Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
Isaac
The news plays in the background. A picture of the missing couple flashes across the screen. In their photograph, they stand together against a backdrop of golden wheat fields, their smiles so full of love and promise that the grim reality of their current situation seems impossible.
“Authorities have confirmed that the couple’s vehicle was found abandoned near a gas station the couple was known to frequent,” the news anchor continues solemnly.
“Their wallets and cell phones were discovered inside, along with a half-eaten dinner and two untouched water bottles. Foul play is suspected, and the local police force has launched a full-scale investigation. However, as of now, there are no known leads, and the whereabouts of the couple remain unknown.”
The photograph fades and is replaced by footage from a helicopter hovering over the area where their car was found.
The scene is chaotic with police dogs sniffing around, forensic teams scattered all over like some real Special Victims shit.
I turn off the TV. This shit is depressing and the last thing I need.
It’s been days since I last saw Ronnie, and I’ve been a moping mess since.
Like Nixie would say, a broody as fuck MMC.
That’s me. Ever since I left her house, the days have been a blur.
I pull out my phone only to stare at the screen.
A game I’ve been playing since that day.
The urge to call her screams in the forefront of my mind.
I really want to talk to her, but what could I possibly say that would make things better?
I was a complete fucking dickhead, and there is nothing I can say to take my actions or words back.
The truth is that I meant every word that I said.
Me, calling to apologize, would only be a lie.
I would be lying to myself and the woman I love.
To make matters worse, according to my dad, Max asked for her hand in marriage.
I can’t prove it, I just know it was definitely a move to force her hand. I’m sure of it.
“FUCK,” I grunt and continue to ice my face, stretching my legs.
“Baby,” Alexa says as she crawls into bed and lies between my legs.
Annoyance rolls off my body when her hand traces the length of my cock.
Can’t she tell that I’m hurting? Maybe this is what I need to feel nothing.
Despite the urge to tell her to fuck off, today, my pain demands to be felt.
And I want none of it, which is why I use the only comfort I’ve known.
Alexa’s body.
A simple transaction.
And once it’s all said and done, she gets up from the bed and moves towards the bathroom.
“We have to get ready to meet Ronnie tonight.”
I nod, trying to stop the ache already weighing in my chest at the mention of her name.
Tonight is the celebration of her promotion.
As always, my girl is doing big things, and I couldn’t be more proud.
It still doesn’t hurt any less knowing it’s another man who will be by her side, and not me.
“You’re coming?” She calls from inside the bathroom.
The sound of water fills the space when she turns on the shower.
I groan and reluctantly push myself out of the comfort of the bed, trailing after her.
The scent of her still lingers on my skin, and as much as I wish I could welcome it, all I want to do is wash it off.
I shake my head, willing away the thought as I step into the steamy shower behind Alexa.
The hot water hits my body like a physical barrier, tearing me away from my mental turmoil and grounding me back in the reality of the tiled bathroom.
Veronica
I look at the time, my fingers linger on the golden stud.
My smile fades. I should be happy about my promotion.
About the proposal. Yet, all I could think about was Isaac's words, his kiss that still burned on my lips. Tonight is meant to be a celebration, and all I can do is think about my best friend who will show up with Isaac by her side. It would be a lie to say it didn’t hurt.
A groan escapes my lips, the gold stud falling from my hand and into my vanity.
“Hey,” Max's husky voice pulls me from the deepest corner in my mind. I give him a small reassuring smile as he steps out of the bathroom already dressed for tonight's activity. I could still feel the slight tension between us. He’s upset and rightfully so. We talked about marriage, and I don’t know.
I’m just not ready, like he is. He wants the white picket fence, the kids, and the wife.
And I …. Well, I don’t know what I want.
I feel his arms wrap around me. His warmth envelops me along with the smell of his soap.
Linen and cedar. “You okay?” He asks softly against the crook of my neck.
I nod. “I am.”
Our eyes clash in the mirror. I can see the defeat in his eyes. He knows that I’m lying or at least hiding something, but he doesn’t pry. He never does. Maybe this is why our relationship has lasted this long, because I don’t divulge, and he doesn’t pry.
Max pulls away first, gently squeezing my shoulder before turning away. “Gotta finish getting ready for tonight.”
“I’m almost ready. I was actually texting Lex about being on time. I don’t want to be out all night.”
Max stops, glancing over his shoulder. “Is she bringing that brute?”
I let out a small chuckle, my eyes crinkling at the face Max makes. “Of course she is. He’s my–” He cuts me off with a shake of his head, “he’s an asshole. And I don’t know what Alexa sees in a grown man that can’t commit to her.”
My heart sinks at his words. Is it selfish of me to be happy with the idea of Isaac not committing to anyone? I know it’s wrong, but if I couldn’t have him, the idea of someone else just felt wrong. “Maybe they are just not into commitment.”
He stops taking in my words, and my blood runs cold, noticing my mistake. “How about you, Veronica, do you want that kind of commitment?”
I bite my lip nervously, shifting my gaze, unable to look at him as the guilt slowly consumes me. Inch by inch. Leaving no part of me untouched. “I’m already committed. Aren’t I?”
His jaw tightens as he scoffs bitterly, “Sure thing.”
I swallow hard, forcing the lump down my throat.
My heart ricochets inside my chest. I feel hot and sweaty, and before I can say another thing, he storms out of the room without saying another word.
I stare at the back of the white door for a while, debating if I should go to him and apologize.
I don’t know what I’m doing. Should I marry him?
With this promotion, I can work remotely from anywhere as long as I travel back for our monthly meeting.
It will be easier to say yes and tell him to accept his new offer.
My chest tightens at the thought, sparks of pain shooting through me.
Why can’t I love him the way he deserves?
Why, after all this, do I still hesitate?
He worked so hard for it, but I just can’t. The words won't come out.
A loud buzz grabs my attention. Taking a deep breath in, I try to steady my racing pulse before looking down at the screen for a message from my coworker.
Julio:
Hi Bonita, we are heading to the bar now. See u soon !
I grab my phone and type back.
Me:
See u soon !