Page 4 of My Heart Belongs to You

“Not predictable, just mundane. All you care about is that lounge.”

“And Avery and you. Nothing comes before y’all.”

The disgust in her tone regarding my lounge stung. She knew how much Ray’s meant to me and my family. I swallowed her insult, needing to get to the bottom of her moving without telling me.

She sighed, still tossing her belongings into the suitcase. “Hasn’t felt that way recently. All you talk about is Ray’s this and Ray’s that. You were so busy with renovations that you haven’t noticed my unhappiness.”

I reached for her hand, hoping to provide her with a bit of comfort. Her happiness had been my priority since she’d expressed wanting a change. Looking for a new home and proposing were the solutions I thought would bring her peace.

“I’m sorry for not being more present, but I’m willing to do whatever to get us back on track.”

“It’s too late, Nadir. We’re leaving in the morning.”

“This is your apartment. How can you just leave everything behind?”

“I transferred the lease to you. Go to the leasing office tomorrow and sign the paperwork. My stipend is enough for me to get new furniture. Besides, I don’t want anything from this place.”

“What about me?”

She shrugged, not bothering to give me eye contact. “Now you can give your business your undivided attention.”

“That’s not what I want.” My heart twisted in my chest and my throat felt like I'd swallowed rocks.

“It is what it is,” she replied while zipping the suitcase.

She didn’t utter another word as she exited our bedroom. I sat at the foot of the bed, lost for words. I thought about the past few months; the arguments, silent spells, and distance between us. It was clear we hadn't been on the same page, but I never saw a breakup coming. While I was looking for ways to fix our relationship, she had been looking for an out.

The sound of the front door slamming pulled me from my musings. I plodded to the entryway and picked up my work bag. My heart thudded at the sight of her ring. I made a mental note to check the jeweler's return policy. Pushing the box aside, I searched for my phone.

Moments later, I listened as the line trilled in my ear. There was only one person I could talk to about this without objection.

“Hey. I was just about to ask you to stop by the restaurant,” Robyn said.

Robyn would be able to understand my point of view because she’d recently gone through an unexpected breakup too. Like me, she wanted a marriage and a family.

It had been a few days since we’d spoken. She had started a group prep course for her sommelier exam and was in the throes of renovations. I was busy trying to keep my family together and plan a proposal.

I ran my hand over my face, then sighed. “Cool. I can be there in ten.”

Hurriedly, I packed an overnight bag, deciding to stay with my cousin for the night. Tomorrow, I’d begin piecing together my new life. For now, I just needed the ear of someone I trusted.

When I arrived at her restaurant, I found Robyn behind the bar. Next to her, a few bottles of wine and paper cups. She looked up from the tablet in her hand and smiled at me. The moment our eyes met; her expression changed.

“Why so glum?” she asked with furrowed eyebrows. While waiting for my response, she retrieved a wineglass from underneath the bar then filled it with a red blend.

I eyed the pour before answering. “Vanessa and Avery are moving to Seattle.”

Robyn’s eyes went wild and her jaw dropped. “What? When?”

“They leave tomorrow.” I finished the glass then poured more. “I came home to find their suitcases packed.”

“What?”

I went on to share the argument between Vanessa and me. Recounting the fight made me sad all over again.

How could I miss all the signs?

Robyn came around the bar and pulled me into her arms. “I’m so sorry.”