Fractured Desires

Chapter 7

Lowering my phone, I find Veronica's gaze firmly fixed on me, her curiosity shining through the lingering look in her eyes. It's evident that she wants an explanation, but at this moment, I'm uncertain if I have one.

Fuck my life...

What should I do? What should I say?

As I contemplate the best course of action, I come to the realization that there's no scenario where I don't end up coming across as a complete jerk... All I know is that Veronica's here, and I don't want to make her feel uncomfortable or unwelcome. On the other hand, Natalie's waiting for me downstairs, and I can't just leave her hanging. I find myself in a genuine dilemma...

Maybe, if I act chill, things will play out rather calmly... I mean, why shouldn't they, right? What's the worst that can happen?

"Veronica, there's something I should've told you earlier," I begin, my tone apologetic. "I actually have someone waiting for me downstairs. We made plans earlier, and I completely forgot about it until now..."

"Oh, um, who are you meeting?" Her gaze falters momentarily, her fingers unconsciously playing with the strap of her purse.

For a brief moment, I find myself caught off guard, my thoughts jumbled as I contemplate how to respond without making her feel uncomfortable. Veronica has surprised me today, and I don't want to ruin the pleasant atmosphere that has enveloped our interaction.

"It's just someone I haven't seen in a while," I say, hoping my tone conveys that the meeting isn't anything too significant.

Veronica takes a deep breath, her shoulders slumping as she exhales. "I see... I should get going, then. I apologize for coming announced, I didn't mean to intrude or disrupt your evening."

"You have nothing to apologize for... I genuinely enjoyed our conversation, and your visit was a pleasant surprise."

She nods, offering a shy smile. "Thank you for your understanding. I'll leave you to your friend, then."

As she stands to leave, a part of me registers her subtle reaction - the slight reddening of her cheeks and the way she's avoiding my gaze incisively.

Maybe my instincts weren't wrong... Maybe she does like me...

"Veronica, hang on a sec," I say, my tone carrying a note of apology as she reaches for the door, ready to leave my apartment.

She turns to look at me, her expression marked with confusion. "Yes?"

I step closer, closing the gap between us. "I'm actually heading down too, mind if I tag along?"

A delicate blush creeps over Veronica's cheeks. I can't help but find it endearing, the way she reacts to my simple request. "Yeah, sure."

We walk in tandem to the elevator, sharing the confined space as the doors slide shut. The atmosphere is a mix of comfort and an undeniable tension that buzzes between us. I steal a glance at her, and it's clear that she feels it too.

As the elevator begins its descent, I notice that Veronica pressed the button for the underground parking lot. "You drove here?"

"Yeah... Haven't used my car in a while, so I figured I'd take it out for a spin."

"That's nice," I say, looking up at the screen to check what floor we're in. "I didn't know you had a car."

"There's a lot of things you don't know about me," Veronica says, grabbing the car keys from her purse.

My gaze drops to meet Veronica's, and for a fleeting moment, time seems to stand still. Her eyes hold a depth of emotion that leaves me breathless. It's a look I've encountered a handful of times in my life. Her gaze is attentive and filled with vulnerability. It's as if she's laying her heart bare with that one look.