Illusions

23. avoid

Roman's POV

It's been a week and a half since my call with Juliana.

I've hated avoiding Amira's calls and blaming work every time.

Now she's stopped calling completely and I hate it.

Tonight I have dinner with Aurora and a couple of my work friends.

It's taken everything in me not to fly to LA and confess to her that I want to be with her in every sense of the word.

And that I love her.

I didn't think I could ever love anyone, but she's the exception. She's the exception to every single rule I've set for myself.

I finish up some emails, send them, and then head out to Central Park to get food.

That was a mistake because when I got there, everything reminded me of her.

So I quickly get my food and leave.

My phone buzzes and I see that Aurora sent me a text.

An image to be exact.

I quickly delete the message without opening it and block her contact.

Something I should've done a while ago.

I head back home and text Lucian, a work friend to confirm where we're meeting tonight, it's a restaurant near Amira's place. I throw my phone onto the coffee table and put on the Nets game.

"Sir, do you need anything?"

"I'm okay, thanks, Edward."

He sits down on the chair across from me.

"If you don't mind my asking, sir," he says, "where is Ms. Rose, I haven't seen much of her in a while."

I freeze and try to come up with an excuse, but I know that Edward knows. Juliana told me to look disheveled and depressed, but I didn't have to try. I've been in a daze for a while and Edward has caught on.

"We both need to focus on our careers."

"Now tell me the real reason."

I mute the TV and face him.

"I didn't want to hold her back."

He shakes his head.

"Sir, you truly are stupid if you couldn't see how much she loves you."

Loves me?

"It doesn't matter, she's doing fine now."

"Then why has she been texting me and asking about how you are?"

I jolt up.

"What," I ask, "well what did she say? Tell me, Edward."

He chuckles.

"She's been asking if you're working late, eating on time, and if you're doing okay," he says with a smile, "she misses you."

I can't give in, she needs this contract and for once in my life, I don't want to be selfish and keep her from it.

"She'll get over me, I know she will," I sigh, "just let her know I'm doing well and that I will heal or whatever."

He frowns but nods.

I check the time and realize that I have to get ready, so I head up to my closet and Edward helps me get ready. As per usual he picks out my clothes and accessories because I'm incompetent apparently. I head out and put the directions in for the restaurant, even though I know the way.