Another Day

Chapter 18

Linda stood up from her spot on the bed. “Nice to see you George.” She said, and then turned her attention to me. “I’ve got to go see Paul, I’ll see you later.”

Surprised, I gaped at her. “Why? Can’t you stay?”

She backed towards the door, “No, I have a date. Feel better!” She sang, and hurried out the door, shutting it behind her.

George moved to sit where Linda had been not thirty seconds ago. I looked at my hands, almost ashamed for how happy I was to see him.

“Well your eye heels up and then you go and get stabbed.” He chuckled. “You always seem to be stumbling into things.” I didn’t laugh.

George sighed. “I’m sorry.”

Without thinking I bit my lip. Tears were swimming in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. “You shouldn’t be here.” I said angrily.

“Well, I am.”

For the first time in two weeks I looked up to meet his gaze.

Those eyes, those stupid, ridiculous, heartwarming, tender eyes. I couldn’t lie to them. I could not pretend I didn’t want him here.

So I looked away.

He scooted closer. “I really am sorry, Donna, I didn’t mean a single thing I said to you that morning. I was just mad.” He tried to get me to look at him, but I wouldn’t do it. “Please don’t be angry at me.”

My head snapped up. ‘Why shouldn’t I be?” I snapped. He smiled. “Because I don’t think you really want to be.”

Damn it.

“I can’t like you George, I love Danny and…and nothing is supposed to change that. I’m happy with him, but here you come along and just for the sake of a shag you have to ruin everything.”

He shook his head furiously. “No it’s not like that-”

“Really?” I snapped “You said I was just another bird good for a night’s shag, that’s all.”

He sighed, frustrated. “I didn’t mean it Donna. I actually do like you. Why don’t you believe me?”

I had no answer for him. The tears started to swell faster, and I ducked my head to keep him from seeing them.

“Do you want me to leave?” He asked gruffly. I started to nod my head, but that made the tears start to fall. I was full on crying now, and pressed my face into my hands.

“What’s wrong?” George asked, moving closer to put a hand on my shoulder. I only cried harder, trying desperately to stop.

“Please stay” I whispered, unintentionally. But once I said it, there was no taking it back. He hesitated for a moment, but pulled me closer to him, careful of my wound. I felt his lips brush at my forehead.

“Ok” he said. “I’ll stay”