Love and Pain

XXII.

3 MONTHS LATER 

SPENCER POV 

I can't believe how quickly things have shifted in my life. Just a few months ago, I called off my engagement to Kim, feeling suffocated by all of her outrageous expectations and hurt by her decision. Now, Teara entered my life like a breath of fresh air - spontaneous, carefree, and hella understanding in a way I haven't experienced in a long ass time. 

As I made my way to the kitchen, I couldn't help but smile as I thought about Teara. We met at a friend's party, and our connection had been very instant. She was different from anyone I have dated before - confident yet gentle, independent yet loving. Being with her feels easy, natural, and I find myself wanting this relationship to last. 

Our dates were simple yet meaningful - long walks in the park, cooking dinner together, lazy Saturday mornings spent in bed. I cherished these moments, finding solace in the quiet happiness we shared. 

AN HOUR LATER 

Today was the morning of my scheduled interview with Olivia, and I felt a twinge of nervousness. Olivia was a skilled journalist who had been covering my rise in the NFL for a few months now. We had tried to keep our professional relationship cordial, if a bit formal, but our feelings had shifted recently. 

As I entered the cafe where we agreed to meet, I spotted Olivia sitting at a corner table, typing furiously on her laptop. She looked up as I approached, and I couldn't help but miss the flash of irritation that crossed her lovely face before she quickly composed herself into a neutral yet professional expression. 

"Good morning, Olivia," I greeted cautiously, taking a seat opposite of her. 

"Spencer," she greeted him coolly as I sat down, keeping her tone professional.

I shifted uncomfortably, sensing the heavy tension between us. "Are you alright?" I asked tentatively. 

She nodded curtly, as she took out her recorder. "Let's get started," she said briskly, eager to dive into the interview and somewhat maintain a sense of detachment. 

I cleared my throat, glancing at her with a mixture of apprehension and regret. "Olivia... I..." I began tentatively, but she cut me off with a raised hand. 

"Let's keep this professional, Spencer," she interjected, her voice firm. "I'm here to discuss your life, football career, and its impact on young children and the industry." 

I nodded, my expression now clouded with disappointment. I valued her opinion and her insights into my career, but it doesn't feel good feeling like you're losing a connection with someone I used to be in love with and to be honest, it stung more than I anticipated. 

OLIVIA POV 

As our interview progressed, I found myself struggling to maintain my composure. Spencer's insights were sharp and innovative as ever, but every glance, every pause between questions reminded me of what we had once shared - and lost.

Finally, I couldn't bear it any longer. With a terse thank-you and a promise follow-up, I gathered my things and stood up to leave. 

"Olivia, wait," Spencer's voice called out after me, tinged with urgency. I paused reluctantly, turning to face him with a guarded expression.

"Spencer, I'm sorry, but I can't do this anymore," I finally said, my voice tinged with frustration. 

Confusion swept over Spencer's features. "Do what?" 

"This interview, this...whatever this is between us," I gestured vaguely between us. "I can't pretend like everything's normal when it's not. I can't stand to be around you knowing what you did." 

Spencer rose from his seat and took a step towards me, his eyes searching mine desperately. "I know things didn't end well between us," he began earnestly, "but I've missed you. Can we talk?" 

Shit...I felt my resolve falter. I had vowed to myself that I couldn't let Spencer back in my heart after Darnell and I became official, but his vulnerability stirred a long-buried ache within me. "Spencer," I started softly, but he closed the distance between us in an instant, his hand reaching out to cradle my cheek.

Before I could protest, his lips met mine for a tentative kiss- a rush of familiarity and regret that left me breathless. For a fleeting moment, I was transported back to a time when we had believed each other, in our shared dreams.

But reality crashed down around us just as quickly. I pushed him away gently, my heart pounding with a huge mix of confusion and anger. "No, Spencer," I said firmly, my voice trembling. "We can't do this." 

His expression mirrored my turmoil, his hands fell to his sides. "I'm sorry," he whispered hoarsely, his gaze immediately dropping to the floor. "I shouldn't have." 

I shook my head, my eyes burning with unshed tears. "I have to go," I said quietly, turning away before he could see my vulnerability. I fled the café, leaving behind a whirlwind of emotions and shattered expectations. 

OMNISCIENT POV 

That evening, Olivia found herself seeking solace in the quiet familiarity of her apartment. She paced restlessly, replaying the events of the day in her mind. Darnell's gentle text messages brought a measure of comfort, reminding her that there was someone who valued her despite the complications of the past. 

As she curled up on the couch with a glass of rosé, Olivia made a slient promise to herself. She wanted her relationship with Darnell to last - to build something real and meaningful this time, free from the ghosts of the past. And as for Spencer, she knew their paths would inevitably cross again, but she was determined to keep her heart guarded, to protect herself from the allure of what could've been. 

That same evening, Spencer recounted the events of the day to Teara, but left out the kiss. She listened attentively, offering him a reassuring smile. "It sounds like a tough situation," she murmured sympathetically, running her hands along his chest. 

Spencer sighed, giving into her touch. "Yeah. I didn't expect things to get so complicated." 

Teara kissed his forehead gently. "Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us," she said softly. "But we'll get through this together, okay?" 

Spencer nodded, feeling grateful for Teara's understanding and support. As he held her close, he knew that despite the challenge, he wanted this relationship with Teara to last. She was a bright spot in his life - a reminder that sometimes, moving on could lead to unexpected happiness. 

Hey guys! So sorry for the wait. I wanted to get this chapter the way I wanted. It wasn't there, so it took me a while, plus we had a death in my family and my parents are going through a divorce, but I didn't want to leave you all hanging. 

So here is a well awaited chapter. Sorry for the time jump, it just seemed like for where I want the story to go. No questions today, leave your thoughts down below, and I will respond. 

Comment, vote, and add to your reading list. Thank you all for your patience. 

-T