CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Grayson— 21 years old (2 years later)
Taking a long sip from the bottle, I feel the alcohol burn down my throat. I don’t drink often, but sometimes…being drunk is the only way to face the cold, lonely nights.
Sometimes when my brain refuses to shut off, when the ache in my chest just won’t go away, it’s easier to drink myself into oblivion.
It’s easier to forget , than to live with the memories of her.
Riley still breathes in my heart.
And fuck, I miss her like crazy. Loving her is like a sweet death, and I savor the taste of self-destruction. It’s pure insanity, really.
It’s been two years, and I still can’t move on. I find myself dreaming of her every night, and I carry those dreams with me during the day. It’s the only way I’ve been able to survive this long without her.
Sometimes, I wonder if Riley has already moved on. If she’s in love with another man. Have I completely lost my chance? Would she choose to listen to my reasons if we ever come face to face again? Would she give our love another chance?
The alcohol sours in my mouth. I take my glasses off, squeezing my eyes shut and lean my head back against the black leather couch.
A lot has happened in two years.
So much has changed. I have changed. The situation forced me to.
What about her? Is her hair short or long? Does she still like watching the sunset? Has her love for butterflies changed? Is her heart still soft, as I remember? Or has my love turned her bitter?
Regret cuts me deep. I still remember the day I broke her heart, how deeply my cruel words wounded her. I can still hear her broken whimpers echoing in my ears.
Meeting Riley was the greatest gift of my life, but we found forever at the wrong time. We met at a time when we couldn’t possibly belong together.
Fate is unfair and cruel.
Kismet brought Riley into my life, but…it never promised us a happy ending.
Our love is a tragedy.