Meant to Be
Ottavia
“He’s leaving, O!” Sienna said, her voice urgent as she pointed out the window. “He’s walking back to his car right now!”
I’d managed to keep it together through most of Dakota’s speech. His words felt genuine, and a part of me yearned to invite him inside and talk things out. But I clung to betrayal instead, the pain still raw, keeping me rooted in my decision.
Until he said those words.
“I love you, Ottavia.”
The dam inside me broke, and tears flowed freely down my cheeks. I couldn’t help it; his declaration of love stirred up all the emotions I’d been trying to suppress. I lovedhim,too, and I regretted we’d never had a chance to share those magical words with each otherbeforethings had gotten so fucked up. Wasn’t it too late?
I was torn. After he said those words, I wanted to run to the door, throw it open and jump in his arms, kiss him, tell him I lovedhim,too—but something stopped me. He’d come clean about the girl from the bull ride, sure, but what about all theothergirls? He hadn’t said a word about them. It was like theyhadn’t even existed. Did he not know I knew about them, too? Was this who hereallywas, deep down? A chronic liar, like Dad said? Someone who would always be hiding a million little untruths from me?
“He’s getting in his car,” Sienna warned. “Do you want me to stop him or not?”
“I don’t know,” I sniffled, confusion and frustration in my voice. “His apology sounded genuine … but he didn’t even mention any of those other girls …”
“Justtalkto him, O,” Sienna said. “There might be an explanation; who knows? Should I stop him?”
I bit my lip and stared at her. I didn’t know what to say. If shedidstop him, and Dad found out we talked? My life might never be the same. It was a gamble. One I was willing to take if Dakota was a good man. But if he was a liar, a manipulator?
The Porsche fired to life with a snarl.
“Last chance!” Sienna warned, her voice rising. “He’s about to drive off!”
I squeezed my eyes shut.
Dakota had taken a risk, coming to talk to me. He’d put his career on the line. That wasn’t something a heartless liar would do.
“Stop him,” I whispered.
Siennaboltedout the door, screaming and waving her arms, “HEY! Dakota! Wait! Don’t go!”
I ran to the window and watched Sienna run out into the street. Dakota drove off, disappearing from view, and Sienna went chasing after him on foot.
A minute passed with no sign of either. I was sure he was gone for good.
But another minute after that one, Sienna returned, smiling from ear to ear. Dakota’s car rolled into sight, and he pulled into the parking lot.
Okay, good,I thought.
My nervous heart raced while I waited for him. I paced the room, wiping away my tears so I wouldn’t look like such a mess.
A moment later, I heard his deep voice gently call out to me. “Ottavia …?”
I turned around, my heart soaring as I saw Dakota standing there. He looked so crushed, so sad, like a poor puppy—I immediately wanted to rush over and jump in his arms and cheer him up.
But I couldn’t give in to weakness. Not yet. Not until I knew the truth.
“Dakota …” I murmured, keeping my distance.
“I’m sorry, babe,” he said, his brow heavy. “Do you hate me?”
“I don’thateyou …”
He let out a small breath of relief. “That’s a start.”
