Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
Raelyn
Lying in bed, I scroll through social media, as I pop another Nerd Cluster into my mouth. My room is dark except for the glow of a crime show playing on the TV. This is how I’m spending my night.
My fingers itch to search Holt. I wonder what beauty he had on his arm and in his bed this week. I really am becoming pathetic. My resistance breaks, as I type his name.
I’m a glutton for punishment, I suppose.
He never posts his dates on social media, but other media outlets do. A picture immediately pops up of him with a beautiful woman. She’s a model, go freaking figure.
She’s draped on his arm as they leave a late night party together per the caption. Another shot shows him smiling down at her as they walk off.
I check the date. It was recent. Rolling my eyes, I already know what happened next. Disgusted with myself, I throw my phone down.
It was a one night stand, Raelyn . I need to let it go, obviously he has. He’s out screwing models, while I sit at home looking up his name. I just can’t seem to forget him. Why?
A blocked call comes across my phone. Ugh, I thought these were done.
I answer the phone, aggravated. “Hello?”
There’s no response, but I can tell someone is on the line. Eerily, I can hear light breathing. It’s kind of creepy, honestly, like a scary movie or some shit.
“Hello. Anyone there? Why do you keep calling me? This is getting old.”
Still, no response.
I hang up and blow out a breath. These calls are starting to freak me out a little. I’m sure it’s probably just a harmless kid’s prank, though.
A loud knocking sounds through my quiet house and I jump, almost falling out of bed.
“Shit,” I say, as my heart races from the sudden scare. I’ve got to quit watching so many crime shows at night while living alone, and especially with these creepy calls.
It’s nine at night, who would be at my house this late?
Cautiously, I make my way through the house, and peep out the hole.
Jace.
I silently lay my head against the wood and take a deep breath. Why can he not just leave me alone?
Opening the door, I cross my arms against my chest in a defensive stance and take him in.
He looks like shit and his eyes are bloodshot. I study him for a moment, he doesn’t seem drunk.
I narrow my eyes. “What are you doing, Jace? Showing up at my house unannounced is not okay. It’s late.”
He lifts his hand to touch me as I take a step back, out of his reach. “I just needed to see you, Rae. I miss you.”
I shake my head as I hold up my hand. “Please don’t. We can’t keep going down this road. We are over.”
He flinches at my words. “Please, don’t say that.”
“You’ve got to stop. You broke my heart Jace. I loved you, thought you were my one. I trusted you, and yet you threw it all away.”
“Let me fix it, Rae. We can get past this.”
I feel my anger rising. “You cheated on me, and even if it was just once, I can’t go back. And in my gut, I know it wasn’t just once. I can’t unsee the photos, Jace.”
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. What can I do for us to move past this?” He looks completely defeated.
I sigh. “Nothing. There’s nothing you can do. They’re forever engraved in my mind. Imagine how you would feel if the tables were reversed.”
“We can repair us, Rae.”
I shake my head. “The trust is gone. We would never work now.”
I feel my heart tug. Jace has always been handsome and a charmer, but right now he looks so hurt and broken.
He lets out a heavy sigh. “You said ‘loved’. You don’t love me anymore? I messed up, Rae. I messed up really bad. I wish I could take it all back. I promise to cherish you and never make you question us again. Give me one more chance, let me prove myself.”
I take a deep breath. I wish I could give him the words he needs for comfort, but I need to take care of myself and focus on my happiness.
“Jace, we’re over. I don’t want to be the crazy girlfriend and I refuse to live my life questioning you all the time. That’s not a way to live, that’s being miserable. There’s too much at your fingertips while you’re away at work.”
“I’ll quit my job, Raelyn,” he pleads desperately.
I shake my head. “No, I’m moving on and finding myself again, without you. I don’t regret our time together. I believe God places people in your life for a reason. We were just not meant to be forever.” I look into his eyes. “Jace, don’t come back here. This is the end.”
His head drops as he stares at the ground. He rubs his face silently for a moment and when he looks back at me, he looks defeated.
“I want you to be happy, Raelyn, you deserve it. If that’s a life without me, then fine. I know I broke your trust, that’s on me. I did this to us. I’ll leave you alone, but know I still love you. I’ll always love you,” he says, as emotions fill his eyes.
With those final words, he turns and walks away.
Closing the door, I put my back to the cool wood and blow out a deep breath. I finally feel like I have closure, as if a weight has been lifted off my chest. A smile forms across my face. Chapter closed.
The next afternoon, I walk into the Yacht Club, scanning the area for my girls. I spot them at our usual table and make my way over.
Walking through the cool sand as the salt air blows through my hair has always melted away my worries.
Rylie scoots over giving me a seat. “Oh good, you’re here. This conversation is just getting interesting.”
“Oh, what did I miss? Anything juicy?” I ask.
“Well, you see, Brynn has gotten herself in a bit of a pickle,” Maddie says, tossing a chip in her mouth.
I look to Brynn for clarity. “Hmm, I’m intrigued.”
Brynn rolls her eyes. “So, you know I have a few guys on my roster. Well, number three saw me out at the bar with number one. Now he’s trying to give me ultimatums. He knows what this is; our relationship is casual, no strings attached. I’m not the only woman he sees, but he’s decided to go all territorial. It’s kinda hot, don’t get me wrong, but he’s totally killing my vibe.”
Why can’t I be like Brynn? She’s a wildflower. I’ve always wanted commitment in relationships, where she wants none. “Okay, refresh me, who are one and three.”
“One is the hot construction guy with washboard abs, and three is the surgeon with the magic hands.” She smirks, waving her fingers in the air.
“I remember now. Well, do you think there could be more with number three?” I ask.
“Maybe? I don’t know. He makes damn good money and could provide a good living. We are in our prime, though. I’m not ready to be tied down just yet, but if I drop him, he has the ability to put a dent in my medical sales at the hospital, if he so chooses. Hopefully he’d never cross that line and jeopardize my job but if he does, there are more doctors I rep for.” She lifts her shoulders.
Maddie scrunches her eyebrows. “Brynn, you can’t sleep around forever.”
Brynn shoots her a glare. “One day when you’re old, saggy, and your vagina is all dried out, you’re going to wish you sowed more wild oats with me. I, on the other hand, will have plenty of memories to reflect on. My girl is thoroughly enjoying the action.”
Rylie snorts. “Oh dear Lord, she’s talking about her vagina like it’s a person now.”
Brynn sits up tall. “She’s an all inclusive resort, thank you. Five fucking stars, baby!”
Laughter bursts out of everyone. There’s only one Brynn, and I sure am glad she’s ours.
My smile deepens. “Let us know how that situation plays out."
Rylie nudges my arm. “By the way, we’re taking you out Friday night for your birthday.”
“Oh, what are the plans?” I ask.
It’s always tradition that we celebrate birthdays together.
Brynn frowns at me. “It wouldn’t be a surprise if we were to tell you, now would it? Just wear something hot. Maybe you can knock a few cobwebs off your girl.”
I stick my middle finger up, as I blow her a kiss. “A surprise birthday outing. I’m excited about this.”
“Definitely should be a good selection around,” Maddie adds, with a knowing smile.
Hmm, I need to go shopping.