Page 87 of Kiss Away Your Pain (Wounded Hearts 2)

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Enzo

I haven’t heard from her. Did I really expect to? I said goodbye and walked away, never looking back. I guess something deep inside me hoped she felt…something. Something similar to what I’m feeling. She admitted she has feelings for me. Maybe whatever she felt wasn’t enough. Wasn’t strong enough to break her heart’s grasp on the ghost of him.

I don’t know that I agree with the saying that it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Because this shit? This fucking hurts. The last few days, she’s all I can think about. What’s she doing? Is she okay? Is she crying? Is she hurting?

Or am I already someone in her past?

This is fucking brutal.

Wallowing in my mess, my phone rings, it’s Nicco.

“Hey, man.” My voice mirrors my torment. I don’t even try to fake that I’m fine. I’m not.

“Hey. Just wanted to check in on you. You doing okay? That was some crazy shit.” His somber tone matches mine.

“Yeah, it was. It’s hard to even believe it’s possible. Nah, I’m not doing okay. I’m sure Destiny told you I walked away.” My rib cage closes in, clamping itself around my heart.

“She did. You sure, man? You two have something.”

“What the fuck can I do? I can’t be a daily reminder to her of her dead boyfriend and the fact that I’m here and he’s not. I can’t put her through that kind of pain. She’s in love with a ghost she can’t let go of. Where does that leave me?”

He blows a huff of air. “I know. I get it.” The consolation in his voice doesn’t soothe me. He sighs. “I have to tell you that her dad had an accident, fell or something, and she drove up there. We think he’s okay, but we’re not sure. She went straight to the hospital and we haven’t heard from her yet.”

“Oh, shit.” My heart sinks with a thud in my chest. She’s been through so much and now this. And I know she has a tumultuous relationship with him. God, I want to be there with her, for her.

“I know, man.”

“Thanks for calling and checking in on me. And for letting me know about her dad. Let’s get together for drinks soon.”

“Yeah, that’d be great.”

We hang up and I immediately text Candi, doubtful she’ll respond.

Me:Just off the phone with Nicco. He told me about your dad. I hope he’s okay. I hope you’re okay. I’m here if you need me.

Delete, delete, delete.She doesn’t need me.She’s made that abundantly clear.

I’m here if you need anything.

A glimmer of hope sweeps through my chest when I see the three dots, telling me she’s replying back.

Candi:Thanks for reaching out. I appreciate it.

That glimmer disintegrates at the sight of her impassive response. Can’t really expect anything more. At least she didn’t tell me to fuck off. Given that Destiny is her best friend and Nicco and I are friends, we’re bound to run into each other at some point. Eventually, we’ll figure out how to be near each other and be okay. Maybe even still be friends.

Friends.

The word spreads sorrow through my core, settling uneasily into my bones, sludging like quicksand through my veins.

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