Page 136 of You're The One
“I thought I could do this… but I’m not sure I can.” She presses a hand to her chest, like she’s trying to catch her breath. Center herself. I don’t know.
All I can think is: she’s leaving.
I’ve been here before. I know what happens when you run after someone who’s already walking away.
So, I make myself stay still.
“Fine,” I mutter, the word bitter on my tongue.
Her eyes widen, flicking to mine for just a second before darting to the floor.
Stop her, you idiot,my brain shouts.
But I don’t.
“Fine,” she echoes.
Her hand hesitates on the door handle. “I’m sorry,” she whispers, almost too quiet to hear.
Then she slips out. The door closes behind her with a loud click.
For ten minutes after Mia leaves, I pace around my hotel room. My heart’s racing, way too fast for how slow my feet are moving, and I have a tension headache starting to throb behind my eyes.
Why didn’t I ask her what she meant bynot knowing if she could do this? More importantly, why didn’t I stop her from leaving?
Mia isnotmy mother. She’s not choosing something over me. She’s not using me. She’s protecting herself. I’m as sure of that as I am of my own name.
What does my therapist always say? People revert to their old habits. And Mia’s default is to run when she’s scared.
The conversation wasn’t finished. Sure, it wasn’t going great, but we could’ve worked through it. I should’ve told her that.
I still can.
Mind made up, I slip on some clothes and slides, grabbing my room key. I swing open the door, ready to go after her.
But there’s someone on the other side.
Emma.
I plow right into her in my hurry, steadying her automatically. But when I try to pull back, she wraps her arms around my middle. It’s a friendly hug… but it’s contact I don’t want right now.
My eyes dart down the hall, searching for the inevitable camera. Sure enough, a cameraman is tucked into an alcove across from us, Bodhi standing beside him.
He’s kept up his end of our bargain, giving Mia and me more off-camera time than they’d normally allow. But I guess his goodwill only goes so far. As he’s reminded me a dozen times, they have a show to make, too.
“Can I come in?” Emma asks, as she eases back.
“No. Now isn’t a good time,” I reply, too fast. Then I soften it with an “I’m sorry.”
I know I have to talk to Emma. Sooner rather than later, but I can’t focus on ending things with her when Mia just left upset, unsure where she stands with me.
Maybe Mia misunderstood my intentions for the rest of the show. Maybe the stress of it all got tangled up in our fight. Maybe she thinks I wasn’t going to break up with Emma as soon as I had the opportunity.
Technically, I already did… but Mia doesn’t know that.Fuck. I never had the chance to tell her.
I know I told MiaI chose her, but she probably thinks we’re still playing out this stupid fucking production storyline.
And I don’t care what production says. I don’t care what fines I’ll have to pay for breaking my contract.
