𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐫 | 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐢

So Close, Yet So Far

A few minutes later.

I emerged onto the rooftop, dragging in a deep breath, my hands on the ledge. I bowed my head, relishing the cool night air as it caressed the back of my neck.

Come on, Toni. Pull yourself together!

Behind me, the door creaked open. "There you are."

Jason joined me by the railing. "You okay? I know I'm not the most mindful man in the universe, but even I noticed Veronica was getting to you back there."

"Yeah, right. You were just hoping I came up here for that 'good time'."

Jason placed his hand over his chest in offense. "You may be hot, but hooking up with a woman who's broken-hearted over my sister is not my style."

I hummed softly. "Mm."

"Seriously though, if you need to talk I'm here, okay?" He pulled me into a tight hug, rubbing my back soothingly. "Things will get better, Toni."

"You don't know that."

"Ah, but I know you. And you're a fighter."

I snorted. "Yeah, okay."

"That's why I know you'd be so great in bed."

"Jason, read the room." I went to take a step back out of his embrace when the door creaked open again.

"Seriously, Jason? What did I tell you about spending time with Toni?"

I hastily separated from him at the sound of Cheryl's voice.

"She's not one of your 'dates'. I won't let you take advantage of her just because she's upset."

My brows furrowed. "Who said he's taking advantage of me?"

"Yeah calm down, Ms. Big Shot. I was cleaning up your mess." Jason retorted.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Cheryl asked.

He looked her up and down. "Don't play dumb. It's not a good look on you." He then turned to me, his eyes softening. "You okay if I leave you two to talk? Or do you want to leave?"

Despite my whirlwind of emotions, I nodded. "I'll be fine. Thanks, Jason."

"Anytime, beautiful." He smiled softly before glaring at his sister.

Cheryl huffed as he walked past her.

Now with just the two of us alone, my eyes traveled around the room, unsure of what to say.

"Are you okay?" Cheryl asked.

"I'm fine. Jason's actually a good guy. You just judge him because he lives a spontaneous, free-spirited life."

She sighed. "I wish it were that simple. You've only just met him. You haven't seen his patterns. He's like this with all the women he dates."

My hands raised in frustration. "So? Who cares? He's single and so am I."

"I know that."

"In fact, the only person on this rooftop who has any romantic obligations to anyone is you!" I snapped.

"I- I know that too.. "

I stepped closer and angrily jabbed a finger against Cheryl's shoulder. "One minute you pull me onto the dance floor then the next I'm watching your engagement speech!"

Jab.

"You said we needed to talk then, yeah? Well, here's your big chance! Let me have it! Tell me about how sorry you are and how wrong this is."