Page 55 of Wild Tangled Hearts

Chapter24

Sebastian

WILTING PETALS

Rain taps against my windowpane, and my caramel macchiato sits on the table, untouched, as I hold my phone in my hand, its screen lighting up with Sebastian’s name. I’ve been caught in a whirlwind of mixed signals and text exchanges for days now.

It’s been two weeks since I last saw him in person, and his absence is confusing. We’ve shared intimate phone calls that made my heart race, but it’s not the same as having him right here.

I read his latest message.

Sebastian: I’ve been swamped with work, but I can’t stop thinking about you. I got you something, by the way. Check your doorstep.

I open the front door to find a bouquet of roses, a delicate mix of crimson and ivory, waiting for me.

The gesture is sweet, but it adds another layer of confusion to my already mixed feelings. I clutch the bouquet in my hand, the petals velvety beneath my touch.

My phone vibrates, jolting me from my thoughts.

Sebastian: Did you get the flowers?

Bella: Yes, they’re stunning. Thank you.

Sebastian: Glad you liked them. I wish I could be there with you.

Then why aren’t you?My heart questions.

Bella: I wish you were here too. When can I see you?

Time stretches as I anxiously await his reply. The downpour outside grows heavier, mirroring the turmoil raging within.

Sebastian: I’m hoping to clear my schedule next week.

Relief washes over me, and a smile tugs at my lips, hoping that when I see him, all my doubts will melt away in the warmth of his embrace.

But as another week passes without seeing Sebastian, my anticipation turns into a gnawing sense of disappointment. I glance at the roses that have wilted, just like my hope in our relationship.

My cell buzzes with Jessica’s incoming call. I can’t help but hesitate. Her bubbly personality, which usually brings so much energy and excitement, feels overwhelming.

I cave and answer her call. “Hey, Jess.”

“Bella!” Jess’s cheerful voice bursts through the line. “Are you ready for a night out? It’s Friday, time to party!”

I sigh, my doubts still clouding my thoughts. “I’m really not in the mood.”

We’ve been friends since college, and I love her, but I also know that when we’re together, I tend to make some questionable decisions. Especially when my heart is in a state of uncertainty and doubt.

Jess, always the persistent one, doesn’t take no for an answer. “You’ve been moping around for weeks now. It’s time to let loose, forget about whatever’s been bothering you, and have some fun.”

I glance at the wilting roses on the table, a tangible reminder of my uncertainty with Sebastian. Maybe Jess is right; perhaps it’s time to move on, at least for a night. I need a distraction from the endless waiting and wondering.

“If you decide to come,” Jess continues. “We’ll be at Club Pulse around nine.”

Hanging up, doubt fades and anticipation grows. Perhaps tonight I can let go and enjoy myself, and forget about Sebastian.

There’s nothing a little tequila can’t fix, right?

My cell vibrates with a new text message.

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