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What’s wrong with me tonight?
I’m going to put it down to shock.
Gabriel pulls up outside my apartment building in record time. The lights from the reception area welcome me home. I can see Billy, our night security guard, at his desk. My heart constricts. I’ll miss this luxury as a single woman living in the city, knowing someone is downstairs twenty-four hours a day, protecting me while I sleep. But then, I’ve grown accustomed to being spoiled. At the end of the day, it’s Vince’s salary that has allowed all this. Now, I need to find my own normal.
“Thank you for the lift,” I say, but Gabriel is already out of the car. The door next to me lifts silently. Gabriel’s hand appears in the gap. I make a move to exit the car. It doesn’t take me long to realise there must be a technique for getting out. The bucket seat acting like a magnet for my ass. After failing three times, I accept the hand Gabriel offers. The strength in his fingers, as they clasp mine, sends shards of warmth and awareness down my arm.
“Thank you for the lift,” I say, my voice sounding a little rough.
I look up to find Gabriel trying to hide his smirk.
“It takes practice,” he adds, nodding towards the seat and door.
“Clearly,” I mutter. “A pregnant woman would need a hoist.”
A furrow appears between Gabriel’s brows, and I realise what I said. Yasmin’s announcement has had a profound effect on me. Gabriel says nothing. Instead, moving to retrieve my bags.
“Have a lovely weekend,” I say as he moves to get back into the car.
“Good luck with the apartment hunting tomorrow,” Gabriel replies, his brow still furrowed.
“Thank you,” I say. “For everything.”
“You’ve already said that,” he points out. His expression is neutral, before he lets out a mini-huff and adds, “You’re welcome.”
I want to smile as his awkwardness returns. Instead, I say, “I’ll see you on Monday.”
He nods before effortlessly sliding into the driver’s seat.
I walk to the entrance, and the automatic doors slide open. Billy looks up from his desk and smiles.
“Evening, Ms Walker. Welcome home,” he says.
“Evening, Billy. Have a good evening.”
I make my way to the elevator. My heart lurches as I step inside. Five weeks, and I’ll be gone. A crushing pain grips my chest, stealing my breath as I think of Yasmin, Vince, and the child they’re expecting. Yasmin will push a stroller into these lifts in the coming months. What was once our spare room, will become the nursery I always dreamed of.
My hands curl against the wall of the elevator as it ascends. I don’t have to wait long before I’m deposited outside the apartment. I open the door and kick off my shoes, making my way inside. The beautiful view stretches out in front of me. The lights of the city reflect off the water. I sink down onto the couch and close my eyes, unable to look at my surroundings—the place I’ve called home for eight years. But it’s not my home. It’s Vince’s, and now, it will be Yasmin and their baby’s.
I bite my lip hard to stifle the sob that threatens to escape. I’ve cried enough tonight, and that just isn’t me. It’s time to face the truth. My life here is over. I’m about to begin a new chapter. What that will look like is anyone’s guess. But crying over what might have been, helps no one.
I pick up my phone and see the dozens of messages from Stella, Nat, and Vince. I fire off a reply to Stella and Nat in our group chat.
ME:
I’m home safe, sorry to worry you.
STELLA:
Thank God. How are you doing?
NAT:
Hugs babes
ME:
I’m spent, both emotionally and physically. Can I call you in the morning?
