5. Baylee
Baylee
I roll down the window of my car, feeling that warm August air hit my face, hoping it brings some relief to my nerves as I make my way to the restaurant the next night. But, nothing is making me feel better about this dinner.
After I confessed everything to my roommates, I had a wave a relief wash over me.
I felt like the old pieces of me were coming out as the plan came together for tonight.
But the moment I started this drive, my resolve started to waver and now I’m feeling nauseous with the thought I have to face Myles.
I’ve broken up with guys I’ve dated before, but with him it’s different.
He has this inexplicable hold on me. Instead of feeling like his words repel off me like droplets of oil on my skin, they seep into me and cling onto the depths of my soul.
It’s like he’s got a hold on my psyche in a way I can’t dislodge.
I can feel my pulse racing, and not in the way I look forward to on a date, with anticipation and exhilaration, but in fear that something horrible is about to happen.
It’s taking everything in me not to turn this car around and go back to the comfort of my apartment.
Packing my stuff and simply moving to Boston to start at my new school sounds more appealing than confronting Myles right about now.
But Mandy made the point that cutting off ties is best. Saying goodbye to this life with him is necessary because he’ll always have this hold on me if I don’t end things with him now.
I know she’s right. It has to end tonight. I’ll have to walk tall, find that inner Baylee I know is still inside, and stand up to this person I’ve called my boyfriend. I can’t do this anymore.
Alexis made me realize this relationship is killing me from the inside.
It’s taking parts of me and stripping me.
It has pushed me to seek a life outside of Connecticut without even telling Myles, because I wanted an out.
Had I been happy, I would’ve been straightforward with Myles when I applied to these different programs from the start.
But I went behind his back and looked for an out.
I knew deep down I was unhappy, and I was looking for any excuse to leave.
I turn into the restaurant parking, seeing the valet attendant and stopping in front of the gentleman to give my key and grab the stub from him. I can see his smile of approval at the little black dress the moment I step out of my car. It’s confirmation that I made the right choice.
I took charge with this black dress and matched it with killer heels, much like I would’ve before meeting Myles.
From the front, this dress looks modest, but the moment I turn around, I know the attention I’ll get will set Myles off.
It’s form-fitting, with a plunging backline, revealing the delicate firefly tattoo on my shoulder.
The dress hits right above my knees and paired with heels it shows off my toned legs.
Tonight it’s about seizing control of myself again.
Fuck Myles and the thoughts of what he’ll say.
The days of letting him hold power over me are no longer going to restrain me.
I’m taking control of my life and walking away from him and all the horrible things he’s said to me.
His hurtful words stay with him after tonight, I will no longer carry them with me .
I walk through the entryway of the restaurant and I’m immediately assaulted by the chatter of diners inside.
Myles is an accounting major at our university and has his sights set on becoming a financial broker once he graduates in the winter.
He only has this next semester until he finishes his degree.
He hopes to work at the office where he’s been interning after he graduates.
Myles comes from an affluent family here in Connecticut.
His mother is a lawyer in the state and opportunities have always been handed to him, versus worked for.
I doubt he’ll have any trouble getting whatever he wants after graduation.
I make my way to the front where the host greets me with a smile.
“Hi, I’m here for the dinner for Grace and Jance Financial Group,” I tell her.
“Oh yes, they’re in the private room down back to the left,” she explains, pointing in the direction through the double doors.
I smile and begin to make my way over. There are a few glances my way by diners as I walk by and I simply smile, my head held high.
The moment I approach the room filled with associates from his firm, I spot Myles. I can feel myself shake a bit at his presence, but I feel a little more at ease since his back is to me as he’s deep in conversation.
Someone he’s speaking to looks up and locks eyes with me and says something to Myles.
Right then, Myles turns his gaze over to me.
The easygoing smile that was on his face turns to stone when he sees me, his eyes rake me over from head to toe, taking in my outfit.
I keep my head up high, walking over to him.
The moment I reach his group, I plaster a smile on my face, forcing myself to greet him. I can tell he’s angry, his eyes continually roaming over me .
I move my cheek toward Myles and greet him with a hug and kiss.
I whisper in his ear, “Good to see you, sweets.”
