30 #2
I slam my foot on the brake and earn myself a honking of a horn and a middle finger as the car passes by me. I look in my rearview and quickly turn off the road before I get us both killed.
“What?” I ask once more.
“ Have you realized that your girlfriend can never give you what I can? Say you miss me and I’ll be waiting.
What the FUCK, Nic? I knew you were no good for me.
Goddammit!” She throws the car door open, slamming it practically off the hinges, and begins walking on a dangerous path next to the feeder road.
I roll down the window and shout. “Valentina! Wait!” She continues to stomp off and I pull up on the path to cut her off. I don’t care if I get a ticket or if my car gets towed, I need her to hear me out.
I know who sent the text. She hasn’t stopped sending them. She sends a text and I block her. She finds a way to text me from another number and I repeat the process. My only other option at this point is to change my number. I’m convinced that she won’t stop until I give in to what she wants.
And that will never happen.
I jump out of the still idling car and grab her wrist. She yanks on it, trying to free herself, but letting her go isn’t an option. “Leave me alone.”
“No. I won’t. Not until you listen to me.
” The sound of cars flying by, many honking, fights to drown out my words.
“I don’t know who that is, but I can tell you I have not been with anyone since I met you.
” She levels me with one look. “Okay. Since Carrie or whatever her name is, but that was me trying to prove a point. That point became moot the moment I saw you in that gold dress. When you walked towards me, I swear I heard angels sing. No lie!”
I lie…through my teeth. But only about not sleeping with anyone after we met. After we began dating is a different story.
“You really think I’m going to believe that bullshit? Your whole persona is being a ladies man. And the fact that you don’t know who texted you doesn’t surprise me. Get away from me.” She finally breaks free of my hold and spins around.
Her heel catches a rock and she starts to tumble. A cry leaves her mouth and I rush to catch her before she hits the ground. I hug her tight to my body and she shakes, trembling from her nose to toes.
“Don’t touch me. I can’t handle this right now. I told you not to break me. But like every other fucking asshole out there, you did just that. I am so stupid.” She wiggles in my arms but I refuse to let her go.
“I didn’t cheat on you.” And really, I haven’t.
“I would not. Yes, I was that guy. I won’t apologize for the person who no longer exists.
He was a dumbass, but you have changed every-fucking-thing.
I had to go through all of that shit in order for me to get here.
With you.” Her nostrils flare and tears streak down her face.
“This sounds moronic, I know, but think about how we met. Would you ever have even looked in my direction if it wasn’t because of my behavior? ”
“What? You’re right. That is moronic.” I stand her on her feet and continue to grovel.
“I’m not denying that. But if I had been the picture perfect guy, like Saint or Soba, Monty would have had no reason to call you, and my goddamn life would be an empty fucking hole.
” I hold her arms and let my heart spill out.
“I love you Valentina, and the last thing I would ever do is break you. I want to be the one holding you together when times are tough. If there’s a crack, I’ll fix it.
You’ll never stop rolling your eyes at my dumb ass, and I’ll never stop loving it.
We may be opposites, but we are a perfect match. ”
Lights shine as the cars pass by us, illuminating her glistening eyes. There’s such a storm raging behind them and I don’t know what else I can do. I feel my soul begin to break because I can’t lose her.
“You-you love me?”
“Like a fool.” No truer words have I ever spoken.
“Like mad. Like I never thought I could love someone. I love you more than I love myself, and that’s a lot.
” She gives me a short chuckle that falls from a trembling mouth.
“You have become my whole world. If my football career ended tomorrow, I would take comfort in knowing I have you to hold my hand as I move on with a heavy heart. But the game no longer defines me. You do.”
She drops her face into her hands and her shoulders shake. The emotion pouring from her weighs on me like a brick building. I pray this is not the end. I’d lose myself.
“Besides. I’d be okay being a stay-at-home hubby while my woman is out making bank. Mom taught me how to cook, and I’m not afraid to clean a toilet. All I need is an apron and some sexy undies to wear when you come home after a long day at the office.”
She swallows and sucks up her tears. “You’d have to fight it out with Lucy. She already asked me to marry her if we’re still single when we’re thirty-five.”
“Well she can forget about that because I’m here. She can live in the basement.” The devastation drains from Valentina’s face and the pain building in my stomach eases. “Can we go home now? Please?”
She nods and I move in for a soft kiss. The side of a busy road is no place for a make-out session.
I guide her back to the car, buckling her in, and scramble to get us home where I can take away all of her doubts. The car ride home is quiet but I don’t care. I just need her close.
When we walk in, mom, dad and Greer greet us with smiles and Valentina gives each of them short hugs before excusing herself to the bathroom to reset. Mom smacks my arm and walks away, and Greer shakes her head. I’m left standing alone next to dad, watching my girl walk out of sight.
“What’d you do?” He asks.
“Fall in love.”