“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You are the worst at taking advice.”
“That’s not true.”
“Case in point, you kissed him when I told you not to kiss him. I told you to stay away from him, and you didn’t listen. Now you’re sitting there all emotional.”
“Fine.”
“Feeling better?”
“No, you totally suck.” We both laugh, say good night, and I hang up the phone. Then I lie in bed. I don’t sleep. Instead, I toss and turn, thinking of all the reasons I shouldn’t pursue him. All the things that can go wrong. The most important one being I’m sure he will break my heart.
17
Layla
I can’t believe today is my last day here.
My heart feels heavy, and there is a lump in my throat.
It could be that I need water, but something tells me it’s not. It’s as if I’m choking on dust, completely parched, but I know deep down it’s the idea of leaving.
This place is special, and I have fallen for it. The peace, the tranquility, and yes, even the weird, crazy AI system in place that’s supposed to make the environment more livable.
Despite my feelings, though, I need to head out.
The drive to the city is about three hours long. Yet my body has other plans. It doesn’t want to leave this bed. If I could stay here another week, I’m not sure that would be enough either.
Who am I trying to kid? No time would be enough because I feel robbed. It’s not like I think Cain Archer is my soul mate, but there’s definitely something there that I want to explore. It feels like a grand injustice not to see this thing out.
My chest feels empty, the knowledge that I will never know what could have been creating a crater inside me.
An audible sigh escapes my mouth, but I can’t linger here any longer.
It’s time to get up and start my day.
Placing a foot on the ground, I stand, stretching my arms out, and then make my way to the closet to pack. I don’t bother folding my clothes before just throwing them in haphazardly into the suitcase.
I stifle a laugh at the thought of Cain taking a peek in my suitcase and seeing my mess. Something tells me he would have a heart attack.
Once all the clothes are in the bag, I make my way to the bathroom and freshen up.
After I take a quick shower, I blow-dry my hair, but I leave it wavy, and then I throw on clothes.
Time to go.
Making my way to the foyer, I turn around and get one last look at the magnificent home I’ve resided in for the past week and say my goodbyes.
I move to open the door, and when I do, I see Cain standing there. His hand is up in the air with a fist formed as if he was about to knock.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, shock evident in my voice.
“Did you really think I was going to let you leave without saying goodbye?” he responds.
I give him a small smile. “To be honest, I wasn’t sure.” I try to play it off like I don’t care either way, but I do.
“What had you hoped for?” His question is simple, but it isn’t at the same time. He’s asking if I wanted him to say goodbye, but I know he’s asking if I want to leave.
Right now, emotionally, I’m not at a place to lay my feelings on the ground. I know Cain isn’t the man you hang your dreams on, but at the same time, if I can hold on to this fantasy a little longer, I will.
“I hoped I’d see you, but I know you’re busy.”
He steps toward me, grabbing my suitcase out of my hands. “Not too busy to say goodbye to you, Layla.”
He walks over to where my car is parked, and he points at the trunk. “You mind?”
“Oh, sorry.” A soft chuckle leaves my mouth, and I reach into my bag, grab the key, and unlock it.
He puts my suitcase in the trunk, then closes it.
We stand in front of each other. My arms cross in front of my chest as I wait for him to say something. It’s a nervous habit, a way to protect myself from this moment. “Thank you for everything. You didn’t have to. I should be—”
“Are you in a rush to leave?” He cuts me off. I furrow my brow, not sure what he’s asking.
“No. I have no place to be today. Just driving home. That’s it.”
Jeez, Layla, could you ramble something more pathetic?
He shuffles his weight from the left to the right foot. “Can I show you one last thing?” His hands are in his pocket now. Is Cain nervous? Or am I reading too much into this?
My heart rattles in my chest. “Yes. Of course.”