59. Chapter Fifty-Nine

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Beth

I 'm shaking as I watch Rourke leave. I stand at the window until he climbs all the way down the ladder at the bottom, and I can see him exiting the alley. I let out a breath once he's gone, and I try to calm down. I cancel the call I was ready to make to 911.

I don't understand why he's here.

He can't seriously think he can win me back.

Not after everything he said to me the day we broke up.

He knows he hurt me. He knows an apology won't fix that.

I close the drapes and sit down on the edge of the bed.

My heart is hammering, and I feel like I want to scream.

I don't think I can handle seeing him again.

I go into my contacts and chew on my lip as I bring up Gio's number.

It feels like pushing my problem onto someone else, but I don't exactly know how to deal with this, and he makes me feel safe. I'll feel better if I call him, and I seriously need to feel better right now. I hit call before I can change my mind.

I raise the phone to my ear, and I try to compose myself while I wait for him to answer.

It hasn't been long since I left the restaurant, and it definitely wasn't busy over there.

He picks up in a few rings, and I let out a relieved sigh.

"Beth? Are you okay?"

I nod, and clamp a hand to my head, realizing he can't see me.

"Beth? Beth? Did you butt dial me?"

I let out a snort of laughter. I feel better already.

"No, sorry. I just … It's me. I didn't butt dial you."

"Well, that's good to know. I'm not sure I could be into someone who butt dials all over the place. That's just bad phone etiquette."

I can't help smiling. "Did you just say you're into me?"

"I mean … You already knew that, right?"

I guess I did. We went on that arcade date, and he has been holding my hand a lot.

"Well, I thought I did, but …"

"But?"

"You realize you've walked me home twice now, and no kiss so far."

He laughs. "I thought you were in a no-dating phase."

"I might have to rethink that plan," I admit, waiting for a hint of dread to kick in.

It doesn't come. Yeah. I'm pretty sure that's because I've picked the right guy this time.

"Really?" he asks. "Because I'm free tonight if you wanted to do something fun."

"That sounds nice, but I'm going to have to raincheck you this time. I have prep work for tomorrow."

"Damn. Can't really kiss you unless we're on a date."

"Then, I guess you'll have to ask me out some other time."

I feel so much better that I decide not to tell him about Rourke.

I don't want to have to think about my ex right now, and it doesn't feel right to drag the guy I'm currently crushing on into that mess.

Rourke left when I told him to get lost.

He's not a threat to me.

"I'll make sure I do," he promises. "Have a good night prepping for tomorrow."

"I'll see you at eleven thirty sharp."

"I can't wait."

I hang up and take a deep breath.

It's time to get ready for tomorrow.