UNRAVELING AMAYA.

14

As I sat there, paralyzed by the intensity of Ryan's gaze, I felt a knot of guilt twist in my stomach. The last thing I wanted was to hurt him, but the truth was, I couldn't deny the attraction I felt towards Jared.

"Maya?" Jared's voice broke through the haze of my thoughts, his concern evident in his furrowed brow.

I shook my head, forcing myself to focus on the present. "It's nothing," I muttered, my voice barely audible above the din of the diner.

But Jared wasn't convinced. "You sure?" he pressed, his eyes searching mine for any sign of the turmoil raging within me.

I hesitated, unsure of what to say. I couldn't tell him the truth—that seeing Ryan again had dredged up a flood of conflicting emotions.

Instead, I plastered on a smile and nodded. "Yeah, I'm sure," I lied, the words tasting bitter on my tongue.

Jared studied me for a moment longer, his gaze lingering as if he could see straight through my facade. Then, with a sigh, he leaned back in his seat, his expression unreadable.

"Alright then," he said, his tone tinged with disappointment. "You know where to find me if you need anything."

I nodded, my throat tight with unspoken words. "Thanks, Jared. I appreciate it."

With that, Jared rose from the booth, his movements fluid and graceful. He gave me one last lingering look before turning to leave, his footsteps echoing in the almost empty cafe.

Ryan's eyes were still locked onto mine, and the betrayal I saw in them cut deep. I knew I had to do something, anything, to explain this mess before he jumped to the worst possible conclusion.

I got up and walked over to Ryan's table. He was sitting with two colleagues, who seemed just as uncomfortable with the situation as I was.

"Ryan," I began, my voice trembling. "Can we talk?"

He didn't respond immediately, just stared at me with those piercing eyes that had once looked at me with so much adoration. Now they were cold, hard, and full of anger. "Excuse me," Ryan said to his colleagues, his voice tight. They nodded and left the table, shooting me sympathetic looks as they passed.

I took a seat across from Ryan, my heart pounding in my chest. "That was not what it looks like," I started.

"Oh forreal?" Ryan's voice was laced with sarcasm. "'Cause from where I'm sitting, it sure looks like you're holding hands with some nigga while ignoring my calls and texts."

"It's not like that," I pleaded. "Jared and I were just talking. He's helping me with something serious."

Ryan leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "Helping you with what?"

I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "It's my brother. He was jumped by some guys from Jared's neighborhood. He's in the hospital, Ryan. I needed Jared's help to make sure it doesn't happen again."

Ryan's expression softened slightly, but the anger was still there, simmering just beneath the surface. "And you couldn't tell me about this? You couldn't let me know what was going on instead of shutting me out?"

"I was overwhelmed," I admitted, tears welling up in my eyes. "Adrian was in surgery, my parents were fighting, and I didn't know what to do. I'm sorry, Ryan. I didn't mean to push you away."

Ryan's gaze softened further, but he still looked hurt. "I understand that you're going through a lot, Maya. But shutting me out isn't the answer. We're supposed to be in this together."

"I know," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I'm so sorry. I just didn't know how to handle everything."

Ryan sighed, running a hand through his goatee. "I don't know, Maya. I'm not feelin' this shit right now."