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He blinks once, twice. Then, “I’m only asking for six months,” he says, his voice deep and hoarse and his eyes not giving away anything.
I shake my head because he clearly doesn’t get it. “You’re asking for so much more than that. You’re asking for me to pretend to date you when I have feelings for you. Feelings you don’t reciprocate.”
His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows. “You wouldn’t be pretending.”
My eyes bug out as I lean forward. “And you don’t see why that might be hard for me?”
I thought his silence hurt, but this is so much worse.
The sting of tears burns my eyes and I know I’m only minutes away from losing it as my heart lies on the floor at his feet. Moving to the door, I open it and avoid his gaze. “You need to leave.”
“Laney—”
“Get out, Dom.” My voice is cold and devoid of emotion. I’ve had years of practice from all my interactions with my mom, but I never thought I’d have to do this with Dom.
He doesn’t move for a moment, and then his heavy footfalls shuffle past me for the second time in less than a week. This time, I refuse to look up into those eyes that I’ve loved for so long. The second I shut the door with him on the other side, the tears fall, and I don’t fight them.
I don’t have any fight left.
Six
The TV screen in front of me is a blur as I zone out on my couch, my fingers wrapped around the neck of a beer bottle I haven’t decided if I’m going to drink yet. I swore off alcohol after what happened with Jen, but Laney’s confession has me questioning that decision.
No, not confession. Revelation.
I’m in love with you.
I never knew five words could have such an impact on me, but sure enough, I’ve been reeling since they left her lush, pink lips. I’m left with so many questions I’m not even sure where to begin. How long has she felt that way? And maybe most importantly, why the fuck didn’t she say something sooner?
I cringe as I think about all the women she likely saw me flirting with over the last few years, especially this last year when I’ve admittedly been in a downward spiral. Was I hurting her that whole time?
My gut tightens painfully. The last thing I ever want to do is hurt Laney. I wasn’t lying when I told her she’s the most important relationship in my life. I feel lost without her.
The doorbell rings, pulling me out of my stupor. When I answer it, I’m not surprised to find Ty on the other side.
“Hey man, what’s up?”
He comes in when I open the door wider in invitation. “I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by to check in with you. See how things are going with Alayna.”
He shrugs out of his jacket and sits on the couch. He’s been here enough times to make himself comfortable.
“Want a beer?” I ask.
“Sure.”
I grab him a beer and then take a seat on the other end of the couch, my now warm beer still held tightly in my hands. Ty takes a sip, watching me closely before settling back in the seat.
“So? What happened with Alayna?”
I lean forward to set the untouched beer on the coffee table. I’m not going to drink it, and there’s no sense holding it any longer. Resting my elbows on my knees, I turn my head and admit what happened—because if there’s anyone who can help me make sense of all this, it’s Ty.
“She told me she loved me.”
He smiles. “See, man, I told you there was nothing to worry about and she’d forgive you.”
I’m already shaking my head. “No, she’s in love with me.”
His smile falls as his mouth parts in shock. “Wait, for real?”
