One Day // Daniel Ricciardo

BEFORE

'I just need some time.' I say, 'Let's take a break and see again in a few months.'

I was firm, but gentle with the sad face standing in front of me. Danny looked at me like I had ripped his heart in two. To keep it blunt, I had.

'This isn't a business deal, Jess. This is our relationship, our life, our house, our-'

'No need to finish it Danny, I understand and you need to respect my decision for just now. Just for a few months? Six months? I just need to be alone; I can't go through this with you.'

He rolled his eyes and slumped down in the seat across from me. I contemplated reaching out for his hand but I had to keep that distance between us for now, I was already regretting my decision and any form of physical touch would only make it harder.

I slowly stood up from the table but he reached across and grabbed my arm. His strong, tanned hand held on to mine.

'We're not breaking up Jess, we're just taking some time...' He spoke. His words were softer than usual, he was clearly trying not to break down. 'Can you just stay tonight? Please?'

I stood for a minute, thinking about my next move. I could take my arm away and I could pack a bag and leave within the hour, or I could embrace him and enjoy one last night together. He was right though, we weren't breaking up, just taking some time to be us individually without being us as a duo. I eventually caved and nodded my head.

I needed him. I wanted him. I wanted to be held again just for another night.

I never slept that night; I lay in his arms listening to him fall asleep. We never spoke to each other, just tried to take it all in for the last few hours we had. Before sunrise I pulled myself away reluctantly. At that point it was now or never, I had to leave or else I never would. I packed the essentials, as much as I could fit in my bag and quietly left. He's not a deep sleeper, for sure he would've heard but he never followed. Instead, I shut the door behind me, put the key back through the letterbox and got in my car.

20 minutes later I finally started the car and I never returned, 6 months turned in to a year and eventually there was no more 'us' and instead only me and him.