Page 95 of Don't Leave
Who wouldn’t want to be with him?
He’s one of the best guys I know.
And it’s obvious that Jackie feels the same way.
“So…you tried to work everything out with him?” I ask softly.
Sadness seeps into her eyes. “Yeah, we actually had a really good conversation last weekend.”
When she falls silent, my muscles tighten and it feels like I’m waiting with bated breath for her to continue.
“But it’s not going to happen. I…” She blinks and glances away.
For one horrible moment it looks like she might actually break down.
There’s no way I can console this girl about not being with the guy I want.
Thankfully, she rallies at the last second before the tears can fall.
“I really screwed up and there’s no way to repair the damage I inflicted. Hurting Cole is something I’ll regret for the rest of my life.” She searches my gaze for a long moment. “I hope you realize what an amazing guy he is.”
Even though I’m loathe to admit it to her, I say, “Cole and I aren’t together.”
I have no idea what prompts me to be honest with her. The girl is Cole’s ex. I don’t owe her anything…but still.
“He told me.”
I’m taken off guard that she would know about the demise of our relationship. For all I know, she’s here to gloat.
I search her gaze, half-expecting to see victory or happiness dancing gleefully in her eyes. Surprisingly, there’s no pleasure in her expression.
“Then whatever you need to say is moot.”
She straightens before pressing forward. “Is it?”
I blink, unsure how to answer her.
“I don’t know,” I whisper.
Her lips flatten into a tight line as she rolls her eyes.
Yeah, that’s right. The girl actually rolls her eyes at me.
Cole’s ex-girlfriend. The one who desperately wanted him back. She’s annoyed with me for not knowing if a relationship will work out between us.
It’s definitely a little strange.
Maybe more than a little.
“If you love Cole and want him back, then do something about it.” Sorrow flashes in her eyes. “If he’s the best thing that ever happened to you, then don’t let him slip through your fingers. Do something about it before it’s too late.” She rises to her feet. “I’ll let you get back to work.” After a couple of steps, she swings back around. “Don’t make the same mistake I did. Don’t let him go.”
I’m not sure why Jackie felt compelled to seek me out, but I’m grateful she did. “Thank you.”
Even though a smile tips the corners of her lips, unhappiness shimmers around her. “You’re welcome.”
Before she can disappear around a bookshelf, I say, “Jackie.”
This time, when she turns, one dark brow is raised. And I realize all over again how pretty she is and how perfectly suited her and Cole are for each other. In my mind, I can imagine them together.
