Page 106 of Hard To Leave

I wrapped my arms around my middle, trying to come to terms with the realization that my relationship was really over.

I didn’t blame him for having doubts. I told myself that this could happen, yet I found myself unable to accept it. How could he walk away so easily? I know I’ve fucked up, but he’s supposed to love me. He’s not supposed to give up on us.

I played with the keys in my hand. They were the last thing I had of his, and I wasn’t ready to give them up. I wasn’t ready to give him up. Something inside of me snapped.

I marched back into the living room feeling more determined than I had in a long time. Everyone turned when they saw me.

I wasn’t going down without a fight. I had too much to lose. He might not have believed in us anymore, but I did. He could push me away all he wanted, but this wasn’t the end. At least not for me.

I balled the key up in my fist as his mother silently watched me. “I’m sorry, but tell your son that if he wants his key back, then he’ll have to come get it himself.”

She surprised me when she smiled. “Is there anything else you would like me to tell my son?”

“Yes … no…” I sighed. “I don’t know.” I shook my head, feeling the bravado from just a few minutes disappear.

“Can I give you a piece of advice?” She paused and waited for me to respond. I nodded my head, not wanting to offend her. She was Jack’s mother, after all.

“Umm… I’m going out back to check on Tanner.” Brogan jerked his thumb toward the slider. “You going to be okay?”

“Yeah, go ahead. I’ll be out in a few minutes.” He snuck one last concerned look over his shoulder as the dog followed him out the back door.

Kristen looked at her watch. “I’m going to make a few phone calls and start the wrapping,” she said and picked the bags up off the floor. She exited the room so fast you would have thought Sephora was having a buy one, get one free sale.

I folded my arms across my middle as the room slowly cleared out, leaving me alone with Jack’s mother. I was an emotional wreck even before she showed up and her presence wasn’t making things any easier.

“So, what is it that you wanted to say to me?”

She stood tall and firm like the confident woman she was. “My son can be stubborn sometimes. I’m afraid it runs in the family. I do know that he loves you and Tanner. I think you still have a chance if you just give him some time.”

Well, that was unexpected,I thought as she continued.

“He’s under a lot of pressure right now. He was left with a huge responsibility. Truthfully, I think you’re good for him, and you’ve helped him learn a lot about himself. Don’t let him turn into his father. Please, love him enough to help him see that there is so much more to life and that he doesn’t have to pour his soul into a business that will never love him back.”

She walked over and gave me an awkward hug. My body was stiff at first, but eventually, I hugged her back.

She was trying to help her son, and she was basically giving me her blessing. Not that I needed it, because well, he broke up with me.

“Don’t give up on him just yet.”

I didn’t know what to say, so I just nodded.

After she left, I dropped down onto my sofa.

What the hell just happened?

The cushion dipped beside me. Brogan looked over at me and grinned. “You still get those when you’re stressed, huh?” he asked, pointing to the cold sore on my lip.

I smacked his leg and laughed. “Shut up.” I looked around and noticed we were alone. “How much did you hear?”

“Enough to know that there is some unfinished business between you and Jack.”

I pulled my legs up to my chest and leaned my head back. “I don’t know what to do, Brogan. How do you convince someone to take you back when they’re determined to keep you away?”

He coughed in his hand. “I’m not sure I could be much help with that one.”

I cringed. “I’m so sorry.” I smacked my head. “I’m such an idiot.”

He picked up his glass of water from the coffee table and started to crush up his ice with the straw. “It’s okay. I just want you to be happy, and if Jack is your person, then you do everything you can to make him see that. If that’s not enough for him, then fuck him. And I can tell you from first-hand experience that if he lets you walk out of his life, it will be his biggest regret.”

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