A Few Steps To Your Heart

Chapter 45

Gavin knew his girlfriend was truly exceptional, both inside and out. However, when she arrived at his home, ready to go out, he couldn't help but be captivated by her beauty. She wore a long silver dress with a slightly revealing neckline, just enough to tease the mind without being scandalous. He loved seeing her in that dress, and the moment she drew near, he reached out and brought her closer to him, capturing her lips in a kiss.

"You look absolutely stunning," he told her.

Georgia blushed, her cheeks turning warm as she returned the compliment. Together, they ventured into town and found a lovely restaurant. A servant greeted them, took their belongings, and escorted them to their table. They settled in and were promptly handed menus. Georgia couldn't help but notice the occasional glances from other patrons. She was well aware of the attention but cared little about it. Her affection for Gavin ran deep, and if others couldn't see the remarkable person he was, that was their problem. Just being near him made her heart race.

Gavin noticed her gaze and looked up from his menu.

"You're supposed to be deciding what you want to order, not staring at me and undressing me with your eyes," he teased, earning a chuckle from her.

"Why not? You look great naked."

He chuckled in response, then refocused on the menu, urging her to do the same. They quickly made their selections, and when the server returned, they placed their orders. After being served some wine, they savored the ambiance of the restaurant. Georgia glanced around, taking in the surroundings, while Gavin admired her.

Suddenly, a voice called out to Gavin, and as he turned his head, he was stunned to see his ex-fiancé, Cami, and best friend, Brice, standing right beside him. His entire body tensed as memories of their past together flooded his mind. He recalled the good times, but after his injury, he had withdrawn. He had shut out even those who loved and cared about him, refusing to let anyone get close. Gavin knew he was the reason the engagement had ended, but that didn't make it any easier to see them together.

"I can't believe it," Cami said, her eyes shining with genuine happiness as she looked at him.

Georgia noticed the tense expression on Gavin's face and quickly put the pieces together. Such a pallid look on his face could only be attributed to one thing.

"It's wonderful to see you again, Gavin," Brice told him, his smile warm. "We never expected to find you here."

No, you probably didn't, Gavin thought. This place used to be his favorite spot to go with Cami, so seeing them together hurt even more. Cami turned to Georgia, giving her a smile and extending her hand.

"I'm Cami, and you are?"

"Georgia," she greeted with a friendly smile.

"Where do you two know each other from?"

"Our parents are old friends. We connected at the beginning of the summer," Georgia explained.

"I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you before, have I?"

"No, it's our parents who were friends, not us. We simply met because, well, I had nothing better to do," Georgia quipped, opting not to delve into the details of why she and Gavin had connected. She noticed Gavin's persistent glances at the couple but kept silent, aware that the situation was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

"Maybe... maybe we should come back another time," Cami suggested to Brice. "Or find another restaurant."

"Maybe," Brice agreed, though their words seemed to only fuel Gavin's frustration.

"Why?" Gavin finally interjected, surprising everyone with his outburst. "My presence never bothered you before. Didn't you invite me to your wedding?"

"Well, we..."

"Didn't think I would attend?" he retorted.

"Gavin," Georgia murmured softly, but he didn't hear her.

"Sit! You reserved a table, after all, at our former favorite place, which I'm sure you've visited many times since. It's not like I've been able to come here much anyway, stuck at home, stuck in this damn chair."

Georgia groaned and covered her face with her hands as Gavin escalated the scene. She wanted to intervene, but she sensed that he was on the verge of exploding, and interfering might make things worse.

"Gavin, we just—"

"Just what? It's a free country. No, actually, why don't you just come join us at this table? Why would that be awkward?"

"I think we're just going to go," Cami said, and Brice nodded in agreement.

"Why? You had a table. Go eat! Eat!" Gavin insisted. "Because it's me who isn't staying."

Georgia dropped her hands, realizing that Gavin had already stormed out. Her anger flared at his childish behavior and the rudeness of leaving her there. She quickly got up, apologized to Cami and Brice, urged them not to let it bother them, and encouraged them to enjoy their meal. She rushed after Gavin, though her heels slowed her down. She found him sitting outside, sulking. Georgia approached him, arms crossed, feeling quite angry.

"So, we're leaving now?" she snapped.

"Why should I be in the same fucking room as them?"

"You just left me there," she reminded him.

Gavin didn't even turn to look at her.

"You left me there!" she repeated. "I know it was uncomfortable to see them, but as we venture out more into the world, as you continue training, you're going to encounter things from your past!"

"No, I am not!" he yelled.

"What?"

"Let's just admit it, I'm not going to get better. It's a fucking waste of time!"

"Don't say that!" she insisted.

"But it is! It was a stupid idea the first time you suggested it, and I've proven it was a stupid idea altogether!"

"Gavin, please, stop," she pleaded, feeling deeply hurt by his hurtful words.

"No, you don't get it. I know you're struggling with something too, but it's just not the same, and you'll never get it!" he yelled, tears welling up in her eyes as he directed his anger at her.

"I think you're the one who doesn't get it," she whispered, causing him to finally turn his head and realize how hurtful he had been when he saw the look on her face. "You're the one insisting on being stuck. You're the one thinking everything revolves around you, as if the rest of us aren't finding it difficult just to be around you. Yes, it's not great to see your ex move on with your best friend, and is it a lousy move for them to get together? Yes, but they shared something. They shared the pain of losing you. But you don't see that. Instead, you make a scene, make us all feel incredibly bad and unwelcome, even though we try hard to be a part of your life despite your attitude. You're the one who doesn't get it, Gavin. You're not dead or any less the person you were before. People turn away from you because that's what you want them to do. And now you've got your wish."

"Georgia... Georgia!" he called as she turned around and began walking away from him. She didn't want to waste another moment on him. In two weeks, school would start anyway, and then this job would be done. She was done.