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As close as we are, it’s impossible to miss the way his expression shutters closed. “No. You can’t. You promised.”
“That’s not the response I was expecting.”
“It’s the best I can give. I love you, but not romantically. I enjoy your company but don’t want a relationship. You knew this.”
He gets out of bed and pulls on his boxers then his shirt.
“So, you’re leaving because I told you I love you.”
He avoids meeting my eyes as he responds, “I think it’s for the best. You need some time to think.”
“Chase, do you think that time is going to make me stop loving you?”
“It has to. You can’t love me because I can’t return your love.”
Without looking at me still, he finishes dressing, and I pull on my robe to follow him to the door.
“Goodbye, Megan. I’m sorry.”
Chase walks out, leaving me to wonder how three little words destroyed the best relationship I ever had. I should have kept my mouth shut. Heartbreaking, I crawl back into bed and bury my head in the pillow he slept on. It smells like him.
I sleep horribly, and the next morning I look in the mirror to the face of someone ten years older. It takes twice the effort to get ready and drag myself to the lab. Work is buzzing with the news of the day. Doug Bannon has been dismissed from his position after the investigation proved he was guilty of sexual harassment. While I’m relieved, the investigation is over, the next piece of information tears me apart. Dr. Chase Pearce is leaving to head up the Los Angeles office.
Cursing under my breath, I practically run to his office. Joan is not at her desk, so I burst through his door unimpeded. He shows no surprise at my entrance.
“Tell me it’s not true? You bastard!”
In contrast to my heated entrance, his tone is cold as he orders, “Keep your voice down and close the door.”
I shut the door and sit down in front of his desk.
“You’re leaving?” I accuse.
“I was asked this morning if I want to head up the office in Los Angeles. Due to the circumstances, I should go.”
My jaw drops, but I quickly snap it shut. “What circumstances? That I’m in love with you?”
“Yes. You knew how I felt.”
“And you know how I feel. You’re running away. How do you know I’m not the right person for you?”
“I don’t, but I’m not ready for this, and you knew that.”
We’re interrupted by the buzzing of the phone. He takes the call and then puts it on hold.
“I need to take this.” It’s a clear dismissal.
“That’s your answer to me. No discussion, nothing.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Fuck you, Chase.”
“Goodbye, Miss Stanford.”
He’s already answering the phone as I stand. I practically rip the door off the hinges as I open it, startling Joan. I can’t believe this is over, but I was the stupid one to think I could change his mind. I fooled around and finally got burned.
I hear through the company grapevine that this is Chase’s last week. He starts at the Los Angeles office on Monday. I have some reports that need his signature, but I ask Cindy to take them to him. I’ve felt nothing but sick since I heard he’s leaving. Seeing him or talking to him will only make me feel worse.