“What are you wearing?” he whispers so only I can hear him. I try not to let his words sting, but it’s hard not to feel hurt that of all the things to be greeted with, this is how he starts our interaction. Not even a "hello" or a "good to see you."
Pulling away, I wipe the little bit of dark red lipstick from his cheek that rubbed off on his skin. “Oops,” I say on a wink.
I turn and introduce myself to the group. Some look young enough to be fellow interns like Myles. At first, Myles remains silent, probably internally seething, but he finally pulls his head out of his ass and starts to take over introductions to his colleagues.
“Well, if this isn’t the stunning Baylee.” An older gentleman makes his way over to our group. “I’m Conrad Gontry, I’m this guy’s boss.” He thumbs over to Myles.
“Oh, well it’s a pleasure.” I go to shake his hand, but he pulls my hand to his lips. Myles has moved his hand to my lower back and I feel his hand stiffen around my waist, his fingers digging into my skin.
“I’ve heard great things from Myles about what an amazing woman he has by his side. He didn’t emphasize how stunning you are,” he says, looking anywhere but my face when he says this. The discomfort is climbing. So, we can add douche to the boss’s resume.
“That’s very kind. Thank you,” I say, trying to step further away from Mr. Gontry without being a total ass, although he’s a close second to my boyfriend in taking that award tonight.
“If you’ll excuse us, I’m going to grab a drink for Baylee.” Myles doesn’t wait for an answer and steers us away from the group, his grip on me only intensifying.
As we get closer to the bar, I expect us to order something, but he maneuvers us so we veer right, where we move away from the crowd and no one can hear our conversation. The moment we’re alone, there’s only fire in his eyes as he turns me to face him.
“That was a bit rude, no?” I comment.
“What the fuck are you wearing, Baylee?” He completely ignores my question.
“Excuse me?” I look down, making sure nothing is out of place.
“What the fuck is this dress?” he bites back.
“Normal,” I counter. Yes, I’m pushing his buttons.
“Like hell it is. Everyone is looking at you like you’re their next meal,” he says.
“I look good,” I say, a small laugh slips, only making Myles angrier.
“Baylee, don’t you see the way my coworkers are salivating as you walk by? You’re supposed to look like my future wife, not like someone that would get on your knees for any of these guys!” he whispers.
“Excuse me?” What. The. Fuck.
“You heard me. You look like you’re giving it away.” This asshole has the nerve to not even look sorry. “That’s not a half-bad idea. Maybe I should offer you to Mr. Gontry whenever he wants you to solidify my job.”
We stare at each other for an extra beat. I’m waiting to see his words click, hoping he has a heart somewhere in that hollow chest of his, but soon he just stalks off, leaving me in this corner without a care in the world.
I watch him move toward the bar, greeting another coworker in the process, as if his words didn’t just gut the person he claims to love. I wish I could say I feel the sting of tears, but all I feel is anger. I pull in a breath, steel my spine and walk over to Myles.
“Excuse me,” I interrupt. Myles and his colleague look over .
“Yes, love,” he says, as if he didn’t just insinuate I’d suck dick for anyone in this place. Fucking asshole.
I tamper the desire to roll my eyes. “Do you mind if I just pull him away for just another second?” I address the gentleman across from him.
The man nods and gives me a small smile. Myles looks annoyed by my request but complies and turns toward me.
I plaster a smile and move my hand along his lapel to smooth down the fabric, hoping to show myself off as a caring girlfriend having a conversation with him, instead of the seething one I will be in about a second.
“Myles, baby,” I begin. Myles looks at me, already appearing bored by whatever I’m about to say. “I want you to know that’s the last time you ever speak to me like that, because you will never see me again after this. We’re done. I hope you fuck off. Have the life you deserve.”
Myles’s face distorts and I see the anger move along his features as he processes my words.
He continues to stare at me and I’m well aware he hates to make a scene.
I lean in and plant a slight kiss on his cheek, barely touching his skin.
When I pull away, the smile I give him is full of satisfaction.
To anyone watching, it just looks like I’m saying my goodbyes and leaving the dinner early.
No one would guess I’ve just broken up with my boyfriend.