do you want me to call her and apologize? I probably should.”

I briefly glanced away before meeting her swollen eyes. “No. This is something I need to do on my own, but thank you.”

Closing her apartment door behind me, I headed for home, wondering how the hell I was supposed to live my life without Elizabeth Lyons in it.

12.

ELIZABETH

After getting off the phone with Daniel, I hung my head in my hands and bawled my eyes out, thankful that the studio would be virtually empty by the time I left. I would be mortified if anyone in the office saw me like this.

My heart ached inside my chest with each breath I inhaled. Somewhere in me, I knew it was the right decision for my career to tell Daniel good-bye, but I hadn’t planned on him accepting it so easily. I hated to admit how much that part hurt. I’d never considered that Daniel would walk away without a fight, even though that’s exactly what I’d asked him to do.

I tried to accept the fact that all I needed was time when it came to getting over him. With enough of it, eventually, I would feel whole again. But I didn’t know if I believed myself. Daniel Alexander had reopened emotions in me that had been closed for so long. I wasn’t sure how to go through this experience without him here to guide me.