Page 92 of Counting On You

I peer at her, taking in her expression. The concern is etched in her features, the tiny lines around her eyes.

“Get out.” I choke on the words, so I try again. “Get out of my room.”

For a few seconds, she just stares at me, unmoving.

“Grace.” My tone is a warning. I need to be alone. I need her gone. She seems to realize this because she nods her head.

“I’m going to wait outside in case you need me.”

I wait until she’s closed the door behind her before I tear open the letter. Everything’s shaking as I read it.

Dear Vicky,

This ismy fifth letter and I still don’t know how to say it. In the end, I’ve decided that being short and direct is the best way to go about this.

I’m going to marry Nat.

She isn’t my first love, but she’s the right choice. Marrying her is the right thing to do. My family demands it, and I’m going to honor their wishes.

Over the past few months, we had a lot of fun together; however, it’s time to call it quits and move on.

Don’t get me wrong, you’re great. You’re a good friend; maybe the best female friend I’ve had, but you aren’t what I need. You deserve a person who’s honest and who will see you as the caring human you are. I’m sorry that I can’t be that person, but I hope we can still be friends.

Take care,

Bruce

Gasping for air, I fold the paper and toss it on the bed.

Fuck.

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