Chapter 9
Romance Is Dead
Cooper/Joshua
“Beth,” I shout as she runs down the hall to the elevators. “Wait, just let me explain.”
Pausing, she whirls around to face me, her eyes filled with anger and … hurt.
“Explain?” Her voice is quiet, but I’m sure she’s pissed. “Explain what exactly? How you manipulated me into sleeping with you? Or how you lied about who you were? I can’t decide which one I want to hear first from you, Joshua. By the way, the new nose and hair are a nice touch, but it’s your eyes that give you away.”
She turns to the elevator and presses the down button, but I grab her arm and turn her to me again. “I'm not finished with you yet.”
Despite her struggle, I pull her into a kiss. Though she fights me at first, her resolve eventually dissipates. In no way do I see this as a sign that she forgives me. In fact, I'm proven correct when she knees me in the balls, forcing me to let her go and hold myself.
“Fuck you, Josh,” she growls, actually growls, as the elevator arrives. “Don’t ever call me again,” she says as she enters. “And tell the other liar to stay away from me too.”
A lump forms in my throat as the doors close. I can’t believe that she found out this way. I knew I should have said something sooner. It seemed like a great plan at first, but now …
“Give her some time,” Jared says from behind me, placing a hand on my shoulder. “She can’t stay mad forever, and when you explain to her about the pining forever crap, she’ll let you back in.”
“Would you?” I ask him, turning around.
“I’m not the person to ask. I’ve never had a relationship, but I can read people. She likes you, that I'm sure of. She's probably trying to reconcile the new and old you. Give her tonight, and then grovel tomorrow.” He hands me my t-shirt, shoes, and jacket. “Go home, I'll clean up here.”
I smile wryly. “Thanks.”
About thirty minutes later, I arrive home. I want to call her so bad, but Jared says to give her time. Scotch seems like a good way to deal with the waiting, so I indulge. One glass becomes four or five.
I’m drunk, and it’s because of this fact I do something really stupid — like text Beth.
Me: I love you. I always have.
Dread runs through me as I stare at the phone, waiting for a response I don’t expect to come. Until it does.
Beth: You barely know me.
I smile at her response because she has no idea how much I do.
Me: I know you bite your bottom lip when you’re nervous, that you twirl your hair with your fingers when thinking. You smile at everyone, no matter if you like them or not. You look hot in a skirt.
Beth: You lied to me.
Me: I know, and I’m sorry. I want to see you. To explain.
It kills me that she doesn’t respond, but I understand. What could I really say to her? I’m currently drunk and it would probably come out all wrong.
Me: Meet me tomorrow at the coffee shop where we first met. Please.
Beth: I’m not sure I can.
Me: Sure, you can. Tell you what; I'll be there at 1:00 p.m. If you don't show up, then I'll take it as you ending us. I'll never bother you again.
How I’m going to be able to stay away from her is anyone’s guess, but I’ll tell her anything she needs to hear if the endgame brings her back to me.
Beth: I'll think about it. Goodnight, Josh.
Me: Cooper. Haven’t gone by Josh since I was a teen.
Beth: I like Josh. Goodbye.
Tossing my phone on the couch next to me, I stand. I’m a bit unsteady on my feet, but I manage to make it to the bathroom, take a shower and get into bed without killing myself.
As I lie under my duvet, I think about all the things I’ll say to her tomorrow. I’m also hoping and praying what Jared said is true. She’ll forgive me. Because without her, I’m nothing.