Hers to Love

Chapter 21

Maria found herself in an unexpected situation, one that she hadn't anticipated would weigh so heavily on her mind. She was sitting in a cozy corner of a coffee shop, across from Chad, a man who, by all accounts, seemed perfect for her. He was kind, attentive, and they shared an easy conversation that felt natural. Chad was everything she should want in a partner, and yet, despite the fact that she was here with him, her thoughts kept drifting back to Amir.

It wasn't fair to Chad, Maria knew that. But as much as she tried to focus on the present, on the man sitting in front of her, a part of her heart was elsewhere—waiting, hoping, for Amir.

Days had passed since she last saw Amir, since they had parted ways after a conversation that left her feeling more uncertain than ever. He had spoken in vague terms, mentioning that they should get together soon, but he hadn't followed through. Maria had been left in a state of limbo, unsure of where she stood with him. She had tried to move on, to let herself be open to new possibilities, and Chad had seemed like a good place to start. But no matter how much she tried, she couldn't shake the hope that Amir would stick to his words and ask her out.

Each time her phone buzzed, her heart would leap in her chest, only to sink when she saw it wasn't Amir. She knew she was being foolish, letting her feelings for him cloud her judgment, but she couldn't help it. Amir had a hold on her, one that she couldn't seem to break, no matter how hard she tried.

As Chad spoke about his work, his voice warm and engaging, Maria nodded along, offering smiles and comments at the right moments. But inside, she was distracted, her mind replaying her last encounter with Amir, searching for any sign that he might feel the same way she did. She wanted to believe that he would come through, that he would ask her out and give her a reason to let go of her doubts. But with each passing day, that hope grew fainter, and Maria felt herself sinking further into uncertainty.

It wasn't that Chad wasn't enough—he was more than she could have hoped for in many ways. But Amir had sparked something in her, something deeper and more intense, and it was that connection she craved. Even now, sitting with Chad, she found herself comparing them, wondering how it would feel to be here with Amir instead.

Maria knew she couldn't continue like this, living in two worlds—one where she was trying to move on with Chad, and another where she was waiting for Amir to finally make a move. It wasn't fair to Chad, and it wasn't fair to herself. But despite her best efforts, she couldn't stop hoping, couldn't stop wishing that Amir would finally take that step and ask her out.

As the evening with Chad drew to a close, he walked her to her car, his hand brushing lightly against hers as they said their goodbyes. Maria smiled at him, genuine but tinged with a sadness she couldn't hide. Chad was sweet, and she knew he was interested in her, but as much as she wanted to return that interest fully, a part of her was still waiting for someone else.

"I had a great time tonight, Maria," Chad said, his eyes hopeful as he looked at her. "I'd love to see you again."

Maria hesitated, her heart pulling in two different directions. "I had a great time too, Chad," she replied, forcing herself to focus on the man in front of her. "I'd like that."

But as she drove away, the reality of her situation hit her hard. She couldn't keep stringing Chad along while waiting for Amir to make a move. It wasn't fair, and it wasn't the kind of person she wanted to be. She needed to make a decision, one way or another.

Yet, as she parked her car in front of her house, Maria couldn't help but glance at her phone, hoping for a message from Amir. She sighed when she saw nothing, the empty screen a reflection of the uncertainty she felt inside.

Maria knew she had to let go of her hopes for Amir if she was ever going to give Chad, or anyone else, a real chance. But as much as she tried to tell herself that, she couldn't help but wonder—what if Amir finally reached out? What if he asked her out, just like he had said he would? The possibility, however faint, kept her holding on, kept her waiting, even when she knew she should be moving forward.

She needed to make a choice, to either let go of Amir and focus on what was in front of her, or to take the risk and ask Amir where they stood. But for now, all she could do was wait, hoping that Amir would finally stick to his words and give her the clarity she so desperately needed.