Page 58 of Words We Didn't Say

“I’m sorry.” I didn’t intend to whisper, but the shame curling around my throat wouldn’t let me speak any louder. “I’m so sorry I didn’t see you. I prioritised my work. I didn’t listen and brushed you off with too many promises I didn’t keep. I convinced myself it’d all be fine because I’d be someone you looked up to…who provided for you…” I laughed at how blind I’d been. “But that’s never what you wanted from me, is it?”

Eden shook her head.

“You just wanted me to be there for you? Notice you? Make you my number one?”

She nodded.

“I can do that. I’ll prove to you I can. Please, give me another chance.”

“I’ve already given you another chance.”

“Afinalchance.”

Her fingers toyed with the fluffy frills of her dress. “I…can’t.”

“I was yours the first day I saw you, Denny Dee. I’ll wait until you can.”

She snorted. “You’ll be waiting forever.”

“Okay.”

Just like that. Easy as pie. What was the point of life without Eden in it? I’d read enough books to know nothing good ever came from turning your back on the woman you loved. You’d be miserable alone, sure, but you’d go mad trying to replace something priceless with anything—or anyone—else.

She folded her arms. “As if.”

“Try me.”

“Zach, be serious.”

“I’m on my knees in a club I vowed never to step foot inside. It doesn’t get more serious than that. You’re it for me, Denny Dee. It’s you or no one. If you want to parade me around for everyone to laugh at, do it. I’ve got nothing to lose. If you’re not by my side, I’ve already lost everything.”

“I’m just not—” She puffed out a breath. “I can’t waste anymore of my life wondering when you’ll come home…who you’re with…”

“Let’s take it back a few steps,” I said. “I’m not asking you to move back into my place or take me back. Iwantthat, but I won’t push for it. Right now, all I’m asking for is the chance to prove to you I see you. I just want to be a part of your life. Any way you feel comfortable. No matter how small.”

She was shy when she quietly said, “Messages.”

My heart leapt out of my chest. “You’re okay with messages?” A small step was stillsomething.

“Just the goodnight messages.”

I grinned. “I’ve been sending those for weeks. If you keep me unblocked, you’ll keep getting them.”

Eden dipped her chin.

I pushed my luck a little more. “How about the occasional cute cat meme, too?”

She giggled, exaggerating an eye roll. “Isupposewe can stretch the new rule for cute cats.”

My gaze found its favourite safety net on the floor, but my cheeks burned, unused to stretching from such a wide smile. I ghosted a touch to Eden’s ankle.

Messages.

It was a start, and any small step was better than it being the end.

16

He said, “There’s someone else.”

---