16. Shelby

SHELBY

Rose full of thorns …

I slammed the door and leaned back against it. The fucking audacity of him, thinking I was just going to fall at his feet because he apologized. He had his chance and he fucked it up. I only wish things hadn't gone to shit with Kenley too. It would have been nice to have at least one of them. I had been home about an hour when my doorbell rang. My eyes narrowed as I flung the door open, fully expecting to find Thomas there again.

Instead, I found Kenley standing there, looking as stunning as she always did, even in a pair of jeans and a sweater.

"Kenley? What are you doing here?"

"I think we need to have a conversation."

"Do we really have anything left to talk about? Does this have anything to do with Thomas being here an hour ago?"

"Yes, and yes. Please, Shelby, you owe me at least this much."

"Okay, come on in. Would you like a drink?"

"Just a water would be great."

"Go on into the living room and I'll grab it. Make yourself at home."

I grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge and went in to find out what she had to say. I wasn't sure what I even wanted to hear but I would give her the chance to say it.

"So, what's up?"

"I played at the club the other night and something weird happened after I finished."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. Thomas came over to me and was jealous as fuck. Honestly, he acted like a complete asshole."

"Why on earth would he have been jealous? He's the one who fucking ended things?!"

"I asked the same thing. I wonder if he would be jealous of me too?"

"I can guarantee he would be but, Shelby, don't be petty like that. You're better than that."

"Why was he even here?"

"He was here because he wants to have a frank discussion with you. He's straightened out a lot of things in his head. I think you would be surprised at how far he's come in the last little bit."

"You talked with him then?"

"I did. I wasn't going to but he convinced me to give him a few minutes and I'm glad I did. Listen, I owe you an apology too."

"What? No, you don't."

"I do. Shelby, I was so fucking selfish. I was so wrapped up in myself and what I wanted that I didn't even consider your needs. I'm so sorry for that."

"Thanks, Kenley. I'm not upset with you about that, though. I think things ended on better terms with you than they did with Thomas."

"I can't argue with that," she laughed.

"What is it you want, Kenley?"

"I'm asking you to hear Thomas out. It would be worth it."

"I don't see the point. I think that ship has sailed."

"Okay, but what if it hasn't?"

"What does that even mean?"

"Just talk to him, Shelby. Please. Would you do it for me?"

I looked at her hopeful face, wondering if I should actually give him a chance. Would I just end up hurt again or was this as serious as she was suggesting? I realized then that it wasn't really fair of me to let Kenley talk and not Thomas.

"Okay, I'll talk to him."

"Thank you! You won't regret this, I promise. I'm going to go now. Thomas will be at the club tonight if you want to see him."

"I think I'd rather wait until tomorrow. It's been a very long day."

"Can I let him know that you're going to talk with him?"

"Sure. I really am tempted to do a scene and see how he reacts," I chuckled.

"Don't be a bitch," she laughed. "Just have a conversation with him."

"I will. For now, though, I need to get myself some dinner and think for a bit."

"I need to do the same. I'll leave you to it. Thanks again, Shelby."

"You're quite welcome. I'll talk to you once I meet up with him."

"Sounds like a plan," she said, walking to the door.

I hugged her and then waited until she'd pulled out of the driveway before I closed the door. I pooped a frozen dinner in the microwave and made my way back to the living room with it a few minutes later. I had a suspicion I knew what Thomas was going to say but I was almost afraid to hear it. I guess only time would tell. I was in bed fairly early and fell into an uneasy sleep.

I was nervous as hell when I got to the club the next night. I was honestly considering turning around and leaving when I found him looking at me from the other side of the dance floor. Sighing, I made my way over to him.

"Hi, Thomas."

"Shelby, thanks so much for agreeing to meet with me. Can we talk in my office where it's quiet?"

"Sure. Lead the way."

I followed him up the stairs and into his office, dropping into one of his chairs. I looked at him expectantly and waited for him to start talking.

"I talked to Kenley. I told her I had realized just how badly I'd screwed things up by not waiting for you. I never should have given up so easily."

"Then why did you? I told you I just needed a little more time."

"Because I was too proud. Shelby. I figured you were going to say no and I didn't want to give you that chance. I figured if I made the choice for us, it would be better for me."

"And was it?"

"Not even remotely. I knew as soon as you two left that I'd fucked up. I've been kicking myself for it ever since."

"Why are you telling me this, Thomas? Are you just looking to assuage your guilt?"

"No, not at all. Shelby, I want you. I want you both and I know now that I can handle you being a switch."

"Why the sudden epiphany?"

"I had a conversation with Chase. He pretty much pointed out that I was being a moron. I realized after talking to him that I had lost the two most important people in my life. I would do anything to convince you that I'm worth the risk."

"Thomas, you're telling me that after months of going back and forth, you're just suddenly 100% sure of things? You didn't just hurt me. You broke my fucking heart and now you're looking for me to give it to you again?"

"I know you have your doubts, and I don't blame you, but I promise you, this is real."

"And what did Kenley have to say about all of this?"

"She didn't tell you?" he asked, his brow wrinkling in confusion.

"No. All she said was that I needed to talk to you and that it would be worth my while."

"She's in, Shelby. If you're in, so is she."

"If I tell you I need time, are you going to bail again?"

"Not a chance in hell. I told you, I'm in this 100%. I'll wait a lifetime if I have to."

"Okay, I need to process all of this, Thomas. We'll talk in a few days, alright?"

"Fair enough. Thank you so much for hearing me out."

He looked like he wanted to hug me but I didn't know if I could handle that yet. With a goodbye , I turned and walked out of his office. I didn't stop until I reached my car and once I'd climbed inside, I leaned my head back and breathed deeply. Part of me had wanted to jump at the chance to really be in this relationship but the part of me that was protecting my heart wouldn't let me. I knew it would be hard for them to wait for me and I was a little upset to be in this position again, but I owed it to all of us to give it a lot of thought.

Could this really work?