Page 21 of Perfect Rhythm
“It’s not that simple.”
“It actually is. I don’t believe in holding on to shit that doesn’t make me happy. Life’s too short for that.”
“Yeah, but I don’t believe in just jumping ship when things get hard. Relationships have their challenges. Some things you should try to work through.”
“I mean, yeah, that’s true. But why keep trying with someone that you don’t want to be with?”
She stared at me, caught off guard. “Who said I didn’t want to be with him? Those words never left my mouth.”
“They didn’t have to. I’m just telling you what I know, and I’m usually right.”
We pulled in front of her apartment building, a modern high-rise with mirrored windows.
I nodded in admiration.Nice.
“Well, you’re wrong. I do want to be with Eli.”
“Hmm...okay. I’ll guess we’ll have to agree to disagree on that one.”
“I guess so.”
She placed her hand on the door to open it, and I quickly stopped her, my hand resting on her thigh. “Don’t.”
I hopped out and walked around to her side.
“Wow, well, aren’t you just a gentleman?” she said as she scooted out of the car.
“Always.”
She stood in front of me and lifted her gaze. “Thanks again for the ride. I’ve got it from here.”
“Yeah, I bet you do. But I’m going to walk you to your door.”
“No, you’re not. I’m not letting you in my building.”
I smirked. “Really? I thought we were better than that.”
“We are, but having you outside of my building is enough. The last thing I need is someone trying to get a quick payoff to leak footage of you walking me inside and up to my apartment. That’s going to make an already stressful situation worse, and I’m sure you don’t want that.”
“Not at all.”
“Good. So, let’s focus on making me happy tonight?”
“Are you saying that me walking you to your door won’t make you happy?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
“Alright.” I lifted my hands and took a step back. “Say no more. You’re free to go.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Just as she was about to move past me, I grabbed her hand. “But do me a favor.”
She lowered her gaze, her eyes focused on how effortlessly our fingers intertwined.
“Um…yeah,” she muttered.
“Call me the second you’re inside.”
