Invisible

Chapter 37 Realizations

"Did you have a good time?" Hunter asks as I unlock the front door.

"I really did, thanks."

He seems to be expectant so I let him in. Max immediately tries to jump into his arms.

"Maxwell! Down!"

"It's okay." Hunter sheds both his coat and jacket, his bow tie already disappeared in the car.

"Um... Would you like some coffee?"

"That would be great, but decaf. It's getting late."

I nod as Max succeeds in being picked up. In the kitchen I start the water for tea and fiddle with the coffee maker.

"So, what would you say to a quiet meal at my parent's house next Saturday?"

The mugs I just pulled out hit the counter with a soft 'thump' and I sigh. "Listen Hunter, I don't see this working. There are so many problems already and I just don't think-"

"What problems?"

"For one, there's no way this would stay quiet for long... I'm not the most stable person, in case you haven't noticed, I don't know if I could deal with the press... I have a hard enough time as it is."

"Don't you trust me to protect you?"

"Yes.. No... I don't know. How can I put you through that though? 'Hayes Dates Nutcase' I can see the headline now." I hold my hand out as if I'm reading it on a billboard.

"You're not a nutcase."

"I am to the media world." I can't even meet his gaze as I pass him his mug and the sugar bowl.

"Cream?" He asks and I retreat to the fridge, hiding my face from him with the open door as I stoop down and look for it. "Were there any other problems I needed to refute?"

I keep my back to him as I dip my tea bag and add honey. "I can't be there for you..." I want to continue but my voice threatens to break.

"What do you mean?"

"It's just... Your music means so much to you. I fell to pieces just standing in the crowd for 5 minutes during one of your shows... I just can't support you like you deserve. You deserve better than me."

"No, don't say that." I hear his heals against the floor as he walks around the island and sets Max on the floor. "Leah, if you flat out told me you never wanted to see me again or that you didn't feel something when we are together then I would walk out of your life and leave you be... But these reasons are just obstacles to keep yourself out of the way. What if I want you in the way?"

I whirl on him, not caring if he sees the tears in my eyes. "How can I do that to you? Let you become another person who I depend on? Let myself become one of your burdens... I'm a burden to everyone else."

He snorts. "Sure, like you aren't the first person I call when I'm upset about something, and Al and Maggie never call anyone else to watch the kids. And who else would Tiffany approve of to watch her house and her precious dog?"

I can't respond, I never realized he knew so much. I shouldn't be surprised but I am. My mouth drops and I'm barely aware of the world around me. How did he break down my walls? How did he get in? I can remember the night in the grocery store like it was yesterday. He was so hopeful and so sweet, I brushed him off and pretty much had a panic attack. Now I can't think of anyone who I talk to more.

"Tell me there's nothing here and I will walk away. I will say goodnight and drive away and you will never hear from me again." He looks pained but sure.