Right In Front Of Me...

Chapter 28

My tears were still streaming down my face as the only thought running through my mind was 'I want Sal back'  
Graham walked me up to his car and carried my suitcase for me and drove to his place. It was a huge house, and I could tell he was most definitely rich. As we walked in, the cream carpets were fluffy, the walls covered in a fancy art, the ceilings decorated with chandeliers and the window had a gorgeous sight of the city. It was tremendous. I was distracted by one piece of art on the wall, which temporarily took. H mind of everything which was happening. Graham placed his hand on my back and pointed to the painting.
"I bought this when I was in Italy" Graham informed me.
"When did you go to Italy?" I asked.
"A few years ago" he said. He guessed I was going to cry again so he distracted me by another painting.
"I got this in France" he told me. The painting shown a man and women getting married, infinite love.... which reminded me of Sal. I suddenly threw my arms around Graham and cried into his shoulder again. I could tell Graham wasn't used to hugs or any type of interaction because his muscles tensed up at first, but soon relaxed under the presence of mine.
"You two will work things out, I promise" Graham told me.
"I doubt it. He wouldn't want me back... not now" I said.
"Then he's a fool" Graham said to me with a smile in attempts to cheer me up.
"No no, he's the most gorgeous, kind, adorable man there is" I said with more tears.
"And you the most beautiful, funniest, kindest girl I've ever met" Graham said. "Why don't you get some rest tonight and then tomorrow you can talk to Sal" Graham adviced me.
"Are you sure with me staying here?" I asked, feeling like a burden.
"I'd much prefer you to stay here than out in the cold. And I wouldn't offer otherwise. You could stay in the guest bedroom if you like" Graham offered. I nodded as he led to the guest room.
"If you need anything, let me know" Graham said and closed the door.

I got changed into my pyjamas which was my polka dot trousers and one of Sal's oversized tops. I sat in the bed, my knees near my chin. I sniffed the top a few times as the smell of Sal's cologne lingered on the top. I missed him so much. I wrote out a text reading 'I miss you loads. I love you and I'm sorry xx', ready to send to Sal. My hand hovered over the send button until I backspaced every letters until the message vanished. I knew Sal was better off without me, and that night I cried myself to sleep.

Meanwhile Sal was crying on his bed at home. He led, facing where I used to lay, staring at a picture of us on the bedside table. 'I miss her' was his only thought. He picked up his phone, dialled my number, but hesitated to ring, and slumped his phone down on the bed, and cried himself to sleep.

The Next Morning
I woke up with birds chirping, the sun shining, but the thought of not waking up next to Sal dampened my mood. Graham gently knocked the door and walked in
"Good morning" he said softly.
"Morning" I replied, with a sad look.
"Are you okay? Are you feeling better??" Graham asked.
"A bit" I replied.
"I'll be out for most of today, so you'll have the house to yourself" Graham told me. I nodded until I saw I had a text from Joe.
Joe: morning. Me, Q and Murr are going out for lunch later, wanna join?
Me: will Sal be there?
Joe: not that I know off
Me: then yeah, okay xx

Then Joe texted Sal
Joe: hey bud, wanna joint me and the guys for lunch today??
Sal: will Em be there??
Joe: don't think so
Sal: then okay :)

Then Joe text both Q and Murr
Joe: they're both coming to lunch :)
Murr: yay the plan worked!
Q: good, they still love each other 😊

At lunchtime:...
I wore one of Sal's hoodies he gave to me with my leggings. I was looking forward to see the guys, especially as I was upset about Sal and I needed to talk to someone. I walked in and saw Murr and Joe at a table in the diner. I sat on the End by Murr, with Joe next to Murr.
"Where's Q?" I asked. At that point the bell above the door rang as Q entered, with Sal! "Guys, did you know he would be here?!" I whisper shouted. Sal looked down and saw me there and immediately went to walk off, but Q grabbed him and forced him to sit down, opposite me. It was awkward.
"So guys.." Q began.
"That's a nice hoodie" Murr said to me.
"It's mine" Sal said softly.
"You can have it back if you want" I said to Sal.
"No no, I suppose it's yours now. You always used to wear it on Saturdays when we used to watch movies together with-" Sal began.
"-with ice cream and blankets" I finished the sentence for Sal. He smiled softly, so did I. That was until, we realised we were no longer together.
"So Sal and Emily, it's your turn to get some drinks" Q announced.
"I'll get them" Sal said to avoid awkwardness.
"No no, you won't be able to get the by yourself. Emily, help him" Joe forced me. I got up and walked side by side with Sal, no words exchanged. There was no staff at the counter so we took a mini detour down the corridors, just to fill time.
"I'm sorry" Sal suddenly said, standing in front of me as we both stopped walking. I leaned my back against the wall.
"I'm sorry. I should've been honest and not called your those names" I said ashamed.
"I just got so wrapped up in jealousy, I forgot to remember the beautiful women I was with. I woke up, without being able to look into your ocean blue eyes, your gorgeous smile" Sal began. "I.. I love you" He managed to say.
"I love you too" I said. I spontaneously, wrapped my hands around his neck and pulled him in for a deep, passionate kiss. He rested his hands on my waist as he deepened the kiss.
'I finally got my Sal back' I thought.