Queen of my Heart

24

CUE THE SOUND OF MY HEART DROPPING.

There was a moment of a very pregnant silence where the three of us just exchanged glances—one with unmasked fury, the other two with unease.

I found myself standing up, locking my eyes with Sander in silent apology for the briefest second before meeting Bryan's. “Look, Bry. It's not what you think,” I said weakly, pathetically gesturing at the table with my arm.

I've never seen him so mad. “Please do explain, Juliet, because it seems to me that you stood me up for this guy.”

Stood him up? What the heck was he saying?

I scoffed in disbelief, throwing him an exasperated look. “We didn't plan anything tonight.”

It was as if I stabbed him. “You promised we'll—”

And then it dawned on me.

“Tonight I'll cook for you,” he said.

“Yeah, sure. I'll go home early. I promise.”

Wincing, I shook my head. I averted my gaze. I couldn't. I was so stupid. “I'm sorry.”

“I thought you were single,” Sander said, looking up at us with a frown.

A blush rose up my cheeks as I recalled what Bryan said a while ago. I thought we were friends! “I . . . Uh, it's complicated.” I still didn't look at Bryan. I couldn't take the hurt his eyes held.

Sander nodded as he stood up. He regarded Bryan with a tight smile. “Hey, lad. I'm Sander, Juliet's boss. Look, I don't know what's up with you two but I can assure you this: Juliet and I are just friends. I like another girl, don't worry.” He focused on me. “Let's call it a day, Juliet. I had fun. Thank you for your time.”

I smiled, nodding. “Yeah, me, too. See you tomorrow.” I turned and walked to the door, not looking back to see if Bryan was following.

My feet led me outside and I shivered involuntarily as the wind blew against my skin.

The sky was dark and stars twinkled around the moon. It was beautiful up there, I realized. And down here, it was always chaotic.

I'm so stupid. I'm so stupid. I'm so s—

Warmth covered my shoulders and I looked behind to see Bryan draping a jacket over me. He didn't meet my eyes, but his clenched jaw was enough to reflect his mood.

I needed to apologize. “Bryan—”

“Save it,” he barked as he walked to his car, not sparing me a glance.

My stomach felt like a ton as I followed him. He opened the passenger seat before climbing in the car. I sighed as I sat on the leather seat.

Silence reigned as the both of us stared in front. I could feel the anger radiating off of him and I couldn't even blame it on him because it was entirely my fault. I can't believe I forgot our scheduled night.

“I'm sorry,” I whispered, but it was so quiet in the car that he heard it.

He grunted, starting the engine. “I don't want to hear it.”

The most uncomfortable ride began.

• • •

It was when I closed the door behind me that I found the courage to confront him.

“What the hell is your problem?” I demanded. My voice was so frustrated that he spun around to face me.

Now that we were alone in our common ground, I could see the layers of facade crumbling beneath his heated gaze.

“You promised, Juliet. You promised you'll be with me tonight.” His fists were clenched at his sides, his eyes softening with unhidden pain.

Despite of the violent squeezing in my chest, I let my irrational anger speak for me. “So what, Bryan? We're together every night. Can't you survive an hour or two without me? It's not like you're my boyfriend.”

I regretted the words as soon as I said them. By now his expression was so torn apart that even the sweetest and most soothing sentence can't fix him.

I reached out a hand as I took a step forward. “No, I'm sorry. I didn't me—”

“You're right,” he cut off, looking completely defeated with his hunched shoulders. “I don't have a say in your decisions.” He stared at his feet, scratching the back of his neck. “I was a jerk earlier. I'm sorry.”

I froze in shock. I was expecting him to yell at me and tell me what an ungrateful bitch I was. I was expecting him to make me leave. I was expecting the worst and this was what I got: a sad and apologetic Bryan.

“I thought after the days we spent together . . . I thought I became one of your priorities,” he continued quietly, focusing on the ground. “I'm sorry if I read everything wrong.” He met my eyes. “I'll . . . I'll let you be from now on.”

If I didn't speak, didn't do anything, I would lose him forever. I could feel it. I could feel that if I stayed silent, he would walk out the door and stay away from me.

He spoke again. “I'll sleep on the—”

My body crashed against him, my arms wrapping themselves around his neck.

“—couch,” he finished huskily, his arms taking a few beats before wrapping around me. He tightened his hold on me. “Baby, don't cry,” he whispered.

I didn't even realize I was crying. “I'm sorry,” I sobbed against his chest. “I didn't mean what I said. You're i-important to m-me.”

“Juliet, you—”

“I need you so much, Bryan,” I interrupted him. “Please d-don't l-leave me.”

My chest tightened so painfully I couldn't breathe. The thought of being alone . . . I couldn't bear it. I have already lost so much. I can't lose Bryan, too.

He pulled away slightly so he was staring at my face. He was smiling softly as he cupped my cheeks. “I'll stay here, okay? I won't leave. I promise.”

I searched his face for any sign of insincerity, but only came up with truth. And I suddenly remembered why we were supposed to spend the night together. “You're going to leave tomorrow?”

His smile dropped a bit. “Sadly, yes.” He wiggled his eyebrows, shooting me a playful wink. “Don't miss me too much, all right? I'll be back in three months.”

Three months? My subconscious perked up from her continuous sobbing.

“Three months is a long time,” I whispered as his hands slid to my hips, holding me in place. My whole body became aware at how close we were – just a hairsbreadth away.

There was silence as we stared at each other, our eyes saying the things we were too afraid to utter aloud. And before I knew it, I was gazing at his lips with such longing that I thought my heart was going to explode.

“I'll miss you so much,” I said earnestly.

And then I tugged at his neck to crash his lips against mine.

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How is that for a thousand or so words? Lol, kidding. Did you enjoy this chapter?

I SO love this chapter, I don't know why. How about you? What's your favorite chapter so far?

~G