A dull ache settled in my heart. After a moment’s hesitation, I sighed. He was gone, and I couldn’t let food go to waste. I picked up the grapefruit just as the door swung open.
Julian came in carrying two large grocery bags, looking at me with a mischievous smile.
“Oh, you’re awake? How are you feeling? Still running a fever?
“You really don’t know how to take care of yourself. I leave for one day, and you make yourself sick. See? You can’t function without me…”
I stared at the chattering Julian, feeling a sense of disconnection wash over me.
If only I hadn’t discovered his dream girl, I could’ve deceived myself into believing we were both interested in each other – just one confession away from being together.
The injustice bubbled up inside me, and my eyes stung with tears that spilled over.
He set down the grocery bags and quickly pulled out a tissue, hurrying over to wipe my tears.
“Stop crying, are you really that miserable? You’re such a crybaby.”
I turned my head, stepping back to avoid his hand. “Julian, don’t be so nice to me. I’ll get the wrong idea.”