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I HAD JUST pulled into my reserved spot in the dental office parking lot when Chad responded to the text I’d sent him yesterday about him coming into my duplex and sleeping in my bed.
Chad:I haven’t been there.
Me: I know you have. When I got back from Cypress Hills yesterday, the accent pillows on my bed were out of place. You never could remember how I liked them. Or maybe you do and just don’t care.
Chad:I’ve always cared. The dark blue pillow with a crocheted crescent moon and stars goes in the middle. The gold-tasseled ones go on either side of it, and the star-shaped pillows go on both ends. But the star-shaped pillow that partly unraveled after you washed it and later sewed up goes on your side of the bed.
I didn’t know what to say to him or Rhys. I’d been wrong about this entire matter and felt like an idiot. Although it wasn’t like me, I was the one who had misarranged my accent pillows by putting the mended star-shaped one on the opposite side of my bed. I did it probably because my mind was on going to Cypress Hills later that day, and I was worried about running into Rhys.
After taking a minute to collect myself, I replied to Chad.
Me:My mistake. I apologize.
Chad:It’s ok.
Me:I need to get my things from your house and return my engagement ring to you.
Chad: Keep your ring, and please forgive me for all I’ve done. If you can find it in your heart to do that, then would you consider getting back together with me?
Me:I’ve already forgiven you but for myself. And no, I will never get back together with you. I can’t and won’t go through this hurtful mess again.
Chad:Do you hate me?
Me:I don’t hate anybody.
Chad:Do you still love me?
I leaned my head back on the seat and closed my eyes. Dammit.
Me:Yes, but my love will never be enough for you. I can’t help or heal you any more than I’ve already tried. You need professional help with your anger issue. If you don’t get it, then you’re going to hurt the next woman who comes into your life. Probably worse than you did me.
Chad:I don’t want anybody but you.
Me:It’s too late.
Chad:What if I start going to a therapist?
Me:It’s still too late. Regardless, go. I want you to find true peace and happiness. You won’t ever be able to do that as long as you have those demons inside you.
The bubble with the three dots popped back up and then disappeared. Thinking that Chad had nothing else to say, I tossed my cellphone into my purse. Seconds later, it chimed.
Chad:When would you like to get your things?
Me:I’ll let you know.
Chad:I want to ask you something but don’t want to upset you.
Me:?
Chad:If you’re thinking about getting back together with Rhys.
Me:That’s none of your business.
Chad:I apologize. It’s just been hard for me living in his shadow.
Me:I’ve got to go.
Chad:I hope you have a good day.
