She gets busy with something on her lap, her gaze dipping before I hear her voice again.
“You still love her,” she says, flicking her eyes up.
“What are you talking about?”
“Don’t play coy with me. You know what I’m talking about.”
I lean back in my chair, flashing a mysterious smile.
She wags her finger at me.
“I know you, Jaden. Better than I know myself. You wouldn’t be so hung up on her after all this time.”
“Where did you get that idea?”
She takes a long breath.
“Listen... I don’t know why you broke up with her––”
“I didn’t break up with her.”
She shoots me a stern look.
“Yes, you did. In the worst possible way. You didn’t even offer her an explanation.”
“I couldn’t.”
She gestures at me dismissively.
“Whatever. The thing is... You’re still thinking about her.”
“How do you know all that?”
“I know why you didn’t want to get close to her.”
“Do you?” I ask.
She studies me, intrigued.
“Yes, I do. It was complicated in the past, but now it’s different. I’m surprised you’re still single and don’t have someone slobbering over you.”
“What makes you think I don’t?” I ask quietly.
“I’m not talking casual hook-ups.”
“Maybe I didn’t find the right woman.”
“Or maybe you did, but you let her go.”
I set my glass on the side table, bury my face in my hands and then run my fingers through my hair.
A moment later, I raise my eyes back to her.
“It’s too late for that,” I say soberly.
“Why’s that?”
“She has no love left for me and no trust. Only hate.”