Loyalty

Chapter 12: Reunion.

Brian's POV

I took what Sal said to heart. A few days later, I decided to go see Jess. I just needed the time to prepare what I was going to say. I decided that I couldn't tell her everything I was feeling. But I needed to give her some explanation why I've been acting this way. She deserved at least that much.

I wasn't sure if she would even answer the door. It's now been several times that she's been turned away at my house. Not to mention the countless calls and texts that I've ignored. I wouldn't have been surprised if she slammed the door in my face, or simply didn't answer. I probably would've deserved that after the way I've been treating her.

But I should've known better. I should've known that Jess would never do something like that. It felt like I was the prodigal son. No matter how much I had hurt her, she would always be willing to welcome me back with open arms. But Sal warned me that wouldn't last forever. If I continued to take advantage of her kindness, she would reach a breaking point.

When I knocked on her door, I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know if she'd be happy to see me. Maybe she would be angry and upset. Or maybe it would be a combination of all these emotions. When she opened the door, she seemed surprised to see me.

"Brian? What are you doing here?" she asked.

"I needed to talk to you. Can I come in?" I asked her.

"Of course," she said.

It had been almost two months since I had actually seen Jess. I was hoping that spending some time apart from her would lessen my affection for her. But that wasn't the case. The time apart didn't help me get over her. If anything, I was more attracted to her than ever. I guess absence really does make the heart grow fonder. I also thought maybe getting a girlfriend would help keep my mind off Jess. But that didn't work either. I couldn't stop comparing any potential woman I would date to Jess. But nobody could compare to her. I couldn't help but think, "Jess wouldn't do that. Jess would be better."

Jess looked...beautiful, as always. Her hair was pulled back, she wasn't wearing any makeup, and she was simply wearing shorts and a t-shirt. But somehow, she still looked fucking gorgeous. Lexi was pretty, but she was nothing compared to Jess. The only problem I saw with Jess is that she looked exhausted, like she hadn't slept in days. I couldn't help but feel like I was part of the problem. Or maybe the entire problem.

"Come in, sit down," she said, leading me into her living room. Before sitting down, she asked if I wanted a beer.

"You still have beer in the fridge?" I asked since Jess doesn't drink. I didn't want to just assume she had it waiting for me.

"Always. Just in case you come over," she said, giving me a weak smile. She handed me a beer. I thanked her, and we both sat on the couch.

We sat across from each other, just looking into each other's eyes. Neither of us really knew what to say. There was this awkward tension between us, and we didn't know how to break the ice. It was so bizarre because normally the conversation flows so easily between us. But it was different now.

"How are you feeling?" She asked, finally breaking the ice.

"A lot better. The last few weeks have been rough, but I'm getting better. I've lost some weight though, so at least there's that," I told her.

I was trying to make a joke to break the tension, but it wasn't the right time. Jess didn't laugh. Clearly, she wasn't in the mood for jokes right now.

"Well, you look good. Better than I expected," she commented.

"Thanks. You look great too," I told her, hoping she wouldn't take it the wrong way. I just couldn't help but admit how beautiful she looked.