She seemed relaxed and content, the way she used to look at me. He looked calm and collected, and I hated to admit it, but he seemed like a solid catch.
A whirlwind of emotions surged through me—jealousy that Licia was looking into this stranger’s eyes with such tenderness that I felt should be reserved for me; anger at myself for being sofoolish and cowardly; and a sick feeling in my gut at the thought that they might actually be in a relationship.
What if I had lost her for real this time?
“No… It just can't be.” I shook my head, trying to clear my mind, but the feeling clung to me like my shadow.
Despite my reservations, I pushed forward, but I stopped dead in my tracks when he leaned in and their lips met in a slow, deliberate kiss.
My heart shattered, and I could feel my eyes bulging as I tried to process what I was seeing. I couldn’t take any more of this emotional assault, so I turned to leave, but it was already too late.
“Kevin?” I heard Licia call.
Slowly, I turned around. “Licia,” I responded grimly.
Grabbing the man’s arm, she introduced us. “Avery, this is Kevin. Kevin…my boyfriend, Avery.” Her tone was indifferent, and it broke my heart.
Her boyfriend?
How was that possible?
We didn’t even break up.
Avery stuck out his hand for a handshake, but I ignored it. I would have preferred to leave my fist embedded in his well-sculpted face, but I restrained myself, not wanting to embarrass Licia.
“Licia, we need to talk,” I stated, ignoring Avery’s presence. I didn’t care if he watched me win my love back right in front of him.
“Would you be okay?” Avery asked Licia. “I don’t mind staying if…”
“It’s fine, actually,” Licia replied. “I can handle this.”
Was he serious? Like I would hurt Licia. Or was he already feeling threatened by my presence? Well, he should feel every ounce of what I'm feeling, and more.
“Run along, pretty boy. You heard her,” I growled with a clenched fist.
He didn’t react to my words. Instead, he leaned in and planted a peck on Licia’s cheek, as if daring me to do my worst. “I’ll give you a call. Stay safe, okay?”
“I will,” Licia nodded before he finally left.
The moment Avery was out of sight, her smile faded, and she turned to me with a stern expression. “To my office,” she commanded.
She had an office now? What had I missed?My mind raced with questions as I followed her.
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you,” I started as soon as we reached her office, which was surprisingly bright and airy.
“I see. For over a month now, I suppose.” She folded her arms, her tone icy. “So, what about?”
“Please, don’t make this harder for me than it already is.”
She scoffed. “Am I supposed to know what you want to talk about?”
“That’s not what I meant…” I stammered. “I don’t even know if I’m making sense.”
“I’m still waiting for you to do so.”
Feisty.
“For what it’s worth, I didn’t know Chloe was pregnant, much less that she had my child…” I paused, hoping for some sign of understanding, but she remained stoic, so I continued.
