Page 28 of Until We Weren't

Destiny turned around and looked down at Faith. “Yeah, there were a lot of emotions flying around here.”

“I know you think I gave up on us,” Faith said. “But I didn’t. I gave up on myself. I won’t do that again.”

Destiny desperately wanted to believe her. “What happened? Have you found a newfound strength overnight?”

“Something like that,” Faith said, stretching her arms over her head.

Destiny could remember those arms wrapped around her neck pulling her in for a kiss. She shook the thought aside and raised her eyebrows.“What gave you this strength?”

“I saw the truth in your eyes,” Faith said. “I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough back then to look at you.”

“I want to believe in you, Faith, but it’s so hard. You have to admit this is such a quick turnaround.”

Faith nodded. “You’ll see. I’ll show you.”

Destiny sighed. The desire to let all the doubts go was palpable, but Destiny was wary. She’d meant it last night when she told Faith she wouldn’t survive losing her again.

“Someone will be here soon and let us out,” Faith said. “Will you still work with me on this project?”

Destiny nodded, knowing that was their only hope to win the bid. She reached down and grabbed both their shirts off the floor.

“Thanks,” Faith said, putting her shirt back on. “Do you want to work on ideas for the main building at my shop? It’s closer.”

Destiny sighed. “I think I’d rather go home and shower. Maybe we could get together later this afternoon.”

“Okay,” Faith quickly agreed. “Whatever you want.”

Destiny turned around and stared at Faith. “Don’t be like that,” she said.

“Like what?”

“Nice,” Destiny replied. “Doing whatever I want. That will last about as long as it takes us to walk to the parking lot. I told you we can work together and I meant it.”

Faith chuckled. “Maybe I like being nice to you. It’s been a while.”

Destiny raised her eyebrows and caught herself before she said something unkind.

“Go ahead,” Faith said. “It’s my fault it’s been so long.”

A slow smile crept across Destiny’s face. There had been times when she was sure Faith could read her mind. That hadn’t seemed to change even though they’d been apart.

“We never had any problems working together,” Destiny said.

“Not really,” Faith said. “Sometimes it took a little longer for you to see it my way than others, but it all worked out.”

“Ha ha,” Destiny said. Then she caught herself. “Oh no you don’t.” She shook her head. They were not going to fall right back into the ease they shared before it all blew up. Too much had happened and Destiny would not let her heart be broken over and over again. She suddenly realized that’s how Faith must have felt every time her parents didn’t show up for her or when her ex cheated on her.

“Des, listen,” Faith said. “I think I heard a vehicle.”

They both went to the window and saw that the dogs were still there. A whistle echoed from somewhere towards the parking lot. The dogs looked in that direction, but they stayed at the door to the building. When they began to bark, it didn’t take long until Destiny could see a golf cart moving towards them. “Here they come.”

“I know you’re ready to get out of here, but at least some good came from being trapped with me,” Faith said. “You did save me from the dogs, Des.”

Destiny looked at Faith and smirked. “I would never intentionally hurt you.”

“I know that,” Faith said. “I knew it then, but I wouldn’t let myself believe it.”

Destiny swallowed the lump in her throat. How could two people who loved each other so much hurt each other just as badly? It didn’t make sense.

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