Page 66 of What are the Chances

“So, you admit it then? This has nothing to do with your fucking quest to find yourself. You’re pissed I fought that prick,” Mason argues just as loudly. We hear more throat clearing, but neither of us look toward our third seatmate.

“I don’t know, Mason! Okay, is that what you want to hear? Things shifted when you started fighting. When you didn’t choose to go with me, yes, something changed. I said your name and waited, but you just launched back toward him.” I half cry, half shout this at him, pointing toward my chest, nearly out of my seat. There are passengers craning their necks to see us, but I don’t care.

“I’m sorry, Char, but when a man, who’s cheated on you twice, says under his breath he’s going to get you back after he’s spent the last two weeks fucking someone else, I’m going to fight him. I’d do it again and again, just to show him you deserve better.” Mason’s voice is eerily quiet like air in a coffin.

My stomach twists and dips at his words. I hadn’t heard what Kyle said to Mason to cause him to re-engage the fight. I look down at my hands and swallow my pride.

“Thank you for doing that, Mason. I’m sorry I judged you so harshly.”

I look back up to see his reaction, he’s been quiet for too long. When his green eyes meet mine, he clenches his jaw and looks away. Finally, he shakes his head and looks back at me.

“Forget it. Doesn’t matter anymore, anyway. You’ve made yourself clear. I’ll leave you the fuck alone, from here on out.” With that, he pulls his headphones up and sticks them in his ears.

I can feel the heat rising in my face and turn away. I know I have tears brimming at the edges of my eyes, but I refuse to let Mason see them. He’s hurt and feels rejected, and I did that, so now he’s done. No second chances for us, no happy ending. There’s just what we had, and it’s over now.

***

I had a connecting flight to catch in Chicago, but I missed it on purpose. I couldn’t handle any more time around Mason. I couldn’t handle one more hate-fueled moment of negative energy between us. I caught the following flight out and sat alone, all the way to Los Angeles.

Thankfully, Kyle hadn’t returned yet, so I packed in silence. I didn’t care about my furniture or big material things. I’ll let Kyle sell them. I didn’t even give my boss two weeks’ notice. I had been saving money for years and had a nice nest egg built up.

I’d be fine for a while and had no plans on returning to California, so my boss’ poor comments about me didn’t hurt. I had three beautiful days alone, packing while I set up shipping my boxes and suitcases of belongings to Ireland. I already booked a new flight out and was nearly ready to leave when I heard the front door jingle.

For some reason, my stomach dips at the idea it might be Mason, but then it dove off a depressed cliff of sadness when I realize he doesn’t even know where I live. Kyle emerges into the apartment a few moments later, carrying flowers.

“Babe, I’m so glad you’re here,” he coos and charges forward to hug me. I put my hand out to stop him.

“What are you doing here?” I scoff, shocked he’s here. I haven’t heard anything from him since Ireland.

“I live here, and so do you. We’re working this out, Charlotte,” Kyle demands, peeling off his shirt, revealing his bare chest.

I lower my eyes, not sure why he’s suddenly stripping.

“Kyle, we aren’t. You lied to me and cheated on me. Why on earth would you think I’d come back to you?”

“I had to know, Charlotte. I had to go to Spain and see Mia to see if there was really anything between us.” He tilts his chin up and gazes at me from under hooded eyes.

“It’s just you, babe. You’re it for me. I broke it off with her and booked the next flight to Ireland.” Kyle’s face lights up with a smile as he takes a step closer to me.

I resist the urge to laugh. Instead, I spin away from him and head toward my boxes.

“I’m almost done boxing these up. My flight takes off tonight. I paid up my last half of the month, but you’re on your own after that.” I pick up a small box, filled with jackets and scarves, carrying it to the bedroom.

“The fuck did you just say? Moving? Where?” Kyle fumbles as he tries to follow me, his feet tripping over a box in his way.

“I’m moving to Ireland, and I’m not coming back,” I state firmly, walking around the room, grabbing what little is left of my things.

“How do you expect to work on us if you move there?” Kyle’s panic is high as he looks at our empty closet.

“Well, I don’t for one thing,” I laugh, unable to keep it in any longer. “I don’t want you, Kyle, I haven’t in a long time.”

“So, you’re running to that Irish prick?” Kyle fumes, stepping closer to me.

I look up at him, knowing he’d never physically hurt me.

“No. I’m going back to my family. It has nothing to do with Mason… although if he moved there, I wouldn’t be against us working things out. I miss him.” I look longingly at my cell phone, wishing Mason would call.

“And if I decide to move there?” Kyle booms, raising his voice.

“Good luck to you.” I shake my head and laugh again. “This is where we part ways. I don’t want to be friends or anything else. I just want to leave.”

I snag my cell phone from the bedside and press the home screen. A picture of Mason and I kissing is set as the background. I haven’t brought myself to change it yet. I’m changing my entire life, yet that one piece won’t budge. I’ve tried, but I can’t make my fingers press delete. I toss it in my purse and continue packing, preparing for the next chapter of my life.

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