Chapter 2 #2
“Listen, we’ve had time to cool down, so I’m going to speak plainly.
” I cleared my throat before continuing.
“I romanticized our relationship, along with this move. You made me promises that you did not keep, and I pulled away from you because I wasn’t happy.
So let’s cut our losses, and just say goodbye. ”
“And what promises didn’t I keep, Gracie?”
Was he for real? Did he think I wouldn’t call him out?
“Well, for starters, you were going to help me start my design business. But from the moment we arrived here, you did everything in your power to keep me from doing what I love. You guilted me daily about needing my help with your career. We were supposed to support one another. But I think you moved me here to make me your personal assistant. You had no intentions of helping me start my own business. You knew I didn’t know anyone here, and you did what you could to force me to be dependent on you.
But here I am, Gabriel, putting my life back together all on my own,” I said, tipping my chin up as the words left my mouth.
His jaw clenched, and it was obvious that I’d struck a nerve. “Do you know how long the list of people is who want to be my assistant? Yet you didn’t appreciate the opportunity I gave you.”
“An opportunity that I didn’t ask for. I have my own dreams. I can support yours and still pursue mine. You want a partner who supports yours and has none of her own. So, it was never going to work.”
“My plan was always to help you after my next exhibit. But you were impatient. Young. Too quick to jump ship.”
“Gabriel. You were having an affair. I’m certainly not the only one who jumped ship.” I chuckled, but there was no humor in it.
“Has it ever occurred to you that I fucked someone else because I wasn’t fucking you?
” he hissed, showing that side of himself that had had me running for the hills the first time I saw it the night I’d ended things.
“We hadn’t had sex in months. I’m a man who has needs.
You’re a woman who doesn’t bring much to the table sexually. ”
Ouch. That one is going to leave a mark.
I straightened my features, doing my best to act unaffected, while all my insecurities reared their ugly heads at the insult.
I’d made a lot of mistakes when I agreed to move here, but from the moment I saw this man’s true colors, I’d left the relationship and never looked back.
I was proud of myself for that.
I hadn’t known many people here, as the only friends I’d made had all been through Gabriel.
But I’d rather be lonely and broke than allow a man to disrespect me.
“You are the most narcissistic man I’ve ever met. You were unfaithful, and instead of apologizing, you double down and blame the other person for your actions. For the record, we weren’t having sex because we weren’t happy. We were miserable,” I reminded him.
“Well, that doesn’t change the fact that you’re young and inexperienced. I don’t feel like being a teacher.” I noticed the way his shoulders tensed, teeth clenched.
“I wasn’t looking for a teacher. I was looking for a partner. And I did not find one.” I shrugged casually, because it was the truth. “I have nothing more to say to you, Gabriel. It’s time for you to leave.”
“Let me guess. Your best friend is swooping in to save the day.” His face was bright red now, and the veins on his neck were bulging.
“You’d be correct. He’s on his way here now. So you’d best get going because he won’t be as cordial to you as I’ve been.” I reached for the door handle and then smirked. “Remember, I told you he’d be the first one to hide the body.”
I was referencing a night after we’d first moved here.
We’d gotten together with a few of his friends and played this game.
The group asked a question, and everyone went around and answered it.
One of the questions was who our first call would be to if we’d murdered someone and we needed help hiding the body.
It was ridiculous, and we all laughed, aside from Gabriel, who’d refused to answer the question. He stated that he would never rely on someone else to cover his mess.
Did I really find him to be sexy at one point?
I’d answered the question without hesitation.
Cutler Heart would be my first call.
He’d hide the body, destroy the evidence, and agree to be my alibi.
Everyone found it comical, as I was the only one in the group who didn’t have to even stop to think about it.
“I think you’ll be happier in your small town and your small life.” He pursed his lips. “Not everyone can handle my fame, and I do believe that was a struggle for you. But I do wish you well.”
His fame? I had no problem with him being a well-known artist. I thought it was amazing. My problem was not with his fame—it was with the man himself.
He certainly did have a talent for insulting you and then following it up with a compliment, leaving you confused, as if you’d misunderstood something.
But I wasn’t misunderstanding anything that came out of this manipulative, pompous asshole’s mouth.
Things were crystal clear.
So, I pushed the door closed on him without saying a word.
Sometimes no response was the only fitting response.
This chapter of my life was closed.
And I was looking forward to the future.