Chapter 28
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Riley
It’s Sunday night, and I haven’t seen his Jeep parked outside all weekend. He must be spending it with her. This is all my fault; I’m the one who started this, and now Emma finally has what she’s always wanted—Hunter.
All I can picture is the two of them tangled together under the sheets, kissing, touching, loving each other, and it’s driving me crazy. I don’t want him to be making love to her or anyone else, for that matter. I want it to be me.
This isn't going to work; it’s only been three days, and I’m not strong enough to go the rest of my life without being with him.
I hope it’s not too late because the moment I see his Jeep pull into that yard, I will beg for his forgiveness.
Then I’ll be honest about his mother’s visit, and let him decide what he wants to do.
If he chooses the company, then I’ll have to live with his decision.
I’ve been pacing back and forth for so long…
I think I’m wearing out the carpet. Packing a few things into my overnight bag, I decide to wait for him at his apartment.
He’s told me several times that he never takes his girls home.
I’m hoping Emma fits into that category.
I’ll wait for him there so I can explain everything; I don’t want to wait until he gets home from work tomorrow.
As I head out the door, I grab my phone and slide it into my pocket.
As I’m walking down the stairs, my dad is heading up to his room. Damn.
“Riley, I’m glad I caught you. When I spoke to Jim, he told me Parker was in an outpatient program.
Well, apparently, he signed himself out the same day you saw him, so Jim enrolled him in a thirty-day program.
He assures me that he is hundreds of miles away and won’t bother you again.
” He smiles while glancing down at the bag I’m carrying.
“I hope Jim’s right this time. Thanks, Dad. I’ll stay with Hunter for a few days.” He sighs.
“I’m really sorry I haven’t spent more time with you, Riley. The cases I had pending are taking longer than I’d hoped. I’m glad your friend’s coming for a visit, though; I promise I’ll make some time to meet her.” He leans in and kisses my cheek.
“Ashley called me—she won’t be able to make it. Her grandmother’s dying.” I shrug my shoulders, but I feel the weight of everything pulling me down.
“I’m sorry to hear that; well, at least you have Hunter.” Then he leaves me standing there with my heart pounding in my chest. If he only knew the half of it.
When I open his apartment door, I’m flooded with memories. I still see him standing there with his back turned, hands holding her face. It felt like he was about to bend down and kiss her. It's funny how I now remember he didn’t even flinch when I slammed the door.
Come to think of it, I’ve never known Emma to be shy. I’m sure she would have defended herself when I called her out. Unless she was hiding from me because she didn’t want me to see her? Think, Riley, think.
If I remember correctly, I think he mentioned something about her meeting a guy she was dating. Did they have a fight, and was he just to console her?
Stupid, stupid. I’m so stupid. I grab my phone from my pocket and quickly dial his number; it won’t let me leave a message because his voicemail is full. Then I sit here and wait for him—when he walks through that door, I’ll beg him to forgive me.
I wake up at one in the morning, and realize he’s still not here. I try texting him, but get no response. I’m so tired that I decide to sleep in his bed. When I crawl under the sheets, it reminds me of us. I feel content until I catch a trace of Emma’s lingering perfume.
* * *
Hunter
I wouldn’t wish this pain on my worst enemy; no one deserves to suffer like this. My therapist told me it would get easier over time. She’s full of crap — it doesn’t. If I could find my damn phone, I’d call her right now and tell her that.
Hell, if I could find my phone, I'd call Riley and tell her how much I love her. She’s full of shit too, for even thinking anyone could take her place.
It would be hard for her to see me like this... she wouldn’t understand. When next weekend comes and I’ve sobered up, I’ll explain everything. Tell her she’s the only one I want, the only one I’ll ever love.
I just need to get through the next few days, then I’ll have three hundred sixty more days until my next breakdown. The other five days of the year are for me, so I can punish myself for what happened.
When the storm was over, I took a shower because I couldn’t stand the smell of myself anymore.
It was supposed to be a quick shower, but I ended up sitting in the tub to wash.
I felt dizzy. Then I made myself something to eat, but it came back up about 15 minutes later.
Now I just want to sleep, but I don’t think I can make it upstairs, so I’ll crash on the couch.
I wish I could find my phone.