OFFSIDE

97

❝ Seein' you tonight, it's a bad idea, right? ❞
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Elena's POV
I'm laying on the couch with my book in my hands. All I want tonight is spending time with Pablo, maybe even have him fuss over me a little. But those plans go out the window when Pablo walks into the living room, casually slipping on his jacket.

"I'm heading out," he says, almost offhandedly, as if it's no big deal. "Frenkie and Lamine just called. We're going out to grab some dinner."

I stare at him, feeling a pang of disappointment. "You're going out?" I echo, trying to keep the surprise out of my voice. "But I thought we could spend the evening together. I'm not feeling so..."

"Just dinner," he interrupt me. Pablo looks at me, but there's no real concern in his eyes. Just a hint of impatience, as if he's already mentally halfway out the door. "I won't be home too late," he says, offering me a quick smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Just a couple of hours. I'll be back before you know it."

I nod, forcing a smile. "Okay, have fun."

Pablo leans down to give me a quick kiss on the forehead, then he's out the door, leaving me alone in the quiet house. I sit there for a few minutes, staring at the door, trying to convince myself that it's fine, that I'm not upset. But the truth is, I am. I wanted to spend the evening with him, to feel close to him, especially when I'm feeling so lousy. But it's clear that his priorities are elsewhere tonight.

I let out a long sigh, sinking deeper into the couch. I read the letters on the pages of my book, but I'm not really reading the story. My mind is racing, and the loneliness is starting to creep in, making the empty house feel even more suffocating.

It's already a dark and no matter how hard I try. Panic sets in.

I grab my phone, scrolling aimlessly through my contacts, not really sure what I'm looking for. That's when my thumb hovers over Pedri's name.

I've been trying to keep my distance, to avoid complicating things even more. But right now, I just need someone to talk to, someone who understands me. Before I can second-guess myself, I open up our chat and type out a quick message.

Are you free? I could really use some company.

I hit send and stare at the screen, waiting for his reply. It doesn't take long. My phone buzzes almost immediately.

Yeah, I'm free. Want to meet up?

Let's go to the park where we met up last time?

See you there in 15

I feel a strange mix of relief and guilt as I put my phone down. I know this probably isn't the best idea, meeting up with Pedri, especially considering everything that's happened. But right now, I just need to get out of this house, away from the suffocating silence, away from the thoughts swirling in my head.

I quickly change into something more comfortable, ignoring the slight twinge of pain in my bladder. I grab my keys and head out the door, trying to push down the nagging feeling that I'm doing something wrong.

The park is quiet when I arrive. It's dark and the air is cool, and there's a faint breeze that rustles the leaves in the trees. As I walk along the familiar path, I spot Pedri sitting on the bench where we've sit before.

You know that one we confessed our love to each other.

He's staring out at the small pond in front of him, looking lost in thought. When he sees me approaching, he smiles, a genuine smile that makes me feel a little lighter.