Page 161 of Fall I Want
She glances at me and it triggers a memory of us, one of the first ones we shared on the park bench. And she’s right. My anger is warranted, but violence is never the answer.
He’s living in his own personal hell. I can see how she destroyed him. It’s how she destroyed me, ruining how close Nicolas and I were.
“I don’t expect you to forgive me. I wanted to tell you that I’m really fucking sorry for hurting you. You were my best friend, and Ilost you in the worst possible way. No one was worth our friendship and I didn’t realize it until it was too late,” he says.
I take a sip of my coffee, amazed that he apologized, considering how goddamn stubborn he usually is. It’s not something I ever expected, and I know it took a lot for him to do that.
“Acknowledged and appreciated. But you’re right, I don’t think I can forgive you. And I don’t have to. Maybe one day I’ll be able to look back with fond memories, but that day isn’t today.” I’m firm in that decision. I have more to work through. Autumn doesn’t push anything, but she grabs my hand and squeezes it gently, respecting me.
He downs the liquid caffeine, and I wonder how long it’s been since he had a cup. “Thanks for giving me some of your time. Appreciate the coffee. Glad it didn’t taste like shit.”
“You’re welcome,” I say as he stands and moves toward the door, a little less broken than he was when he walked in. And he leaves.
Silence lingers.
“I’m proud of you,” Autumn says, turning and wrapping her arms around me.
“Why?”
“Because you respectfully protected your boundaries.”
I kiss her forehead. “For a second, I thought you would tell me to forgive him.”
“That’s your decision. I don’t care if you do or don’t. You can be respectful and firm at the same time,” she admits. “So he’s a ristretto man, too?”
“You guessed it.”
She grins. “Can we eat now?”
“Mm.” I bite on my bottom lip.
“Pancakes.”
Our knees touch as we cut into the warm bread, then take a big syrupy bite.
“Thank you for supporting me.”
“Same,” she says, glancing at the laptop. I know she’s thinking about her book, the one she was convinced a month ago she couldn’t write.
“What changed?” I ask.
She smiles. “I fell in love with you.”
Chapter 38
Autumn
After breakfast, Zane finally gives me a full tour of the house. There are so many beautiful, hidden elements and images carved into every nook and cranny. The house is a testament to his mother’s love, and I think she designed it for him, knowing it was her last gift.
It’s fun strolling through the house with him and walking down memory lane. I can see how much joy it brings him to open up about his past and share parts of his heart that are covered in dust.
“And last but not least, the library,” he says, opening the curtains, and the light burns bright in the room. My mouth falls open and a chill runs over me as I look at the storybook shelves, which have different fairy tales intricately carved into the wood.
“It’s . . . beautiful,” I say.
“My thoughts when I look at you.” He leads me from one side of the room to the other.
“The story starts here.” He points to the far left shelf. “A picture tale.”
