Page 57 of Burning Obsession

"The guy? The one you’ve been obsessing over? The one who saved you?” She lets out a slow breath. “Oh Victor, he didn’t know who you were?”

“No. When I ran into him that day, it was purely coincidental. Then I went over to the table, and started talking. I didn’t expect anything more than that.” I swallow hard. “Then when he didn’t recognize me and asked me out, I thought I was finally getting my chance.”

"Oh, damn. Why didn’t you tell him? Or did you, and that’s why he broke up with you? Fuck, I need to sit down.” I hear her moving around, then a grunt.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

“Yeah, the little bean sprout is doing a number on me. But tell me what happened.”

“No, I didn’t tell him. I was going to and then he told me how he felt about the person sending him gifts and I knew it would be a mistake. I just figured after more time together and getting closer, I could tell him.” I close my eyes and take a deep breath. This is fucking torture. “We ran into the lady that runs the café I ordered his coffee from. Apparently they are friends. He told her I was his boyfriend and she assumed I told him the truth.”

“Oh, sweetie, I am so sorry. I’m sure he’s just upset, and after some time to think about it, he’ll come around.”

“No, you didn’t see the look in his eyes. He thinks I’m some crazed psycho. That I was having fun fucking around with him, pretending to like him. He doesn’t want to see me. He wouldn’t even listen to me explain what happened.”

"I'm sure he just needs time to process," she says gently. "Then he'll forgive you."

"I don't think he will."

"You don't know that."

“Yes, I do. He’s hurt, pissed, and I’m the reason for all of it.” I have to fight back a sob. “Nellie, I love him. I never told him, but I do.” My eyes burn and my chest feels so heavy.

“I know you do. I could tell by the way you talked about him. The way your voice just lit up with excitement.”

“And I fucked it up.”

“I don’t think you did. He needs time. That’s it. Once he has some time to calm down, then the two of you can sit and talk about everything.”

“I don’t know,” I whisper.

“You just need to give him time. I think it will be good for both of you so that you can get some perspective. You were coming tomorrow. See if you can change your flight to today and come now. Or make it earlier tomorrow. Just come home and I’ll help you figure it out.”

"Okay. I love you, Nellie.”

“I love you too, Victor. Just don’t lose hope.”

I nod my head. “I’ll try not to. I’m going to go so I can pack and see if I can change my flight. I’ll message you once I figure it out.”

"Good. I'll see you soon."

I hang up and stand there, waiting for my ride to show. I want to go to Jake’s to demand him to listen to me. But I know it will only make things worse.

My ride notification pops up on my phone letting me know my driver’s here.

I verify the red Toyota as the one that’s supposed to pick me up and slip into the back seat of the car. I don’t talk, I just sit there, staring blankly out the window as the tears fall. If the driver notices, he doesn't say anything.

One stupid, terrified mistake and I’ve lost the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I press my forehead against the cold glass and watch the city blur through my tears.

All I can think about is his face. The hurt in his eyes. The anger he had for me. The way he looked at me like he didn't know who I was anymore.

And the worst part?

I can't blame him. Because I did this.

I had him. And I was so afraid of losing him that I couldn't tell him the truth.

Now I'm sitting in the back of a car, watching the world move past me, with nothing but regret keeping me company.