Page 59 of You Were Invited
She met him halfway. “No... But I need to go home. All my things are with Christopher, and this morning he asked me to come get ‘em. I’m picking everything up this weekend.”
He looked away and scratched the back of his head. “That’s rough. But you gotta do what you gotta do.”
“And Peter’s going to send the money for the firewood. I’ll give him your number.”
“All right.”
“And Molly called me, too. I’m honestly really worried about her… She had a pretty bad miscarriage not that long ago. She really needs me. And I need to find a place to rent so I can get settled into my new life.” Annie wanted to hold her face in her hands and groan. She hadn’t meant to unload so much on Julian after the way she’d treated him the night before, but the words had flowed out. Her throat tightened and choked her. A wave of sorrow hit her. “I’m sorry. You didn’t need any of that.”
Julian closed the gap between them and pulled her into his arms. His hand went to the back of her head and he laced his fingers through her short hair. She buried her face in his neck and felt the beat of his heart on her cheek and in her ear. The scent of his skin was earthy in her nostrils.
“After this weekend, you’ll be done with Chris. One thing off your checklist,” he said into her hair. “Then you can spend time with your friend. She’s lucky to have such a lovely person in her life.”
Annie teared up. He was right. It didn’t feel okay right now, but it would get easier.
“And... if... you need a place to stay... or want to come visit… you’re always welcome here.”
She looked up. He still wanted to help her? Even after she’d pushed him away? She didn’t deserve his kindness, and she knew she could never be with him. “That’s very sweet of you to offer...” She bit her lip. She saw he was tearing up, too. “Julian?”
“Yes?”
“I wanted to say... t-to say I’m sorry I kicked you out last night.” She wiped her eyes, sniffed, and cleared her throat. “I was honestly pretty upset.”Okay, time to cut the cord.“And I-I don’t mean anything by what you’ve accomplished... but datin’ someone with a past like that is a deal breaker for me.” The disappointment in his eyes broke her heart, but he put his hands in his pockets and nodded in agreement.
“Right.” He smiled, but it was a tight smile. “I’m not for everyone.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. Tears rolled down her cheeks. The words to ask him to still be her friend tipped her tongue, but that would be a slap in the face.
“Well, take care of yourself, Annie. Keep truckin’ along.”
“You, too.” It worried her that his hand was still healing, but he’d clearly made some strides.I hope he’ll be safe without me…
“I’ll miss you.”
She swallowed thickly. “You-”
Before the words left her mouth, Julian stepped forward and pecked her on the cheek. And as if he couldn’t resist, he pressed his mouth to her forehead. She closed her eyes. As angry and frustrated at him as she was, her body would never stop craving his touch. He gave her a quick, firm hug, rubbing his good palm over her back, before letting her go, avoiding her eyes.
“Safe travels.”
“Thank you. Take care...”
Annie drove away from the cabin. As soon as she was out of his sight, she burst into ugly tears and sobbed. The warmth and love that lingered on her face from his lips made her shake.
“You’re just going to leave that poor man behind? Without even telling him you love him?” Serene Hallowbrew cried. Her crow squawked in response. “Yes, that’s right. I guess we’re just going to let that one get away.”
It’s too late now. It’s done,Annie thought back.A sane person would think I was demented if I turned back now after a goodbye like that.
"You made a bed, and I guess you’ll lie in it alone,” Serene sneered.
The taunt was much darker than usual, but Annie ignored it.
I will get myself out of this mess.
But I can only do that if I focus on myself.
And by trusting myself alone.
As much as I want to trust him, too... I can’t. I just can’t.
