Chapter 37
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Trina
“I gave him back the ring,” I say to Callie.
“When?”
“Last night. I went to his apartment and told him I didn’t want to marry him.”
“How do you feel? Are you okay?”
“I’m actually really good. It was the right decision. I wasn’t sure before, but I am now, and when I left his apartment, I felt so much better. Like I was finally free of that relationship.”
“I’m really proud of you. I know it wasn’t an easy decision, especially when Asher kept telling you all the stuff you’ve been wanting him to say, like about getting married and getting a house.”
“I still want that, but not with him. The more he talked about our future, the more I realized I didn’t want to be with him. I realized I don’t love him, and I haven’t for a long time.”
“What did Asher say when you gave back the ring?”
“He wasn’t surprised. He admits he didn’t put any effort into the relationship the past couple of years. He was hoping I’d be able to look past that and we could start again, but he understood why I couldn’t.”
“So what happens now? You think you’ll start dating again?”
“I don’t think so. I’m still getting over Scott. I’m more sad about losing him than losing Asher.”
“Have you talked to Scott since he told you about his fiancé?”
“Yeah, he came over yesterday. It was really weird. He said he wanted to talk, and he started to, but then said he had to go.”
“Go where?”
“To some meeting he forgot about, which he suddenly remembered while he was in the middle of talking to me. He just stopped mid-sentence and said he had to leave.”
“Yeah, that’s weird. Maybe you should go over there and ask him what he wanted to say.”
“I could, but if he really wanted to tell me, he would’ve come back here after his meeting. It must not have been anything important.”
“You know, it’s possible he could change his mind.”
“About what?”
“Being with you. He might just need more time to work through his grief.”
“No, he made it clear that Megan was the only girl he’d ever love.”
“He said that?”
“Well, no, but that’s what he meant. It was obvious when he told me about her.”
“But that could change. Just look at me. When I met Nash, I didn’t want anyone getting near me. I couldn’t imagine myself dating, let alone getting married.”
“I don’t see Scott changing his mind about us. Even if he wanted to date me again, his heart is with Megan. I don’t want to be with a guy who’s in love with someone else.”
“Loving her doesn’t mean he can’t love you too. How did he act when he came over to talk to you?”
“He seemed happy, and a little nervous, or maybe he was excited. I couldn’t tell.”
“And how did he seem when he left?”
“Like he was upset, probably because he forgot his meeting.”
“I think it was something else. Did anything happen before he rushed out of there?”
I pause a moment, reliving the scene in my head. “Oh, no.”
“What?”
“I think I was wearing my ring.”
“Your engagement ring?”
“Yeah, I wanted to put it on one last time before I had to give it back. Then Scott came to the door and I didn’t have a chance to take it off. He must’ve seen it. But why would that matter?”
“It wouldn’t, unless he was there to tell you he wanted you back.”
“He wouldn’t do that. He doesn’t want a relationship, and he knows I’ve been going out with Asher.”
“Going out and engaged are two separate things. If he saw that ring, he’d assume you were marrying Asher. He’d think it was too late to get you back.”
“That’s not what happened. I wish it was, but it’s not.”
“But what if it was? Wouldn’t you want to know? All I’m saying is that you should tell Scott you’re not engaged. See how he reacts.”
“I could, but it’s not going to make a difference.”
“Just do it. And then ask him what he wanted to talk to you about.”
“You’re being really bossy,” I joke.
“Let me know how it goes. Bye!”
She ends the call, like she expects me to do this now. I might as well. Then I can call Callie back and tell her she was wrong.
I go over to Scott’s apartment and knock on the door. Bridget answers.
See, Callie? You’re wrong. If Scott wanted me back, he wouldn’t have his ex-girlfriend at his apartment, answering his door.
“Hey, is Scott here?” I ask.
“No, he just left.”
“Do you know when he’ll be back?”
“I think he said Thursday?” She shrugs. “Or maybe it was Friday. I can’t remember.”
Friday? Today’s Monday.
“Did he go somewhere?”
“He’s flying to California. He didn’t tell you?” She gives me a smug grin, pleased that she knows this and I don’t. She was jealous when I was dating Scott. She was always giving me dirty looks.
“He didn’t mention it, but I haven’t really talked to him all week.”
“He’s going out there for business. It sounds like he’ll be moving there.”
Scott’s moving? Is that what he wanted to tell me? When is he moving? And when did he decide this?
My mind’s racing, trying to figure out what to do. Scott can’t move. I’d miss him too much. I miss him now, and he lives right next door!
I need to talk to him. I need to tell him I’m not engaged, and that it’s him I want, not Asher.
Maybe it wouldn’t make a difference. Maybe Scott would still move away, but he can’t leave without knowing how I feel.
“You said he’ll be back Thursday?” I ask.
“I think so. Ask Cole. He would know. He just left for the gym, but he’ll be back in a few hours.”
“When did Scott leave?”
“Like an hour ago? He’s probably at the airport by now. You could try calling him.”
“No.” I shake my head. “I need to talk to him in person.”
“Okay, well, I have to go so—”
“Why are you here? I mean, are you staying here while Scott’s gone?”
“No, I’m here to use the conference room.” She checks her phone. “I have a call starting in a few minutes.”
“Oh, sorry. I’ll let you go.”
She shuts the door. I return to my apartment and call Callie.
“Did you talk to him?” she says when she answers.
“No. He’s gone. He’s on his way to California. He’s moving there. That’s what he came here to tell me. That had to be it.” I sink to the floor. “Why does this hurt so much? It hurts more than when Asher broke up with me.”
“You could still talk to him. It’s not too late.”
“I can, but if he’s moving, it means he’s committed to being single. It won’t matter what I say. He doesn’t want to be with me, or anyone.”
My phone alarm goes off.
“Oh, I have to get to work. I didn’t realize it was this late.”
“I’ll let you go. Try to stay positive. Maybe this will all work out.”
How could it possibly work out? Scott’s gone. He’s moving away.