Page 99 of Sexting My Ex's Dad
Tears well up in my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. I take a deep breath, forcing myself to face the truth. “I can’t keep waiting for him, Owen. He walked away. It was his decision, not mine. And I can’t keep looking back. He made his decision.”
The tension between us hangs heavy, like the thick summer air outside. I can see Owen’s jaw clench as he searches for the right words to say, his eyes narrowed in frustration.
“He’s a fool,” Owen finally mutters, the words barely escaping his lips. “I can see it, Stella. I see how much you love him. And I can’t stand that he pushed you away like that.”
I shake my head, blinking back the tears that threaten to spill over. “It was his choice, Owen. And it’s over.” My voice is steady despite the turmoil inside me. “You don’t have to defend him. I’ve moved on, seriously.”
Owen looks at me, his expression softening. He seems to want to say more but instead decides to change the subject. “So you’re seeing some new?”
My heart does a little flip, and I force a smile onto my face. “No, not really. Just focusing on school and work, you know?”
“Ah,” he nods, understanding. “Well, you’re doing great, Stella. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks, Owen,” I reply, genuinely touched by his support. “What about you? How’s your love life? Are you seeing someone?”
A grin spreads across Owen’s face, and the tension in the car dissipates like morning fog. “Actually, yeah. I’ve been seeing someone. Her name’s Emily. She’s a dentist. We’ve been dating for a while now, and things are going really well.”
“Emily, huh?” I tease, nudging him playfully. “Sounds like a catch. I’m happy for you, Owen. You deserve to be happy. You’ve come such a long way since we were together.”
“Thanks, Stella,” he says, his eyes shining with gratitude. “You too. You’re doing great. I’m proud of you too.”
We sit in comfortable silence for a moment. It’s been a long road, but we’ve come so far - both together and apart. Friends is definitely what we were meant to be.
“Take care of yourself, Stella,” Owen says earnestly, opening his arms for a hug.
“You too,” I reply, stepping into his embrace.
As we pull apart, I look into his eyes, seeing the happiness that Emily has brought into his life. “I’m really glad you found someone, Owen. You deserve it.”
“Thanks,” he smiles warmly. “And remember, you’ve got great things ahead of you too, Stella.”
Nodding, I can’t help but think about Elio – the man I still love, even though he chose not to be with me. But now is not the time to dwell on him.
“Thanks, Owen,” I say softly. “I appreciate that.”
“Anytime.” He grins, and with one last wave, he turns and walks away.
I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of my feelings about Elio shift slightly. They’re still there, buried deep within me, but for now at least, they’re easier to ignore.
I can’t keep waiting for someone who didn’t choose me.
62
ELIO
Isit at my desk, the dim glow of the lamp casting shadows over the scattered reports that seem like a mountain before me. It feels like no matter how much work I do; I’m constantly drowning. I haven’t been proficient in work in about a year – sincesheleft.
The sound of the door opening startles me. I glance up, surprised to see Owen standing in the doorway. There’s a tension in his posture, hands clenched at his sides, and his jaw is tight – a clear sign that something is not right.
Things between us haven’t been smooth sailing, but they’ve been better ever since I let go of Stella; not that it matters. The two of them aren’t together anyways.
“Owen,” I say, trying to sound nonchalant. “What a surprise.”
“Surprise? Really, Dad?” He steps into the room. “We need to talk about Stella.”
“Stella?” I feign confusion, even though I’d been thinking about her just moments before. “I don’t see what there is to discuss.”
“Come on, Dad. You’re still in love with her, aren’t you?”
