FATE'S SECOND CHANCES

Chapter 31

It was the most difficult last week for East. He felt he was losing all that was dear to him. Even sleep eluded him filled with muddled dreams about Nicole reaching for her but never having her. East had stayed away from his apartment also in the office avoiding running into Nicole the pain of seeing her even harder for him to bear. She was Kevin's now and she could never be his. He sought solitude in the site sleeping his nights in the sofa bearing the heat and the dust wrapping up the last of his work.

During his last day at work the engineers and the team gave him a farewell treat which East knew Ben had planned. They had even given him a dress shirt and card which they all signed. It touched him in so many ways feeling as if he was leaving a part of him behind. Tuscany and the wonderful people he worked with grew on him. The adrenaline of seeing beautiful structures rise up from the ground. He was only sad that he could not see it through its end. But Tuscany will be in Tim Basinger's good hands East made sure about that.

It was a few more hours and he would be heading back to New York. He had already packed his stuff in his apartment. All the boxes to be shipped back. He could still imagine Nicole cooking in his kitchen smelling the pasta she made to perfection. How beautiful she looked to East the soft waves of her hair cascading beautifully on her shoulder. How it felt like to make love to her on his bed making him even more depressed. They would only be just memories now but East was still thankful than having none at all with Nicole. At least for that one short moment she was truly his. Pretty soon Nicole would be married and she would be eternally lost to him. East felt teary eyed as he closed his bedroom door softly.

Ben could only look at his best friend seeing the pain etched on his face. He knew what he was going through even if he tried to smile but it was all mirrored in his eyes the hurt he was suffering. East's appearance had deteriorated. He had lost weight the dark circles under his eyes even more evident. He was unshaven a growth of beard on his face. Even his hair was haphazardly combed. As if he had lost all zest in his life. He was keeping up a brave front but Ben knew he was rotting deep inside and it showed.

Ben spoke to him this time maybe if East tried for the very last time Nicole would finally get some sense into her head and realize that if she allowed what is really in her heart she would choose East this time. Call it a gut feeling but he felt that Nicole still loved East not Kevin. She was just being stubborn and maybe fearing to get hurt again.

Aren't you going to give Nicole a one last try? It's been a week East. It might have given Nicole time to think straight and finally open her eyes to the truth about Kevin. Ben urged trying to convince East to try his luck with Nicole for one last time.

East was silent for a moment looking down. He had contemplated on these many times but it was the expression of Nicole's face that stopped him. It was as if she had made up her mind for good. It took him awhile to answer.

I've done begging Ben. I've begged so many times even falling down on my knees humbling myself in front of her to make her listen but she never did. She has no ounce of faith in me. All I want is her happiness Ben and nothing else. It was only Kevin she believed in. But she'll find out in the long run and I won't be able to do anything about it.

Nicole doesn't love me. She loves Kevin. She chose her life to be with him. East said feeling choked up with emotion bitterness in his voice.

Ben could only pat his friend at the back trying to comfort him. He knew if he were in the same place as East he would be as miserable as he felt.

You'll weather this East. You might feel a lot of pain now but you'll get over it. Ben said trying to console East.

East gave Ben a weak smile. Both of them knowing fully well that it was going to be a difficult struggle. Nicole was the love of his life losing her for the second time would again take years for East to recover.

Thanks Ben. You've been such a good friend to me. Come visit me in New York anytime or when you need a place to stay feel free to come to my place anytime. I want you to keep this key. Use it anytime you want.

East entrusted the key to his penthouse for Ben. He rarely gave his key to anyone but for Ben he was like a brother to him. He had been there for him being a true friend.

Ben was touched. East could see it in his face as he got the key looking misty eyed.

It's nothing much but do visit me buddy okay? he said trying hard to smile. East was feeling really sad. It was almost time to say goodbye.

I will East. You'd be surprise when I come knocking on your door. Ben smiled slightly. He would surely miss his best friend East. He was not much into the friendships thing but East felt like a brother to him.

Good luck East. You be in touch now even if you're off jet setting in Europe. He tried to make a joke but he felt emotional himself.

East smiled and hugged his friend. You take care too Ben. I leave Tuscany's success to you and Tim.

His blue grey eyes were sad as he added. Please take care of Nicole for me. he said quietly.

Ben knew it hurt East to even say her name but still there was that undying love in his eyes for Nicole.

I will East. I can assure you that. I'll still try to put some sense in her head to go back into your arms buddy.

East had to laugh at Ben's remark. Leave it to his best friend to cheer him up when he felt the world had fallen down on him.

This time they hugged as friends. It was time to say goodbye. East looked through the hallway of the apartment building he shared with Nicole looking at it for the very last time. Half hoping Nicole would show up and be with him. Marry him. Just like in the movies where the girl realizing her mistake would come running after the guy before he said goodbye. But there was no Nicole in the hallway stopping him. This was reality not the movies. There was no happy ending for East Kelly but heartache.

East loaded his suitcases at the back of his SUV as he entered his car. Ben could only wave sadly with his best wishes for him. It was time to say goodbye to everything. East felt tears in his eyes as he drove. It was back to New York once again. He was going to accept the project in London a commercial and office complex. He wanted to be far away from Nicole as possible just to forget all the pain and rejection. East would wallow himself in work just to survive. Goodbye Nicky. I love you. he could only say as he drove farther and farther away from Boston allowing tears to fall from his eyes.

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