I jab a finger in his direction. ‘From people like you.’
Not one muscle moves on his face. ‘You think I’m the threat here? You hold all the power, Wilson. You always did. And I was stupid enough to hand it to you.’
I swallow, straighten. ‘How can you say that as you back me into a corner, forcing me to choose between you and my whole life?’
He looks away, and I’m finally able to draw breath.
‘You’re right.’ He nods slowly. ‘It isn’t fair to make you choose. So I’ll choose.’ His eyes meet mine once more. ‘And I choose to be done with this bullshit.’
Never have words landed so hard.
‘I’m not driving two hours just so I can hold your hand in public,’ he continues, ‘only to be tossed aside when this phase of yours is over.’ He gestures between us. ‘Me calling it should make things real easy for you.’
I blink, paralysed by his words.
He shakes his head, appearing defeated. ‘You’re a long way from figuring your shit out, and I don’t want to be a factor.’
My hands hang heavy at my sides. I wonder if he’s breaking his own heart as well as mine with this speech.
‘Wait,’ I manage to get out.
He starts walking backwards. ‘Good luck.’
I take a step after him. ‘Stop talking like I’m not going to see you in a few hours.’ When he turns away, I panic. ‘Can’t you just… can’t you just give me some time to think?’
‘Take all the time you need. This decision isn’t about me,’ he says over his shoulder. ‘It’s about whether you want to stay in the religion or not. You don’t need me around for that.’
He tugs up the hood of his jumper and heads for the ute.