“I’ve been going to therapy since we broke up,” he confesses. I’m unable to keep the shock off my face. He was always against going to couples therapy with me every time I suggested it whenever we would get back together after a breakup. “I’ve been working on myself. At first, I went for you.” His eyes start to water. “And then I realized there was so much shit I was repressing. I thought therapy would be a band aid for us when you suggested for us to go. But now I realize it’s handed me a shovel to start digging up all the shit I’ve buried.” He chuckles.
“Wow, Sebastián. That’s incredible. I’m glad.” I half smiled.
“Yeah, it is. But anyways, I just wanted to tell you, as someone who used to be your friend. You were the best, and I’m still very much a work in progress. If you and Evan have something good going, please don’t let any of the shit I’ve put you through seep into your new relationship. That's all I ask. You deserve to be happy.” He wipes away a tear.
I let out a hard laugh. “Yeah well, no need to worry about Evan anymore.”
He gives me a quizzical look but doesn’t press further. “It was nice seeing you, Amelia. Good luck in life.” He places a quick kiss on my cheek, and turns to walk away in the opposite direction.
Well, looks like we got that closure after all.
* * *
I’m almost at my apartment when I realize that I need a coffee after that impromptu conversation with Sebastián.
As I make it to the register to order, I can see the reflection of a familiar face outside of the coffee shop.
It’s him. The man who’s been following me around.
I order an extra coffee, and ask for it to be scalding hot. Someone is learning a lesson today.
I walk out of the coffee shop looking down, but keeping him in my peripheral vision. I feel the adrenaline pumping through my body. This is probably a stupid idea, but I’m tired of feeling sad all week. Now I just feel anger pulsating off my body.
I turn the corner, and quickly duck into a skinny alley. He’s going to have to walk by me if he actually is stalking me.
In the next moment, he passes me, and I creep up behind him.
“TELL ME WHO THE FUCK YOU ARE OR I’M THROWING THIS HOT COFFEE ON YOUR FACE!” I shout loudly, causing people to look our way.
The man takes off his hat and sunglasses, giving me a good look at his face. How the hell do I know this man?
He puts his hands up in surrender, then has the audacity to smile at me.
“You can put the coffee down, Amelia. I’m not here to hurt you,” he says calmly.
“Stay back! How do you know my name? Who are you?!”
He shakes his head, then reaches his hand out for me to shake. Does he not see how close I am to giving him third degree burns?!
“My name is Luke. I’m Evan’s dad.” He grins. “Are you gonna still throw that coffee on me or can I drink it?”
WHAT. THE. FUCK.
38
Amelia
After Luke showedme a photo on his phone of him and Evan at a Yankees versus Red Sox game last month, I lowered the coffee and handed it to him.
He guided me into a different nearby coffee shop so he could explain further. We take our seats, but I’m too stunned to speak. Evan looks exactly like his dad. That’s why he seemed so familiar. I focus on every little feature, until Luke starts to laugh.
“Anybody ever teach you that it’s rude to stare?” He chuckles and I break out of my trance.
“Anybody ever tell you that it’s rude to stalk strangers?” I retort.
He smiles and takes a sip of coffee. “I take it you’re pretty confused about this whole revelation, huh?”
“You can say that. Evan and his mom said that you walked out of their lives when he was a teenager. Although I guess this wouldn’t be the first time Evan has lied to me,” I mumble that last part under my breath.
