Page 33 of Aperture

◆◆◆

When I hear Wyatt’s car outside, I’ve nearly paced a hole in the floor and chewed my thumbnail to the point of bleeding.

He’s here to let me down easy, again. I know it, and he knows it. I could have let him off the hook via text, but I want to see him and look into his eyes as he says it. I know this isn’t what he wants, but something he has to do for some unknown reason. I can only partially blame him for last night. Yes, he followed me to the door when he could have let me go, but I also could have pushed him away, and I didn’t. Or rather, I couldn’t.

It’s time to get some clarity on this relationship.

I answer the door before he even knocks. It feels like another kick to the stomach to see him again.

“Come in,” I offer.

“Thanks,” he says as he walks by me, making no motion to touch me.

He sits on the couch next to Milo and pets him softly as he starts talking.

“I owe you an apology,” he begins. “I shouldn’t have left without saying goodbye.”

I nod in agreement. “Why did you leave?” I ask.

“Honestly?” he questions. “Panic.”

“Why?”

“Please know I do not regret one thing that happened last night. But I can’t give you more.”

“So we’re back to this?” I reply.

“We never left,” he resigns. “I lost my head last night. It should not have happened.”

I knew it was coming, but it makes me feel sad and angry simultaneously.

“OK, Wyatt. I can’t begin to understand what exactly is going on here. It’s clear we have something and you’re intent on fighting it, so that’s all I need to know. I respect myself too much to put more time and effort into something with no future.” As much as I like him, I will not beg for any man’s attention.

He simply nods in understanding, but sadness is there in his eyes.

“I think you should probably leave.”

Wyatt slowly stands and heads toward the door. He stops just short and turns to me. “Millie, I—”

I cut him off before he could finish whatever he was going to say.

“It’s OK, Wyatt. Really.” It has to be. It’s not like I have any other choice. He drops his head and walks out the door.

I’m glad I had sent Theo a text earlier explaining that something came up and that it wouldn’t be a great day to get together. He responded that he was busy with work for the next few days but will get in touch soon. That’s perfect. I need a few days to lick my wounds and get my head back in the game.

Chapter 21

I spend the next few days doing what I love. I work, cook, and spend some time at the shelter. I hide from the world, but it’s perfect because I got my period, so I feel like shit mentally and physically.

I haven’t heard from Wyatt, but then again, I wasn’t expecting to.

Milo is still being strange from time to time. He barks seemingly at nothing and sniffs through the house sometimes when we return from going out.

I spoke to the lady at the pet store and Barb, and we seem to have found something that helps his anxiety. I gave him some holistic calming bites earlier, and he is relaxing on the couch next to me when my phone rings.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Millie.” The sound of his voice makes me smile.