Page 86 of Played
“I understand. Go to him. Please let him know I’m fine,” Solomon reads aloud. Relief washes over his face. “Thank you for that, ma.” He exhales, dragging a hand down his face. “Look, I’m sorry I haven’t been—”
I violently shake my head, bringing the phone back to me.
No need for an apology.
When I hold the phone out to him again, and he reads my message, his frown returns. My heart tightens, and pain flares in my chest. God, I’m going to miss that frown, which is Solomon’s default expression. Somewhere along the line, instead of annoying me, it became endearing.
“Nah, I do need to apologize. I got in my head after that fucking video and let ...shit,” he hisses when his phone vibrates in my hand. It’s another incoming call. From Caroline this time. “Decline that,” he orders. “Listen, I have to go, but I’ll come by to see you later this afternoon or tomorrow. We need to talk.”
My thumbs move over the keyboard again.
You can leave.
He nods, thrusting his fingers through his hair and fisting the short curls while reading my note.
“Yeah, I need to get to Khalil, but I promise I’ll—”
I hold up a hand, stopping him. And type again.
Go. Don’t come back.
Solomon stares at the screen, confusion shadowing his eyes, turning the corners of his mouth down.
“What’re you talking about?”
This is the out you were looking for. I’m good.
Then I hand the phone back to him, done texting. His face doesn’t clear. If anything, his scowl deepens. I thrust the phone at him, and slowly he accepts it.
“Adina,” he whispers.
I lift the face mask and croak, “I’m done.”
He mugs me. “Because I have to leave and go to my son?” he snaps.
“Because you’re not free. You never have been.”
For a moment, he stares at me, hard. Then understanding softens the harshness around his eyes, his mouth.
“Dina,” he breathes.
But I close my eyes and turn my head away from him.
I’m done.
I can’t get past him not showing up for me. I deserve someone who would feel some type of way about leaving me to handle all the reporters. Yes, he sent Graham to protect me, but I haven’t been sharing my body, my ... heart with Graham. Solomon abandoned me when I needed him most. He pretty much warned me that I wouldn’t be a priority for him. I should’ve listened. It would’ve saved me this pain radiating and throbbing in my chest.
He loves his wife, and I get that. Iadmirethat about him. And I never wanted to take her place for him or Khalil.
I just want to share in that place. Wish he would make room for me. But he won’t.
I deserve more. Ineedmore.
And he can’t give that to me. No, he’sunwillingto give that to me. I’m worthy of that.
So, I’m done.
Even falling in love with this broken, rude, beautiful man.
