Forever

Chapter 27(Will)

Tomas the tank engine's voice was starting to grate on my nerves.

Does this guy have an off button?

He's been talking nonstop for the last ten minutes even though our meeting was supposed to end half an hour ago. I mean, its not like I have all day.

There's a ton of paperwork on my desk that I need to take care of, not to mention personal stuff.

Anna texted me.

She was practically begging to see me, but I refused to respond to her. As if I really want to after she basically ghosted me for the past month.

As far as I'm concerned, we're over.

"Well, thank you all for coming, I hope to hear from you all in the near future." Garrett stated, standing while everyone around us followed suit. We filed out the conference room, shaking hands with him on the way out. I just shoved my hands in my pockets and walked out, not even sparing him a glance.

I did however, spot Raya in a corner of the office focused intensely on her computer screen, a hand in her hair, and an exasperated expression on her face.

"Excuse me." A clear voice stated, and I felt them tap me on the shoulder.

When I turned my head towards the source of the voice, I was met with a head of blonde hair and cerulean eyes staring up at me that I immediately recognized.

It was the girl that I had seen on facebook when I first went looking for Raya.

Simone Hartford.

"Do you need something?"

"Can I talk to you for a moment, Mr-"

I considered giving her the wrong name. I already knew that this girl was bad news, and I didn't want anything to do with her. Besides, what could we even talk about?

"Its Larson.What do you wish to discuss?"

Simone studied me for a moment, before looking over her shoulder at Raya, who was oblivious to her gaze. She turned back to me, a sly grin on her face, as she latched onto my arm like a leech.

"Its about my friend you were so lewdly oogling earlier." She whispered.

I felt my face ignite.

Shit! She's the one that was with Raya earlier?!

"I don't know what you're talking about."I answered coolly,  shrugging her off, and continuing to the door.

I breathed a sigh of relief as I stepped out into the hall.

"Your face is rather red Mr.Larson." I heard her say, behind me;the mirth in her tone was unmistakable.She was laughing at me.

I turned to face her.

" So what are you after?Money, I assume?"

Simone rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

"Its like I said, I saw the way you were looking at her. She needs to loosen up a bit, and I think you're the one to do it."

"I'm not a gigolo." I answer flatly.

"I didn't say you were. But, I have a suspicion that she thinks you're attractive as well, with how flustered she got afterwards."

Be still my fucking heart.

"And I think she needs to get laid. I know you want to."

"And what makes you say that, Ms. -"

"hartford."

"What makes you say that Ms. Hartford?Looking at someone is hardly an indication of interest."

"Yeah, well, you were giving her bedroom eyes, Mr.Larson. Anyway, I have to get back to work. If you change your mind, feel free to contact me."she stated, handing me her card and walking back into the office.

She had the nerve to smirk at me afterwards!

I turned and walked to the elevators catching up with the rest of the group.

===========================

"I love you James."

This is a memory, I know it is.
I'm in a field sitting at the top of a hill. She's next to me as we , I'm looking down at her, peacefully leaning against me. Her eyes are closed as a gentle breeze blows through her curly hair. She sighs, hearing nothing from me in response to her confession. I can feel my heart beating faster because of it, but I'm still unsure if its the real thing.
How many times had I felt this way?

Hundreds of times.
"I love you too, Elizabeth"

The scene soon dissolves into another as my name is called by another woman's voice.She's yelling at me.

"Robert! "

I walk into the kitchen, and lean against the wall, watching her fuss over the oven. She's reaching at the top shelf in the kitchen, her short heels doing nothing to assist her in her quest for the baking soda on the top shelf.

She turns towards me, red faced, and pouting .

"Well, don't just stand there! Help me please?"

I laugh, and walk over to her, reaching for the baking soda and handing it to her.

"I thought you wanted to get rid of me?" I teased wrapping my arms around her.

"Oh, shut up, Robert!" She answered, leaning into me, the scent of cinnamon lingering in her hair.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

The scene was ripped away from my grasp sooner than I wanted.

The next think I knew, I was wrapped up in my sheets, staring up at the ceiling, alone. The space next to me empty, even though I didn't want it to be.

I knew it.

I knew it all along.

I never loved any of them.

Not really.

I never loved any of them enough to tell them my real name. The name I was born with all those centuries ago.

My mind drifted to what Simone had propositioned to me that afternoon.

No, I didn't just want her for her body.

I wanted her to love me.

But she doesnt want me.

And I won't force it on her.

But then my phone rang.

And I heard her voice on the other end.