Page 27 of Cupid's Beau

The house feels even bigger now, empty and echoing. Through the windows, I watch clouds gather over the ocean, matching my mood.

He’s running. Again. And maybe this time, I should let him.

The rest of the day passes in a blur. I try to write, give up. Tryto read, can’t focus. End up curled on the sofa watching the sky darken over the water.

Sometime after sunset, my phone rings. It’s my father.

“Your mother’s worried,” he says without preamble.

“I’m fine.”

“Mm-hmm.” He’s quiet for a moment. “You know, when I first met your mother, I was terrified.”

“Dad-”

“Let me finish. I was terrified because I knew - from the very first moment - that she could break my heart. That what I felt for her was bigger than anything I’d felt before.”

I pull my knees to my chest, watching lightning flicker over the ocean. “Did you run?”

“You know I did. Your mom told me she shared. But you know what I realized?”

“What?”

“That it hurt more trying to live without her.”

The tears I’ve been holding back all day finally spill over. “It’s different, Papa. He’s…”

“Pushing you away with excuses?”

“Yeah.”

He chuckles softly. “The question is, ma chérie, is he worthfighting for?”

I spend most of the night thinking about my father’s question. About Jack’s face when he admitted being terrified. About the way he kissed me like I was everything he’d been waiting for. How he made love to me.

Around dawn, I’ve made my decision. I’m halfway through packing when I hear a car engine.

Jack finds me in my room, suitcase open on the bed.

“You’re leaving.” He sounds exhausted, like he hasn’t slept either.

“Seems like the only thing left to do.” I fold another pair of pants, not looking at him.

“Neneh-” His voice is filled with emotion. Longing, warmth, regret. Fuck.

“Don’t.” I finally turn to face him. “Don’t say my name like that unless you’re ready to actually try.”

He takes a step into the room, then stops. I zip up my bag. “You know what I think? I think you’ve gotten so comfortable being alone that it’s become your excuse. Because if you never let anyone in, they can’t hurt you. Can’t leave you.”

He runs a hand through his hair in frustration. “You make it sound so simple.”

“It’s not simple. It’s fucking crazy, Jack. You think I’m not scared? You think I wanted this? To fall for a man who can’t walkthe street pretty much anywhere in the world without a crowd following.”

“You’re… you’re falling for me?”

I shoulder my bag ignoring his stupid question. “You’re worth it, Jack. But clearly you don’t feel the same way.”

I move to pass him, but he catches my arm. “Don’t.”

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