Chapter 24: Before Monday
Kelvin
I had made up my mind.
By Saturday evening, the war inside me had quieted not ended, but settled into something I could live with. Like a dull throb where something used to burn. I couldn't keep circling her. Couldn't keep waiting for Anna to look at me and remember everything we used to be and everything we almost were.
So I told myself: If she wants me, she'll come.
If not... I'd stop holding on to a memory that clearly meant more to me than it did to her.
It wasn't defeat. Not really. It was survival.
I wouldn't push her. I wouldn't chase. I wouldn't drown in feelings she kept calling a mistake.
I'd let her go.
Funny how saying it in my head felt easy. Funny how it still felt like ripping my own chest open.
The knock on my apartment door came just after ten on Sunday morning. I opened it, bleary-eyed and shirtless, expecting maybe Camille forgetting something or worse, coming back for more.
Instead, it was Josh.
He stood there in a hoodie and sweatpants, holding coffee and a smirk.
"Rough night, bro?"
"Something like that," I muttered, stepping aside so he could come in.
He walked in slowly, looking around. His eyes narrowed like he was inspecting invisible clues.
Then he saw the pair of heels by the door. Camille's.
"Ah," he said simply. "You had company."
I nodded and reached for the coffee he brought. "Thanks."
"I actually passed her in the hallway on the way up," he added, a little too casually. "Pretty girl. Not your usual type."
I looked at him sideways. "You know my type?"
Josh gave me a look. "You think I didn't see how you looked at Anna all those years ago? You've been hung up on her since college."
My chest tightened, but I said nothing.
He sipped his coffee, eyeing me. "You're quiet."
"I've decided," I said after a moment, "to let her go."
Josh didn't respond right away. He set his cup down and leaned on the counter.
"Did something happen?"
I shook my head. "No. And maybe that's the problem. We had a moment... Friday night. A kiss."
Josh's brows lifted. "You kissed her?"
"She kissed me back," I clarified. "But then she disappeared again. And I realized I can't keep doing this. I'm tired, man. Tired of wondering if she's going to love me one day and hate me the next."
Josh nodded slowly. "And Camille?"
"Distraction. Nothing else."
Josh sighed. "You sure you're okay?"
"No," I said honestly. "But I will be."
He clapped a hand on my shoulder and left not long after, probably not sure what to say. I didn't blame him.
By the time Monday crept around, I had rehearsed it in my head: calm, professional, distant. If Anna wanted me, she'd come.
But if not, I'd be okay. I had to be.
I had a company to run. Two more to answer for. Camille's number sat in my phone untouched.
And Anna?
She'd be in the office soon.
I wouldn't chase her down the hall.
I wouldn't wait by the elevator.
I'd let her walk past me if she wanted.
Because sometimes letting someone go… is the most painful way to love them.