Page 30 of Runaway Girl
“That was abouther?Bro, you made that shit worldwide,” he said, clucking with disapproval.
“You don’t think I know that? How do I get her back?”
“You have a time machine?” he asked, his tone snarky and sarcastic.
I stared at him, deadpan. “Huh, funny.”Idiot.
“Alright. Where are you both at right now?”
I ran a hand through my hair, pulling on the roots. “I don’t know. Every time I think I’m making some type of progress, I get iced out. You saw how she was tonight.”
Owen crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. “Well, what have you done to earn her forgiveness? Toshowyou are sorry?”
I tallied each act off with a finger. “I’ve apologised. I send her extravagant gifts I know she loves. I was even vulnerable with her, which I’ve never been withanyone.” Owen’s lips twitched as he tried to hold back an amused smirk—which pissed me off. “What, asshole?”
“That’s not good enough. How has that addressed yourbehaviour?How do those actions prove that you’ve changed? That you would never betray her like that again?”
“Because I won’t.”Okay, even I can admit how pathetic that sounds.
He shook his head. “You haven’t given her a reason behind your actions. You’ve shown some regret, flashed some cash and said a few pretty words, but they have no meaning behind them. Get on her level and communicate.”
“I’ve tried,” I whined.Geez, get a hold of yourself.
Owen held up a palm, silencing me. “She needs more from you. Alicia needs to knowwhyyou did what you did andwhyyou’ve acted the way you have. Otherwise, what’s stopping this from repeating in the future? When you get overwhelmed or when something becomes too much for you, what are you going to do to keep yourself from panicking and lashing out again?”
A sudden clarity shifted as his words sank deep.Alicia requires reassurance, not empty apologies with half-ass excuses.
I was initially sceptical, talking with Owen, but his point of view was helpful. I took his advice seriously as he was the only one who knew Alicia on a personal level.
“That makes sense,” I said. “Besides Dad and Alicia, no one’s ever given it to me straight like that. Thanks for being honest.”
“I guess no one else has called you out on your bullshit before?”
I chuckled. “With my face, fame and money? Not quite.”
Owen tilted his head, then his eyes softened, almost in sympathy. “I get it. You’re used to people kissing your ass, but you’re out of touch with reality, bro. The Thornes… they’rereal. None of that fake shit. They’re fair and fiercely loyal. And if you stick by them, they will protect you, love you,cherish you.”
Owen’s words took on a whimsical tone as his features morphed in melancholy—the exact reflection of myself ever since I lost Alicia.
“How do I prove all of that to her, Owen? I-I don’t know how to do that.”
“You have everything you need here,” he said, pointing to the middle of my chest.Cheesy fucker.“You were with Alicia for four years, Ethan. Youknowher. Dig deep, pull your head out of your ass and think abouther.Not for what she can do for you or how she makes you feel. But only aboutherneeds. What does she need from you?”
I was buzzing with all the ideas that were flying through my head, a renewed gusto taking over as I finished my two-minute shower and collected my belongings.
Our conversation went longer than I intended. Most of the stadium had already cleared out except for the clean-up crew.
How can I prove myself to her? How do I get Alicia to trust me with her heart? To believe I will never betray her again?
I twirled a football between my hands, then stalled in the back entrance and watched as Alicia led Owen to a waiting cab. He gave her a light peck on the cheek—which would have previously given me an aneurysm—then slipped into the backseat before the car pulled away.
I was pleasantly surprised by how well Owen and I clicked. I guess I felt akin to him, like we had some underlying connection since we were both trying to win back our girl. He had a genuine nature, and I took his input seriously—which I planned on implementing immediately.
Alicia was on her own, her back to me, standing in the middle of the dark parking lot without a care.
Does she have no self-preservation? I want to spank her so fucking bad. Tease then pleasure her until she submits and learns a damn lesson.
She didn’t turn, instead venturing deeper into the shadows.Oh, hell no.
