Page 63 of Don't Leave Me

“I have to go help Emily unpack,” I exaggerated a frown.

He sighed and matched my frown. “I’m going to be needy for a moment and tell you that I want to see you again soon,” he raised his eyebrows, already knowing that look he gave me melted me.

“Why don’t you come over to my place later?” I suggested.

He quickly grinned and kissed me softly. “I’d love to.”

15

Chapter 15

After taking a quick but very eventful shower with Jack, I took a short ride on the F train to Emily’s apartment. I hadn’t been home in over 24 hours and for some reason, I didn’t want to go back; I think I knew it was likely that Billie wouldn’t be home and I didn’t want to be alone. Even on the 3-minute train ride, my mind wandered to Michael and I wanted to crawl up into a ball. Who knew what exactly I would do all alone with my thoughts?

I walked into Emily’s apartment, her couch and TV in the living room and boxes everywhere.

“Em? You should really lock your door,” I called out, closing the door behind me and locking it instinctively - I watched too many true crime shows to know to always lock up your shit.

“I thought I did!” Emily answered; I found her in her bedroom hanging up clothes in her closet, more boxes scattered around and her queen-sized mattress leaned against the wall.

“Hi,” I smiled at her, leaning against the door frame with my arms crossed; I was wearing another one of Jack’s t-shirts and my jeans from the previous day, going commando.

She turned around and widened her eyes at me, putting her hands on her hips.

“Hey there, you saucy little minx,” she joked.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head, trying to hide my smile.

“How was your night?” I probed, cocking my head to the side.

She and Adam were getting chummy before Jack and I left, so I was only curious what it led to.

She smiled immediately and I knew. “Fine,” she giggled, turning back to her closet.

I laughed. “Yeah? You and Adam…did you guys…have fun?”

She turned back around and was beaming. “Yes. So much fun, Han! The guy, he knows what he’s doing,” she explained excitedly.

I shook my head at her, but I approved. Adam was friendly enough and he seemed to make Emily happy.

“Wait, tell me about you and Jack!” she exclaimed as she walked towards me, quickly taking my hand and guiding me to the couch in the living room.

We sat and I crossed my legs, grinning down at my hands. “He makes me really happy, Em,” I confessed, then looked up at her. “I told him about my bipolar disorder and he didn’t even flinch. I guess he just understands me,” I went on.

Emily put her hand to her chest. “That’s so sweet, Han,” she smiled. “So…you’re feeling a little better then?” she asked cautiously.

I sighed heavily. “Yes and no,” I shrugged, playing with my hands. “I think I’m gonna quit my job,” I admitted as I raised my eyebrows.

Emily didn’t even bat an eye. “You don’t want to see him,” she nodded, understanding.

I shook my head slowly. “I can’t. I feel like we want different things. Like, he’s not ready nor willing to let me in,” I said quietly, feeling a lump in my throat.

Emily didn’t respond, she just wrapped her arms around me quickly and gave me a quick squeeze.

“Let’s not talk about him. Let’s preoccupy ourselves. Feel like doing some furniture shopping?” she smiled convincingly.

I smiled, shaking out my sadness. “Let’s go.”

As Emily and I strolled excitedly through Pottery Barn, already having picked out a headboard and bookshelf for her room, I felt my phone buzzing in my back pocket. I had a sinking feeling in my chest – I had a feeling it was Michael, and as I took it out of my pocket and realized itwashim, I stopped in my tracks. I could see Emily stopped about 10 feet in front of me.

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