Page 24 of Hate You Forever

“I’ve always struggled with the internet dating thing. A part of me really fell for you, but deep down, I always wondered if you were who you said you were. And it seemed like every time I would mention wanting to meet, you wouldn’t answer. I thought that was my answer. I thought since things seemed to be getting serious with us, that you were pulling away. So I never even second guessed it when I started this thing back up with Memphis. But then you showed up here tonight and…” I shake my head. “Do you hate me? Of course you hate me. You came all this way for the worst break-up in history.”

He laughs and takes my hand in his again. “I don’t hate you, Jade. I just hate that I’m too late.”

I look up and lock my eyes on his.

“I think I’m in love with you, and I know how crazy that sounds. This is the first time we’ve been able to meet, to touch, and I’m in love with you? But the thing is, my love isn’t based on your looks or how well you can kiss. I’m in love with your mind, your words, your emotions, the way you can always seem to sense what I’m feeling even with thousands of miles between us. That’s the kind of love that lasts, Jade. And as much as I love that you’re getting your second chance with him, I also hate the thought that I have to go back home without you, knowing that we can’t even be friends. You’ve been a part of my life for so long now, I don’t know how I’ll live without our talks.”

I nod as I feel tears sting my eyes. “I know. I like our talks too. You always seem to get me, even when I don’t know what I’m even getting at. I think that if we could’ve met a lot sooner, that love I feel for him would’ve been replaced with the love I could’ve felt for you. But things never seem to work out the way I plan. I didn’t expect him to come back, not now, all these years later. I’m sorry things are such a mess with us.” I laugh as I wipe my tears away.

His hand comes up to cup my cheek, directing my eyes to his. “You are beautiful, Jade. And you are a good person. I know you didn’t mean for this to happen this way. I just hope that you findeverything you’re looking for, that he treats you the way you deserve to be treated.”

I nod. “He will. I know there is a lot of mistakes between us, but he loves me. I can see it when he looks at me. I can feel it when we touch. I just wish I hadn’t gotten you caught up in the middle of it. It really wasn’t my intention. I’m sorry for making you come all this way.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry for. Hey, at least I got to meet you.”

He reaches out and places a hand against my cheek.

I smile and take his hand on my cheek into mine. “You’re more than welcome to take a shower or eat anything in the kitchen. I’ll bring you out some clean sheets and blankets, and you can stay here tonight. Tomorrow morning, we’ll look into flights to get you home.”

He nods. “Okay, Jade.”

I stand up and go to the hallway closet, where I bring down a sheet and a blanket and take them back out to him. I lock the front door and head toward my room. Before I step through the doorway, I turn to face him. “And Paul?”

“Hmm?” he asks, looking up from the sheet he’s unfolding.

“We can be friends. We don’t have to stop talking.”

“Really? He won’t be jealous?”

I shrug. “It’ll be our little secret.”

He smiles wide and nods once. “Good night, Jade.”

“Good night, Paul,” I reply, stepping into my room and closing the door between us.

I change into my pajamas and settle into bed with Noodle already asleep at the foot of the bed. I check my phone, and to my surprise, Memphis hasn’t called or texted me once. I wonder if he’s mad that Paul is here. Either way, it couldn’t have been stopped. I had no idea. It’s not like I invited him here. He was as much of a surprise to me as he was him. I’m sure he’s driving himself crazy with worry though.

I’m not completely sure he trusts me to be alone with him all night. Or maybe he doesn’t trust Paul to be alone with me. I’m sure he’s afraid that we’re getting carried away, but Paul is a good guy. Even though I just met him in person, we’ve been talking online for months. He’s told me his innermost thoughts, dreams, and wishes. He has a good soul, and if Memphis wasn’t in the picture, I’d be more than happy with his surprise arrival. I know deep down that I’ll be kicking myself for breaking things off with him if Memphis decides to take off again.

I’m not entirely sure that I can trust Memphis to stick around again, but I know it’s worth a shot. If he leaves, I won’t exactly lose anything, but if he stays, I’llhave everything to gain. I’ll have him, his love, his time, and we’ll start a family of our own and grow old together. What more could I ask for?

It doesn’t take long before sleep is taking me, and I sleep soundly the rest of the night. When I wake, it’s going on seven, and I climb from bed. Noodle jumps awake when I get up, and he follows me into the living room. I expect to find Paul on the couch, but all I find is the blanket and the sheet he used neatly folded on the cushion. There’s a note on my laptop that’s been left open.

Jade,

Thank you for your hospitality even though I arrived unexpectedly. I’m sorry that we don’t get our shot, but I am happy to have finally met the gorgeous woman behind all those beautiful words. I hope he gives you everything you could ever dream of, but if he doesn’t, you know where to find me.

Until we meet again, and hope it will be soon,

Paul

I smile to myself as I read his words, but I close the computer and head to the door since Noodle is dancing around, ready to go outside. I unlock the door and push it open, surprised to find Memphis asleep in his car, which is still parked out front.

Did he not leave last night?

While Noodle runs off to do his business, I lean against the driver’s side door. I reach through the open window and poke his bicep. He jumps awake and I laugh.

“Did you sleep here all night?”

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