Page 43 of Lovesick

Then came the letdown. The moment I realized he only wanted me for pleasure, and how I still let him continue using me. How he kept his distance when others were around, but behind closed doors, he used the naughtiest words, and did the naughtiest things. And worst of all, how he made me feel like it had all been a mistake.

I didn’t hold back. I told her everything. Every gut-wrenching detail, every word I never said out loud until now.

When I finally finished, I was lying on my side, phone propped against a throw pillow, and tears prickling my eyes. But they didn’t fall. I couldn’t let them.

Leann was quiet for a beat. Then she exhaled. “Damn.”

“Yeah,” I whispered.

“That’s a lot, Emilia,” she said gently, her tone steady but soft. “And honestly? I get why you said no. He put you through it. And it doesn’t make you weak for still feeling all of it.”

I nodded slowly, my throat too tight to say anything yet.

“But,” she added carefully, “I also don’t think it’s stupid to still want him. To still wonder what could’ve happened if you’d said yes.”

“I do wonder,” I admitted. “All the time.”

Leann gave me a sympathetic smile. “And, truthfully…he changed.”

I watched her on my screen, my eyes searching her face. “In what way?”

Leann shrugged. “For the better. I mean, he’s always been an ass, to be honest. Always so cold and annoyed and grumpy. But, lately, he’s been so nice. Open. He talks a lot more, and he even smiles and laughs at my jokes. Which you know are really bad.”

I laughed softly, surprised about her words. “Really?”

“Yes, really. So I think he meant what he said. The apologies, the friendliness. He started to care about you so much that everyone in the office notices his change of heart. People have picked up on it. He’s different lately. It’s like he’s trying to be, I don’t know…better.”

I blinked, unsure how to respond.

“And from what you’ve just told me,” Leann said after a pause. “I’m pretty sure he’s trying to change because of you.”

I looked away from the screen, my throat tightening. “That makes it harder, you know? It’s easier to walk away from someone who stays the same. Not from someone who’s trying.”

Leann gave a small, understanding nod. “I get that. And I’m not saying you owe him anything. But maybe…just think about it.”

I looked back at her, unsure.

“You don’t have to decide tonight,” she said gently. “But if someone’s making that kind of effort, not just with you, but with everyone around him, it might mean something. And maybe that something deserves another look.”

I bit the inside of my cheek. Maybe she was right, but I definitely needed some time.

“Thanks, Leann,” I said softly, smiling.

“Anytime,” she said. “I’m glad I was helpful. And, hey, this should become a normal thing from now on. I’ve always liked you. Always thought you were such a beautiful and kind woman, and I just wished we would’ve become friends right away.”

But we hadn’t because I didn’t care. I only cared about Dean and what he thought. What he said to me, and what he wanted from me. I pushed everyone else aside, not caring to make new friendships.

“I’m sorry about that, Leann. It’s my fault. I was so…stuck. But that’s not an excuse.”

“It’s all good, Emmy. Shit, can I call you Emmy? I know I called you Emmy once but I don’t remember if you liked it.”

I smiled gently. “It’s fine. My Dad also calls me Emmy.”

“Okay, so…” Her grin widened. “Are we having lunch together from now on?”

I couldn’t say no to that. “Sounds perfect.”

“Great! I know exactly where we’re going for lunch tomorrow.”

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