“She told me repeatedly that she loved me, that she was proud of the awards I’d won through dancing. She told me that she couldn’t wait to build a life with me, to start a family. It just…fell apart. We were two months away from the wedding when she told me she was leaving. That it was too much for her when she watched me leave every weekend to dance.
“And I know that I should have seen it coming, I’m not stupid, but she made me believe I could be something outside of dancing. Even though I do what I love, I want so much more in life. And I don’t believe I should miss out on that simply because I do a job that some people don’t understand. Because that’s all it is, Faye—a job. I clock in and I clock out like everyone else. I pay my bills, I lie in bed reading books, I do everything every other woman does…but it’s not enough for anyone who comes into my life.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I know what people think of me. I know each and every person I come across thinks I fuck those clients, but I don’t. I’ve never crossed the line with anyone who comes into my room. I simply love doing it. Dancing is my life; it has been since I was twenty. But sometimes it’s not enough for me. Sometimes, on the rare occasion, I wish people thought better of me. You know?”
“I think you’re wonderful.”
Talia smiled. “You’re going to make someone really happy one day. I know it. But me? This is it for me. I can’t put myself through the rejection anymore. I’ve never hurt anyone in my life, I’ve never cheated or lied or stolen, but people look at me, and you know what they see?”
Faye was close to breaking down for Talia. Everything she was saying held so much pain. “W-what?”
“A whore. A slut. Someone who shouldn’t be allowed to have the life she wants because society says so. I mean, I didn’t even get invited to my parents’ wedding anniversary the other year. They’re ashamed of me. They don’t talk about me, they don’t call me, nothing.”
Talia shook her head and pushed her plate away. Even in her state of upset, she’d cleared her food. Faye couldn’t help but smile at that. But then a sob escaped Talia’s mouth, urging Faye to approach her and wrap her arms around her. When she did so, Talia sniffled.
“I don’t see any of those things. I think you’re incredibly beautiful, you have my respect, and I’ve loved getting to know you.”
Despite putting that out there, being honest, Faye felt Talia pull away from her. “Dinner was so good. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. It was a nice change to eating alone.”
“But, uh…” Talia pulled her hair up into a bun, shaking her head. “I should go.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that. All talk of exes is off the table if that’s what you want.”
Talia looked up at Faye, her eyes drained of life. “I really think it’s best if I head off.”
“O-okay.” Faye wouldn’t push Talia to stay. She’d given her space to talk, to vent, and now she would let her be. “Will you be okay walking back alone?”
Talia got to her feet and took her plate to the sink. “Of course. I walk these streets all hours of the night.”
That wasn’t something Faye needed to be privy to. The thought of Talia walking alone at night in the city only made Faye want to meet her after working the weekend. Just so she had company. “If you’re sure?”
Faye had already scared Talia off. Why the hell had she brought up her divorce?Idiot!
“I am. And you’ve done more than enough for me tonight.” Talia rounded the island and took Faye’s hand. “I…apologise for that. You didn’t need to hear it.”
“If you ever want to talk, I’m just a call away.” Faye lifted their hands and squeezed Talia’s. “Don’t ever think I’m not interested. I am.”
“Megan was a lifetime ago. It’s about time I got over it.”
And that right there told Faye everything she needed to know. Talia wasn’t over her ex.
“You still love her.” Faye nodded slowly. She had no idea where she was going with this conversation. She hadn’t loved Amy for a long time. But seeing a different side to your wife, a side filled with jealousy and contempt, it was easy for Faye to fall out of love with her. “Maybe things will change one day.”
“I don’t love her. I haven’t loved her since the moment she tore my heart from my chest. I’m just scared to ever give it away again.”
Faye smiled as she lifted a hand and cupped Talia’s cheek. “You have a beautiful heart. Don’t ever settle for being alone. You deserve more than that.”
Talia leant into Faye’s touch, her eyelids fluttering closed. “Thank you for listening.”
“Always.”
CHAPTERSEVEN
The bustleof the bistro this afternoon kept Talia on her toes. Wednesday was always packed out compared to any other weekday. There seemed to be more meetings at tables, more video calls, more life around here. But the one person Talia wanted to see hadn’t been by for a week. No call, no texts,nothing.