Love Starts Out in the Darkness

Part 10

Oh, thank God! Lindsey thought, his workday finally over. He quickly turned off his laptop, gathered his things off the desk and was up on his feet. Keeping his head low not to lock eyes with any of his colleagues, Lindsey rushed out. He stepped into the elevator and pushed the button to the parking lot, sighing in relief that he didn't hear anyone asking to hold it. Saying that he hated the people he worked with wasn't exactly true, but he wasn't a big fan of the most of them. He was running out of excuses as to why he couldn't go for a beer every single time someone asked.

Lindsey checked his watched, he had about two hours before he was supposed to meet Stevie. He couldn't have stepped on the gas even if he wanted to, already stuck in traffic. Memories from last weekend flooded his mind and he soon had to adjust himself, thinking about her and all the ways they had managed to enjoy each other. He thought he had a pretty good imagination, but she surpassed his wildest dreams. They were just... it was as if they were made for each other. 

Checking the time again once he arrived home, Lindsey grabbed his things and pushed the driver's side door open to get out. He locked his car and walked towards the apartment building, taking big strides. Not only did he have to pick Stevie up, but he had also made dinner reservation at a restaurant she'd wanted to go to for a long time. He wasn't sure if she realized it, but today marked 3 months since they'd met, well, talked for the first time. She hadn't said anything, maybe it wasn't a big deal, but he wanted to be ready just in case.

Lindsey tossed the bundle of keys in his hand until the one to his apartment sat on top. He slid it into the lock and turned, he then reached for the door handle.

He quickly wished he hadn't.

Lindsey froze, his eyes wide, mouth suddenly dry. No, it had to have just been a nightmare. He was sleeping and having a terrible nightmare. After a long pause, he finally moved to close the door behind him, his lips sealed into a thin line.

"I was expecting a warmer greeting." 

"I wasn't expecting you at all." Lindsey shook his head, eyes on his girlfriend. "When did you... how... wh-what are you doing here, Carol?"

"I live here." She replied with a shrug. "Aren't you happy to see me?"

"Happy- am I-" Lindsey lay his hand on his chest. "Happy to see you? I haven't seen you in months! Half a year to be exact." He added. "I haven't heard from you for about just as long!"

"You don't have to get upset." Carol said, sounding calm as she got up from the couch she was sitting on and waiting for his return. "I know I should have handled it all differently, but..." She smiled, approaching him. "I'm back."

"You're back." Lindsey scoffed. Realizing that his hands were still full, he put what he was holding away. "What do you mean you're back? You can't just-"

"I'm sorry, baby, I know I-"

"No!" Lindsey stepped back, holding his hands up. "No, get away from me."

"Why are you being so-"

"Why do you think?" Lindsey interrupted her again, throwing his hands up in the air. "You fucking left!"

"I didn't just leave." Carol disagreed, shaking her head. "Lindsey, we talked about it. You agreed that we should take some time apart. How is this all my fault all of a sudden?"

"Some time apart." Lindsey nodded. "Not half a year. I had no idea where you were or what you were doing!"

"You knew I was going to my parents." Carol argued. 

"Your parents who so conveniently live out of state."

"Seriously?" Carol asked, eyebrow raised. "I'm sorry that I wanted to be somewhere where I'm wanted and loved." Silence. "What was stopping you from coming to see me? To talk? To try and fix us?"

"I thought I was doing the right thing, giving you space." Lindsey shrugged, his arms crossed over his chest. "Isn't that what you wanted? You said, you needed time to think if you even wanted to stay together. When I didn't hear from you for all this time, I just assumed that you had made your decision."

"And I have. I'm back here, aren't I?" Carol's voice softened, she came up closer to him again. "Why are we fighting? I thought that you'd be glad to see me." She repeated. "I've missed you so much." Her hands pressed to his face, Lindsey instantly pushed her away. "I'm sorry, I know I hurt you. Let me make it-" Her hand now below his waist, but again, he grabbed her wrist to stop her from doing anything. "What do you want then? Do you want me on my knees or-"

"You're embarrassing yourself." Lindsey spat the words out with disgust. 

Never had he ever turned her down. Usually, they had the best sex when they fought, now he didn't even want her touching him. And after months of not seeing each other?

"Oh, I see..." Carol followed him when he moved away from her. "You've already moved on. Does she know about me? We aren't officially broken up, you know."

Stevie... fuck! Lindsey gritted his teeth. Without looking at his watch, Lindsey knew that he was already running late. He was also angry, really fucking pissed off. Even if he left Carol and ran out to get to Stevie, he wouldn't be very good company, she would immediately know that something was wrong. Ignoring whatever Carol was saying, Lindsey pulled his phone out of his pocket and typed a quick message that was absolutely a lie. It hurt him to send it.

"I'm so so so sorry. My apartment's flooded, can't see you tonight."

Meanwhile, Stevie was anxiously waiting for her doorbell to ring. Lindsey was supposed to have been at hers by now. Wringing her hands, Stevie walked around her apartment aimlessly. She was so excited for tonight. It had already been 3 months since the day they first talked to each other. They were going to a nice restaurant and she dressed up for the occasion. Stevie stopped to look at herself in the mirror once more. The dress she wore accentuated her curves, her hair was in its natural curly state because Lindsey liked it best, she even put on red lipstick for him, which she rarely ever did. She looked good. No, she looked great!

The sound of a text message caught Stevie's attention. She breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that it was Lindsey, asking her to come down. And it was him, but he wasn't coming. Things happen, he hadn't lied to her before, but... She told him, she told him she was scared of him running away as soon as she let him get that close to her. I guess, I was right, Stevie thought, swallowing the lump of tears in her throat.