Page 138 of Love Is an Art
I take a deep breath. I wish I’d realized that before I kicked him out yesterday. More tears slide down my cheeks.
“And he adores you. You should see the way he looks at you. Don’t give up yet. At least see him in person and tell him. You could prepare an investment report like how I prepared that accounting report for William.”
I chuckle weakly and wipe the wetness away from under my eyes. “I’m definitely a start-up in terms of relationships, but I want a long-term investment.”
“That’s good. You should put that in.”
“I’d actually like to paint. It did help me last time to get my feelings out. I’m going to take a leaf from your playbook and share more of my vulnerability.”
“That’s great.” Miranda bounces on the bed. “I’ll get the stuff. And you should take a shower.”
I chuckle weakly. “And don’t worry. I’ll meet Jurgen.”
Chapter forty-five
Zeke
Ipacebackandforth in my apartment living room, Brit following behind me.
Crumpled pieces of paper dot my dining table. I tried last night to write an apology or an explanation. To express my feelings for her.
Outside, a garbage truck rumbles through the streets. I watch out the window as the trash bags disappear, the sidewalk now clear, ready for a new day and a new start.
It all happened so quickly. But does Tessa really mean we’re over? That she’s done? How could she say that?
I’m sure Tessa didn’t mean our relationship was over. I have to think that she didn’t.
I can fix it.
I should have never intimated that she was cheating.
Tessa wouldn’t cheat. Sure, she lied about being an artist, and she’s not above using some creative schemes, but the purpose of them is to excavate the truth underneath. She’s fundamentally honest. Like when she said,I really like you. I usually try hard to hold some piece of my heart back, but I don’t want to here.
And she HATES cheating. She had no patience for the thought of Mr. Howard dating another woman immediately after Ms. Robinson died.
I have to apologize again.
Tessa would never cheat on me.
I don’t want to break up.
My phone rings and I pick up. It’s Ben.
“Congratulations! I just saw the email announcing you’re reporting solely to Charles,” Ben says. “Thrilled for you. Well-deserved.”
“Thank you,” I say. My voice comes out hoarse.
“Is everything okay? You sound rough. You saw the announcement, right? Did you think it didn’t go well?”
“No. I knew it went well.”
“Did I wake you up?” he asks. “Did you spend the night celebrating?”
“No.” My throat closes up. I take a second. “I messed up with Tessa. I think, maybe, we broke up.”
“What? Well, do your best to convince her to take you back. Apologize and tell her you’ll do better.”
“I will do better.”
