Page 166 of Fall I Want
I glance at my friends and they shake their heads. Then I remember how Zane acknowledged his ghosts; maybe it’s time to do the same for mine.
“Okay,” I say, sliding out of the booth.
Julie shakes her head.
“It’s fine. Five minutes,” I tell them, then turn to Sebastian. “Five minutes.”
“Okay,” he tells me, and I move across the room toward the hallway by the bathrooms. I pull my phone from my pocket to note the time.
“Go ahead. You’ve got my attention,” I say.
“Congratulations.”
I look at him like he’s lost his mind. “That’s it?”
“Yes. And I genuinely mean that from the bottom of my heart. At first, I was frustrated and angry. Mainly with myself because I realized how badly I’d fucked up. Seeing you with Zane drove home what I already knew—that I’d lost you forever. I knew he would never let you go because he doesn’t take good things for granted.”
I swallow hard.
“I wanted to make a scene at his father’s wedding, knowing I could ruin it.”
“Thank God you didn’t. You’d have embarrassed me.” I’m brought back to how desperate Celine was and how she’d already accomplished that with no help.
“It’s the only reason I didn’t.” He breathes out slowly. “Zane Alexander is one of the greatest men I’ve ever met, and I’ve always hated him for it. He’s always been better at everything. Again, I’m in second place.”
I open my mouth to say something, but he shakes his head. “I chose it, Autie. And I’m not fighting for you because you should have someone who can truly love you the way you deserve. Ego aside, I saw the way you two looked at each other, and there’s no way I could make you that happy. I’m really fucking sorry for hurting you and for cheating and all the stupid shit I did and said when we were together. I didn’t realize what I had until it was gone. This is me saying I hope you have a beautiful life with the man of your dreams. Love like that is what the rest of us wish for.”
I let out a soft laugh. He remembered my stories about Mr. Dreamy. “Thank you.”
He opens his arms and I hug him. It’s odd to experience no emotions when I was stupidly obsessed with him for so long. We pull away, and he walks toward the exit. When he’s out of sight, I replay what he said, not wanting to forget a word. Julie and Blaire are staring at me so I take a deep breath and return to the booth.
“What did he say?” Blaire asks.
“He apologized and told me congrats. Not in that order.”
They look as shocked as I feel.
“Yeah.” I repeat what he said about Zane.
“Maybe he isn’t such a bastard,” Julie says. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice in a way. His heart in exchange for your happiness.”
“Oh, please tell me you’re not getting soft for him.”
“If I’m choosing a toxic man in your life, it won’t be him. Love you, but don’t want your sloppy seconds or small dicks.”
I burst into laughter.
“However, Zane’s ex–best friend?” She tilts her head. “What does he look like?”
Blaire playfully rolls her eyes.
“Uh. Actually, hold on. I’m friends with his mom on social media.” I unlock my phone and go to Silvia’s profile. “It’s not the best photo.”
She drops my phone. “Are you fucking kidding me? I think I just fell in love.”
Blaire snickers. “Let me see.”
Her eyes widen too.
