Breaking Barriers - S.R.

12

Spencer had been gone almost a week for this case, and as much as I hated to admit it, I was growing frustrated. After feeling like we had made progress the last time we were together, it was harder than usual to wait this long to see him. We had talked on the phone and texted when he had time like always, but I couldn't help but be a little fearful that this time apart would set us back again. I was hoping it wouldn't.

Thankfully Spencer had let me know earlier in the day that his team was packing up to head home, so I knew he would be back at some point today, and I anticipated that he would stop by when he arrived. Only a few minutes after getting home from work that night, I was surprised that there was already a knock on my door. I figured he wouldn't be home for at least a couple more hours. Despite my usual paranoia, excitement got the best of me and I pulled the door open without checking who it was first. I was surprised to see Miles standing on the other side in a sharp navy blue suit. We stared at each other for an awkward moment before I finally spoke.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I know you don't want to see me, and I don't blame you. I've been thinking a lot about the things I said to you, and I was hoping you would give me the chance to apologize." He stated calmly.

I had an overwhelming urge to cuss him out and slam the door in his face, but my conscience wouldn't let me. I hated fighting with people, especially someone I considered a close friend. Reluctantly, I sighed and stepped closer to the open door, nodding for him to come in. He forced a small smile and stepped inside, awkwardly standing next to the kitchen island.

I crossed my arms and stood in front of him. "Go on."

"I'm sorry. For everything I said about you. It was completely uncalled for and I didn't mean any of it." He stated, wringing his hands together nervously.

My eyes bore into him for a moment, a grimace on my face as I tried to maintain my self control. "I don't understand where any of it came from. I thought we were okay."

"We were, I just--" He stopped abruptly, sighing as he shoved his hands in the pockets of his slacks. "In all honestly, I was jealous. I admit that. When I saw you with that Fed--"

"Spencer." I interjected.

His jaw snapped shut but he nodded before continuing. "Right. Seeing you bring another guy around...I guess I just realized I still had feelings for you."

I stared at him silently. How was I supposed to respond to that? Especially since Spencer and I were, in fact, dating now. "Jealousy isn't a reason to lash out at someone that is supposed to be your friend. You really hurt me."

"I know, and I regret it. I really do. I wish I could take it back, but all I can do is apologize and hope you can forgive me." He stated. "If you don't want to speak to me ever again, I get it, but I would like to have the chance to be your friend again."

I knew I should tell him that I was dating Spencer, but every time Miles opened his mouth, it seemed like an even worse time than before. I know for a fact that he wouldn't want to be my friend again if he knew how much things had changed since the last time we spoke.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course." He replied.

"What's the deal with you and Feds?" I questioned. "You seemed more pissed about Spencer working for the FBI than anything else...or was that just another tactic to try to get a rise out of me?"

His facial expression changed to one of surprise, clearly caught off guard by my question, but he quickly composed himself. "There's a lot of dirty cops out there. I just don't trust them."