“But it’s true. I didn’t freak out because of anything you did. I freaked out because…” My words trail off. I’m not sure I’m ready to admit to myself that I ran because I was thinking about Finn. He was the one whose touch I craved while Chance was running his hands over my body.
For a second there, he was the one I wanted.
Even though he broke me.
Even though he left.
I wanted him.
Still…
“You don’t need to say it. I know why you really left.” Chance snaps me out of it.
I arch an eyebrow. “By all means, enlighten me.”
“You left because you still have feelings for Finn.”
“You’re wrong.” I don’t miss a beat.
“Dia, it’s fine. You two have history. You’ve been through hell together, and that kind of love… it doesn’t just go away.”
Did Joel slip him some crack in there?
“You’re way off,” I say.
Chance angles his body to the side, his poker face unbreakable. “Do you know what I saw? That night at the party?”
I stare out the window, refusing to meet his eyes. That’s how much I don’t want to be having this conversation right now.
He carries on anyway. “I saw him calm you down in a matter of seconds. He didn’t even have to try. He just… understood you. All you said was his name, Dia, and he knew exactly what you were going through. I was pissed at first, but seeing you go to him when you needed someone… seeing how you two communicated without words… it made me realize that I’m not your person. Heis.”
“He abandoned me, Chance. I can’t forgive him,” I argue, but I’m not even sure who I’m trying to convince anymore.
Him.
Or myself.
“Just because you couldn’t see him doesn’t mean he wasn’t there.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
Chance sighs. “I talked to Xavier, and I… I really think you should ask Finn. Give him a chance to explain. I may hate the guy, but even I have to admit he had good reasons for bailing.”
I knew when I got into a relationship with Chance that he was a nice guy, but I never knew he was a saint. I refused to have sex with him before running back to my ex, and he somehow found a way not to take that personally. What kind of selfless, good-hearted soul roots for his ex-girlfriend and another guy to get together?
I debate on taking his advice for long seconds. I’ve been thinking of letting Finn tell me his side of the story for a while now. This might just be the push I needed.
“Fine, I’ll ask him. But when he inevitably disappoints me, I’m going to need a written apology.”
Chance smiles. “Copy that.”
We spend the next few minutes laughing, which only reinforces my confidence in our decision to part ways. Chance and I are better off as friends. We always have been.
“You ready to go?” Chance turns the key into the ignition, a hint of sadness gleaming in his eyes.
We don’t need to say it.
We know it’s over.
I glance up at him, give a small smile, and say, “I’m ready.”