Page 151 of Mistaken Impression

“As a friend, yes. Nothing more. Looking back, I think that was a mistake, but it wasn’t intentional. I only ran into her by accident when I went out to celebrate.”

“Celebrate what?”

“My book was accepted by a publisher. I…”

“Really?” Her face lights up, all thoughts of Moira forgotten for a moment.

“Yeah. Didn’t you hear Kennedy mention it the other night?”

She shakes her head. “No. I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention. But how did Kennedy know?”

“Because Delilah’s talking to a producer or someone about turning it into a TV show.”

“Are you serious?”

“Delilah is. The producer seems to be.”

“And you?”

“I’m not so sure, but I’m letting them run with it at the moment.”

“But that’s… that’s so exciting.”

I move my hand between us, caressing the bump. “Not compared to this, it’s not.”

She smiles and nestles in to me. “Tell me about Moira?”

I hold her close. “I went to the pub to celebrate the news of my publishing contract, and she was there.”

“You went up to her?”

“No. She came up to me. I bought her a drink to be friendly.”

“But she wanted more?”

“She said she didn’t.”

“And she called you arrogant?” she says, frowning, but making it clear she heard what I said to Moira.

“Yes. I was in the middle of giving her my best ‘we can’t be anything more than friends’ speech when she delighted in telling me she was over me… and I believed her. More fool me.”

She lets out a sigh and tips her head to one side. “Have you seen her since then?”

“Yes, from time to time. It wasn’t a regular thing.”

She looks up into my eyes. “Answer me one question?”

“Of course.”

“Did you sleep with her?” she asks, surprising me. “Even if it was just for old time’s sake. Please be honest with me. I won’t mind if you did, but…”

“I didn’t. I couldn’t.”

“We broke up, Mac. I left you.”

“And? That doesn’t mean I stopped loving you. It doesn’t mean I stopped being yours. Even when we were three thousand miles apart, I was still yours. I always will be,” I say, cupping her face in my hand. “It was a stupid idea to let Moira back into my life, and I’m sorry I did. I’m sorry for everything…”

She clamps her fingers over my mouth. “Please don’t say sorry again.”

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