Page 20 of Soros
Placing her hands on her hips, she glared at me. “No, I guess you don’t. Time is clearly nothing to you, but here on Earth, four years is alongtime. But you know what…”
“No, what?”
“In my mind I’ve imagined having this fight with you a million times. It’s typical that you would pick a time when I look like absolute shit. I don’t have any makeup on, my hair is wet, and I’m wearing this shapeless robe. I wanted to have this discussion looking my best and feeling confident.”
I squinted my eyes, confused as to why her appearance would matter. Tania was beautiful no matter what she wore, and she definitely didn’t need any makeup.
Feeling frustrated with her lack of understanding, I watched her turn and stomp to the small bag that she had brought. With sharp movements she pulled out things.
“I don’t care if it had beenfortyEarth years. I would still remember you,” I argued.
I could tell that Tania’s heart was guarded, and it was as if she couldn’t hear my words because of the protective wall she had built between us. “Whatever, Soros. You moved on and now, so have I.”
“With Nerix?” I wasn’t a jealous man and with Nerix taking all those bullets to protect Tania, I couldn’t disagree that he was a good guy who wanted the best for her.
She kept digging around in her bag and it provoked me that its content seemed more interesting to her than our conversation.
“Answer me, Tania.”
“What?” She turned her head and glared at me.
“If you and Nerix are together then why is he sleeping with Star tonight?”
She shrugged. “Nerix can do whatever he wants. If Star feels safe with him, I’m fine with them sharing a room.”
“Look at me.” With both hands on her shoulders, I turned Tania around and stared into her eyes. “What’s going on between you and Nerix? Is he the reason why you’re so angry with me?”
She frowned. “No, of course not. Why would you think so?”
“Because he’s been territorial around you until tonight. I figured that he didn’t like that we’ve been together in the past. Your hostility seemed like a means to keep me away and to avoid fights with him.”
Tania scoffed. “That’s your analysis?”
“Yes.”
“Really. And you’re supposed to be able to read people for a living. What a joke.” Her cruel words were in contrast to the loving and kind Tania I had once known.
“I can read peoplefine. Just not you,” I said.
“No?” As she arched an eyebrow, her glance clashed with mine. “And why not me, Soros? Huh? What makes me so hard to read?”
I took a step back and threw up my hands. “I don’t know. Maybe…”
“Maybe what?” she interrupted me.
“Maybe my emotions blur my impression.”
“Yeah, anger will do that,” she hissed and gestured that she wanted me to step aside and let her pass.
I didn’t move. My gaze was still searching hers and the tension between us became too much for Tania. Her closeness, scent, and voice all made me long for a connection she wouldn’t give me any longer.
Pushing me physically aside, Tania fled to the bathroom, but although she pushed at the door it didn’t close all the way. I could see her bend over the sink and from the way her chest moved, I could tell she was hyperventilating. Clearly, I wasn’t the only one affected by frustration and grief. Seeing her wipe her eyes, I felt pulled to comfort her, but didn’t know if I should approach her or give her space.
Tania covered her face and swallowed the sounds of her crying before doing some deep breathing exercises. It was impossible for me to not step in.
“Tania.” The sound of my voice right behind her made Tania look up and meet my gaze in the large bathroom mirror.
“You didn’t close the door all the way,” I explained and watched her with concern. “Why are you crying?”
