Page 74 of Rear View
Scurrying to my closet, I wiggled my toes and pulled piece after piece of my “someday clothes.” My grin spread wide as I spotted the olive green bohemian dress I’d dreamed of wearing. Squeaking my excitement, I plucked it and several other favorites out. Next, I grabbed my makeup, toiletries, electronics, chargers and books.
My phone rang and I checked the screen. Dr. Barlowe’s name flashed there. My stomach twisted. He’d never called before, and it felt like a bit of an overstep for him to do it then. But I was in too good of a mood to let him ruin it. Reaching over, I sent it to voicemail.
A knock sounded at the apartment door and my head snapped up.
“Want me to get that?” Xavier called.
“No, it’s okay,” I said, my voice shaky as I shuffled that way, and peered out the peephole. When I saw the face on the other side, I frowned, a new kind of tension creeping in.
I popped the door open. “Christian? How’d you get in?”
“I followed a delivery driver,” he said, smiling as he stepped past me into the apartment, then stopped dead.
Xavier ticked his chin up in acknowledgment.
Christian’s brow dropped low. “What are you doing here?”
My frown deepened. I didn’t know where he’d found the audacity, but I wasn’t having it. “I invited him.” Folding my arms over my chest, I asked, “Was there something you needed?”
His stare flicked to Xavier, then back. “I was hoping to talk to you.”
I swallowed hard. “Now’s not a good time.” I found Xavier. “I’m almost ready.”
His nod was tight. “Take your time, darlin’.”
Coward that I was, I headed for my room, wanting to get the heck out of there, away from Christian and all my other baggage.
Haphazardly, I started stuffing everything into my suitcase, no organization, just efficiency. My gaze lit on my notebook where it sat on the edge of my dresser, the one I never went anywhere without. The one that had everything to do withhim.
I zipped my bag shut. Someone crossed into the room, and I jumped at the sight of Christian. He closed us in together, and my heart dropped.
“What are you doing?” I demanded.
His foot scuffed the floor. “I told you, we need to talk.”
No. Hard no!“I said not now, Christian.”
“You’re always busy lately. Your head is somewhere else.” He scoffed, and his attention landed on my suitcase. His brow lowered. “Are you going somewhere?”
Ugh. That conversation was thelastthing I wanted, but like it or not… “Yes.”
His eyes widened and he stabbed a hand toward the living room. “Withhim?”
Stand tall, Ryah. Stand tall.“With him.”
He folded his arms over his chest. “I don’t like the way he looks at you.”
My pulse drummed in my ears. “What? The way he looks at me like he cares? Because he does. He’s made that very clear. And I like him, Christian. So I’d suggestyou get used to it.” I pointed to the door. “Now, please, wait out there.”
Jabbing a finger at his chest, he said, “I know who you are and what you need.”
“You don’t know anything.”
His eyes went wide with something akin to panic. “I ended things with Chloe.” He rocked on his heels. “For good this time.” He advanced a step. “I wanted to give us another chance. You and me.”
Doubtless, he’d meant it as some grand gesture, but my blood pressure spiked because all itactuallydid was tick me off. How long had I wanted him in my room, saying those words? But suddenly, those words rang hollow and I just…didn’t care.
“There is no us. You’re too late.”
