Chapter 29
Rey: I’m sorry.
I stare at the message, not having the courage to delete it. I moved in three days ago but wanted to wait until the weekend when it was less busy. Since Javier's fight is tomorrow, I don’t need to come to work on Saturday, so I moved my things before they returned from their morning run. Javier promised not to tell Rey before I left. I didn’t know how to tell Rey about the apartment or see the look in his eyes when I did. It was better this way. He wouldn’t have to feel guilty watching me leave.
The apartment feels lonely, and it’s mostly empty, but it’s mine. A place I can call my own. I won’t feel like I’m a burden to anyone, and it’s a fresh start—my fresh start.
Since it’s a short walk to campus, I junked my car.
Two days ago, I took it to a mechanic, who said I was lucky it lasted this long. He said it was better to get something for it now than when it would cost me to tow it to a junkyard.
Uber wasn’t so bad. Javier offered to bring me and pick me up, but I told him I would manage. He offered to pay for the rides for working at the gym, and I couldn’t refute the offer, so I agreed.
I stare at Rey’s text, not knowing what to say. I typed and retyped. Typed again.
Finally….
Ari: Thank you for all you have done for me, Rey. Tell Javier good luck and to call me when he wins.
Three little bubbles pop up and then disappear.
Around midnight, Javier was declared the winner by TKO. The look on Javier’s face from the picture on social media told me that I wouldn’t be receiving a call from Javier.
He was doing fine, but it was going to be a long night of celebrating and recuperation. I felt a slight pang of hope in my chest, wishing that Rey would send me a text. However, I stopped checking my phone by three in the morning. Through tears, I kept reassuring myself that it was for the best.
When I hear a light knock, I look up and am surprised to see Chase in the office doorway. Javier told me that Rey apologized via text to Chase, but I didn’t think he would talk to me after what happened.
“How are you?”
“I’m good, I guess. How is everything going with you?”
His smile brightens. “I’m good, actually. I’m going to start fighting professionally.”
“Really?” I say with a bright smile. “That’s great, Chase. Are you any good?” I tease.
“I don’t know. You will have to see for yourself.”
“Let me know when the fight is, and I’ll be the judge.”
“Okay. On one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“You go out with me to dinner. ”
I lift my long hair from the nape of my neck. “Wow,” I say, fanning myself. “Is it hot in here?”
He laughs, and I notice he has dimples. “That depends.”
“Depends on what?”
He walks closer. I automatically look out the tiny window, expecting to see Rey’s gaze aimed at me like it always is, but he’s not looking this way. He’s hitting the bag with his headphones on.
Since the day I left his house, Rey hasn’t looked at me the same way like a thousand suns burning into my soul. He hasn’t texted me to ask if I’m alright. To see if I made it home after work.
After three weeks, Rey didn’t think of me anymore. Not in the way I thought of him.
“If you’re here.”
I look up. “Huh?” He arches a brow. I blush, embarrassed that I wasn’t paying attention.
“I said, if you are here, Ari.”
I smile. “Oh.”
He pushes off the wall and lowers his voice. “How about it? You and me hang out on a Friday night.”
“I can’t. Um… I don’t have a car. My car died at the junkyard.”
He pinches his brows. “How have you been getting to work?”
I pick up the pen and begin to click it open and closed, open and closed. “I take an Uber to and from my apartment.”
“Late at night?” he asks, bewildered.
“Yep. The good news is that the gym pays for it. I don’t think anyone would try anything if they picked me up from here. The Uber guy probably thinks I can kick his ass,” I say with a laugh.
“Oh,” he says confused. “That’s great…free Uber rides.”
“It was Javier’s idea.”
I could tell by his expression that he was surprised that Rey wasn't opposed to it after the gym closed, but he didn’t say anything, and I was grateful.
In truth, I need a friend. I want to talk to someone who isn’t part of Jimmy’s circle. I was caught up in his life for so long that I didn’t realize I was living alone. Every friend I had since I arrived at college was through Jimmy.
“Alright, Friday night. We can go see a late movie or maybe get something to eat you haven’t tried.”
“I would like that,” I say while he pulls out his phone. “What’s your number?”
I rattle off my number, and he sends me a text.
Chase: What time? We should text. I don’t want you to get in trouble with your boss.
Ari: Very funny. But on a side note, I’m not allowed to fraternize with members of the gym.
He shrugs and gives me a wink. “You’re not. We’re friends.”
“Ten,” I whisper with a smile.
“Cancel the Uber. I’ll make it back in time to take you home today. I’ll wait in the parking lot until you’re ready.”
“Are you sure?”
“Uber drivers aren't all that safe.”
There have been horror stories.
I look out the window when Chase leaves the office, but Rey is gone. He isn’t near the punching bag or in the ring. It’s like he vanished.