Italian Obsession

Chapter 51

Danny

I did what I always do. I watched her leave and didn't stop her. If I didn't cheat, this wouldn't have happened in the first place, so the only person to blame is me.

Shaking my head, I got in my car and drove to the closest bar and called a co-worker. "Dude, you need to take it easy. Drinking your problems away won't solve anything. You need to let her go."

"That's the problem. I can't."

"What you need is to get laid from someone other than Katy."

"That bitch is a psycho. Fuck her."

"Well, it was your choice in the first place to cheat on Valentina with Katy."

"Yeah, it was. But she's just as much to blame as me."

"Umm out of all due respect, you're the one who flirted first."

"Bullshit."

"Dude, I watched you. We've known each other long enough for me to pick up on that shit. You flirted and you got what you wanted. Another woman to add to your list."

"I thought nothing of it at first, but I hate myself now."

"As you should and to be honest, I don't think that Valentina deserves you at all, Danny. She deserves someone who won't cheat on her."

"Thanks for rubbing that shit in my face."

"It's true. You really need to get to a point where you can settle down with someone. You're 35 damn years old."

"I want to settle down with Valentina. She's the one for me."

"If she was the one for you, you wouldn't have done what you did."

"Can't you have faith in me?"

"I want to, but I don't know how you plan on changing."

"Starting off by apologizing to Valentina."

Valentina

"My life's a mess, Micah."

"Don't say that."

"It's the truth. Hell, I could write a book about the last five years."

"Well, I'm here to support you no matter what."

"Thanks."

"Have you heard from Tom?"

"It's been a few days. But I can understand why. He had plans laid out and I ruined them."

"Hey. Don't say that."

"I need to just stay away from men for a while."

"I think that's a good idea. And if Tom calls you back, explain that you're taking time for yourself."

I had so many mixed emotions between both Danny and Tom. Danny seemed sincere, but I had no reason to accept his apology. He hurt me and

that is something that should be unforgivable.

*** I was woken up by Juan knocking on my door. "Someone's here to see you."

"Danny?"

"No."

"Who?"

"I'll send him up."

I buried my face in my pillow, wanting to go back to sleep until I heard his voice. "Val..."

"Tom?"

He smiled and sat on my bed. "I'm sorry I haven't contacted you."

"It's okay."

"Is everything okay?"

"Honestly, I don't know."

"What's going on?"

"I need to take time for myself."

Tom nodded. "I respect that. But the offer still stands, okay?"

"I ruined that for us."

"No, you didn't. Is it something I want? Absolutely. But I would hate for you to make the wrong decision. Take as much time as you need, Val."

"Thank you."

I knew I needed time for myself, but I had to come to a conclusion at some point: have a fresh start with Tom or stay here and still have to face Danny.