Page 65 of Choose Us
Another closet relationship?
She was in a relationship with Takara? I knew something felt wrong, but hearing it out loud sent shockwaves through myentire body.
I couldn’t run. I couldn’t yell. I couldn’t do anything other than stand and listen to my worst nightmare.
“Will you keep your voice down,” Brooke hissed.
Naively, I’d assumed Brooke would go back to men, not that it would make the revelation any nicer on my ears, but I assumed she’d marry traditionally and have kids. The possibility of her being with another woman never crossed my mind.
The betrayal.
I held my elbows tight to my sides and only made small movements. I needed to wake my body from the paralyzing ache.
She wasn’t mine anymore, but I’d assumed a part of her always would be.
The revelation changedeverything.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“Are you okay? You look lost?” a sweet Japanese lady hollered from the wound down window of her Honda Civic. It wasn’t the time for small talk. I nodded, hoping she would understand I did not wish to be interacted with.
She did not. “Are you sure?”
I waved my hand rudely. “Yes, thanks.”
“What did you say?” She leaned further, so her head was practically sticking outof the car.
“You have got to be kidding me,” I muttered under my breath.
What was wrong with this woman? I tried to shoo her away. Couldn’t she see I was hiding? Clearly, I wanted no part of the conversation. The caring nature of a local was not what I wanted to experience at that moment. It felt harsh, and I would probably pay for it in hell, but trying not to get caught by Brooke wasmy priority.
“I’m okay, thank you,”I whispered.
Her confused facial expression told me she still didn’t understand what I was saying or if I was telling the truth. She shook her head before driving off at speed. She may well have gone and rung the police alluding to someone acting suspicious or potentially in danger. That was the least ofmy worries.
Actually, the police arriving at that moment would’ve been ideal. Being whisked away in the back of a police car sounded appealing. I’d have done anything to get out of the carpark of doom.
I spun to my left. I couldn’t see Brooke in the reflection anymore. I stealthily made my way around the pillar. I was now blind to whatever drama was unfolding between Brooke and Takara
Please don’t be there. Please don’t be there.
The four concrete walls seemed to be closing in around me with every second that passed. I didn’t have time to think. The tightening in my chest confirmed what I’d heard, but I would deal with that later. My only concern was getting out unseen. I didn’t need to make a bigger fool of myself.
Just make a decision, I screamedin my head.
I needed her to either get in the car and leave or walk out of the carpark. After the third person in five minutes looked in my direction, I knew it was time to make a run for it. I was a sitting duck, waiting to behumiliated.
I couldn’t hear Brooke anymore. Or Takara.
I had to make my move.
One—youcan do this.
Two—youcan do this.
Three—go.
I set off walking rapidly towards the carpark exit. I kept my head down and my posture hunched. My hands were sweating. My forehead felt damp. The imprint of the flowers’ stems carved into my hand as I gripped them tighter. They’d drooped slightly; they too felt sorry for me.
