Page 55 of Something Old

There is nothing I can do at this point. I have ruined my chances with her, and she is the only woman I have ever felt anything for in this way.

When I climb out of the shower I am shivering.

The ache in my body helps distract me from the ache in my heart.

I hear Dalila’s voice from downstairs, chatting to Nathan.

I get dressed and head down towards the noise.

“Mas, oh wow, you look like you didn’t sleep at all. What’s wrong?”

“I slept just fine.”

Nathan takes his cue and leaves the kitchen.

“Ok, then what’s going on? You look like shit.” She says, sliding onto the counter as I turn the coffee machine on for my second coffee of the day.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” I answer.

“Ugh. Why do you have to be so annoying? You know you being this closed off is the reason your wife is struggling to get closedto you.” She rolls her eyes. “Where is Leora? I came to see if she wants to go shopping with me today.”

“My wife left me, Dalila. Because I am cold and distant and cruel. She left.”

Dalila is staring at me with her mouth dropped open and her eyes as wide as I have ever seen them. “No way.” She mutters. “Leora was so into you. There is no way she left. We can go fetch her right now. I am sure this is just a misunderstanding.”

“There is no misunderstanding. She is in Hawaii. She snuck out last night. Caught a taxi to the airport and left.” I shrug, trying to be calm about it despite the ache in my heart.

“So, go fucking get her.”

I shake my head.

“I can’t. I have destroyed all my chances with her. She won’t take me back.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Leora

Hawaii is such a beautiful place. And I am doing my best to stay busy every day. I’ve been on two diving lessons, and a sunset trip to the reef. But I feel empty and lonely.

The hotel staff are really sweet, and the other guests are friendly.

I’ve made a few friends, but I am sort of keeping to myself because I need to think.

Have another diving lesson after breakfast today. I’m not even hungry.

I should eat - but instead I am walking along the beach.

The sand feels good between my toes. It’s warm and soft. I stay near the edge of the water and when the waves splash up onto the shore they wrap around my ankles and caress me.

“Leora.” I hear a cheerful voice call my name from a little way behind me.

I turn to see Daniel running up towards me.

“Hey, Dan. How are you this morning?” I smile.

I met him on my second night here. He’s here for his brother’s wedding and we were at the bar having sundowners at the same time. He’s really sweet. Very flirty. But I don’t flirt back. I’m here to clear my head, not to make things more complicated.

Having a friend to talk to is nice though.

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