Page 2 of Unwrapped
“Night, Garrett.”
Adam stopped for a quick goodbye with the rest of his friends.Ronan and Caleb glanced at him with concern, but Dylan, Hawk, Sam, Ryan, and Max were oblivious to his heart splintering in his chest.
“I’ll see you guys soon.”
First things first, he would head to Jack’s and pack his things.From there, he would fumble through until he found his footing again.He hoped the hurt and disappointment wouldn’t be forever, but Adam didn’t have high expectations on that front.
As he exited into the chilly night, he took a deep inhale of ocean air and blew out a breath as it relaxed the tightness in his chest that had started to become uncomfortable in the stuffy ballroom.He pushed down the overwhelming sadness that had stuck with him for a long while and strode toward his car.Determined to give Jack his space back as soon as possible, he slid behind the wheel and started the ignition.
Adam couldn’t remember the drive back to Jack’s, but soon, he stood in the bedroom they’d shared with his suitcase open and half his clothing already folded and tucked inside.Exhaustion pulled at him and with a glance at the clock, he realized he had time before Jack came back.Adam thought it would be easier to leave without explanation, but they were friends first and it didn’t feel right to leave without a word.He decided he would take a nap and talk to Jack when he arrived.
Shoving down any hopes their conversation might lead to them back together, he closed his eyes and drifted off.
***
When Adam awoke, he heard the front door open and distinct beeps as Jack entered his code to disarm the alarm.Adam noted the sunrise had illuminated the room and a glance at the clock confirmed his suspicions.His heart constricted when the bright blue numbers indicate six in the morning.Adam laid his head back down and listened for Jack’s footsteps on the stairs, but he was met by silence.
Adam rose from the bed and headed toward the bathroom.He stripped and with a numbness suppressing his thoughts, he closed his eyes and surrounded himself with the strong flow of water and the scent of Jack’s scent that lingered in the air.
He dressed with quick movements, ready for the confrontation with Jack.He finished packing the rest of his clothing and essentials, zipping up the suitcase and with one look around the bedroom, he dragged his things downstairs.
Adam placed the case near the door and turned toward the kitchen, where he heard Jack start to grind the beans for morning coffee.But before he was halfway across the living room, Adam paused when someone knocked on the front door.
Adam opened it to find a beautiful brunette woman standing on the front porch with a slinky black dress and a smile.She leaned to the right as if searching for someone.And all those nights where he watched Jack go home with another woman he’d met hours earlier flashed as he truly looked at the woman who was exactly Jack’s type.Adam wanted to doubt that Jack would cheat on him, but when he recognized Jack’s suit jacket draped over her shoulders, the truth was undeniable.
“Can I help you?”Adam was grateful his voice didn’t break.
She giggled.“Is Jack here?”
Before Adam could find his voice, she spoke up again.
“Jack left so abruptly this morning, he forgot his cufflinks and jacket.”
Hoping that he didn’t look as devastated as he felt on the inside, Adam swallowed his hurt and pointed toward the kitchen.
“You’ll find him through that door.”
Adam waited until she stepped through and watched her for a few moments.
He’d wanted to give Jack the benefit of the doubt and hoped Jack would tell him he became scared at the thought of coming out to a room full of business associates, so he ignored him all night until he drummed up the courage.Or Jack had been so busy raising funds for the charity he couldn’t find the time to wander over.
But the truth had knocked on the door at seven on a Saturday morning.With mechanical movements and pain in his chest, Adam pocketed his keys and wallet before he reached for his suitcase and walked out the front door.He left his heart when he closed the door behind him.
