"Michael," I say, my eyes filled with tears, "Who was that?"
He keeps his back towards me, staring at a wall in his apartment, staying quiet.
"Michael," I say, louder, "Who was she?"
He turns towards me, his eyes watering. Fuck. What did he do?
"I haven't been honest with you," he says, and I close my eyes, looking down, the water that once filled my eyes is now rolling down my cheeks.
"Did you sleep with her," I blurt, "Michael, if you slept with her while we were dating," he cuts me off.
"No, Grace, Jesus Christ, seriously?" he groans, shaking his head, "You really think I would cheat on you?"
"No," I say honestly, "But you're scaring me, Michael."
"I didn't cheat on you, Grace," he says, annoyance running throughout his voice slightly, "I would never cheat on you."
"Okay," I say, now getting aggravated, "Then who the hell is she?"
He sits down on his couch, his head in his hands. I sit down next to him, putting my hand on his back. I don't know why I'm trying to comfort him. I guess I know I'm not going to like what he is going to say next, so I'm trying to savor my current image of him while I can.
"When we broke up," he says, looking at the floor, "I started working in that record shop. One day, a girl walked in. We had talked for a lot longer than I thought, and I asked for her number."
My heart starts beating incredibly slow as he continues. He looks up at me, his eyes show sadness and... fear?
"We dated for 7 months."
I felt like someone punched me in the gut.
"7 months?" I ask, feeling like I have no breath in me, "We- we were broken up for a year. How long after did you-"
I stand up, tears now rushing down my face, "You- you said you were getting your shit together. You said that I was the reason, but it was her. She was the reason."
"Grace," he says, trying to take my arm, but I don't let him, "No."
He stays silent, "How could you lie to my face like that? You know I would of been okay with this because I was in a relationship with Luke."
"I didn't know how!" he argues, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. But I pushed out all thoughts and feelings of her because I am in love with you. I never stopped loving you, you must know that."
"But you loved her," I say, realizing I'm crying, "Michael, I love you so much. I gave up a life for you and you-"
"Oh my God, I'm sorry you gave up your perfect life with Luke, Grace!" He yells, "You don't see me bringing Crystal up whenever I'm upset with you!"
"Crystal," I say slowly, "Her names Crystal."
"Yes," he says, obviously still angry, "Her name is Crystal."
"I need to leave," I shake my head, and he groans, "Seriously? Can't we talk about this?"
"Not right now, Michael," I turn to him, choking on a sob, "This hurts. You said one thing when another happened. You were falling in love while you knew damn well how alone I was. And then you lied to me about it."
He stays quiet for a second, and I collect my things. Once I have them in my hand, I look back at him, seeing him looking at me, "Were you ever going to tell me?"
