I grabbed my coat and stepped out into the cool autumn air. The walk to the store was invigorating, making my cheeks tingle. I bought fresh fruit, tea, and a box of throat lozenges, picturing Jace’s gratitude when I showed up.
Back at his building, I pressed the elevator button, adjusting the heavy bag on my arm. Normally, I would take the stairs, but not today. The elevator made a soft humming sound as it descended. I distracted myself by humming a tune. When the doors opened, my heart skipped a beat. There was Jace, with his arms around a woman I didn’t know.
Her face was buried in his chest, and they were so close that it made me nauseous. It was clearly more than just a friendly hug.
“Looks like you’re feeling better,” I said, my voice louder than I meant it to be, breaking the silence in the hallway. Jace quickly turned to me, his face going pale. “Kate…” he stammered, dropping his arms from the woman. He took a step towards me, reaching out his hand as if that could fix things. “I can explain.”
I held up my hand to stop him. “Don’t. Just don’t. If you move or say another word, I’ll make you regret it.” I threw the bag of groceries at him, and the fruit scattered across the floor.
Without waiting for his reaction, I walked away, my heart pounding with anger and disgust. He didn’t call after me or try to stop me, and I was glad. He no longer deserved my attention.
A few days had passed since I caught Jace with that woman in the elevator. He hadn’t bothered to contact me, not even to offer a lame apology. Not a simple “I’m sorry, I’m a jerk, and I don’t deserve you.” Was that too much to ask?
The unresolved issue bothered me. I couldn’t move forward or let go, as it felt like he was still haunting my life, like a persistent shadow.
I decided I needed closure, even if it meant confronting him. So, I texted him, my fingers trembling with rage. After a few minutes, he replied.
@Jace:
Let’s meet tonight at 6 p.m., at our café.
Our café. The place of our first date. How dare he? Still, I agreed.