Page 38 of Outplayed

The time we’d had would never be enough. Two dates, one with Izzy around, which I absolutely classed as a date, and I’d fucked things up in a way I wasn’t sure Violet would listen to me.

I wasn’t sure Violet would accept my apology and give me a chance again.

I knew I didn’t deserve it, but I had to try.

Violet was mine.

We had a past, and I wanted a future with her. Even after those short dates with her, I knew I was a total cockhead for letting her go, especially knowing she was meant to be mine. She hadn’t changed as much as she thought she had. It was I who’d changed, and I didn’t like myself for who I’d become. How I’d acted.

Rubbing at my chest, I cursed myself over and over again.

I had to find a way to convince her that what I did, how I acted, would never fucking happen again. Jesus, I would rather gut myself, cut out my own tongue, to ever see her face crumpled with disappointment and hurt again.

Stalking out of my room, I went to the table near the door, where my phone was, and picked it up.

First, I sent a text to Violet. I’m sorry. I know it’s not enough, but I am so fucking sorry for tonight. I know I ruined it. I know me explaining how it was only one drunken night many years ago with those two isn’t enough for you to come back to me.

I’m sorry.

Truly sorry.

Christ, I just hope one day you’ll forgive me. I’m not asking for it now when I know what happened was disgusting.

Shit. I’m terrible at expressing anything over text.

Need you to know, Violet. I won’t give up.

I can’t.

Clenching my jaw, I read over what I’d sent and thought I sounded like a pathetic twat. I couldn’t take any of it back; I’d already sent it without thinking. I wasn’t sure if any of what I said would be any good at getting her back with me. But she had to know I regretted my actions.

I scrolled through my contacts, found Link’s name, and hit Call.

“Yeah?” he answered.

“Need you here at the Melbourne apartment.”

There was silence on the other end, and then, “I thought Violet was with you tonight.”

“Fuck, Link.”

“What the fuck did you do?”

“Just get here.”

He hung up. I quickly dialled downstairs, already guessing how she left, but I needed to confirm it.

“Travis,” Donald answered.

“Tell me how she left.”

“In near tears and in your car.”

“Fuck. Did you have someone tail her, make sure she got home safe?”

“I may be old, Travis, but I’m not stupid. She’s the first I like for you.” Donald had been working for me for years. He didn’t have a family of his own, which was how he came with me wherever I moved to. In a way, like Izzy, Link, and Trisha, he was a part of my family.

“Thanks, Donald.”

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