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Taking a deep, shuddering breath, Fawn finally closed the distance between them. When he didn’t show any signs of being aware of her presence, she touched his shoulder gently, saying, “Grant?”
“I’m sorry for this.” Grant’s head remained bent as he spoke.
Ah.He knew she had been there all the while then, and yet—-
He had ignored her.
Why?
“I didn’t want you to see me like that.”
A lump formed in her throat, making it hard for Fawn to swallow. She had never heard him sound this...weak.Never. And if she had a choice, she would never have wanted to.
Then you’re being stupid. He cheated on you, remember?
Yes. I do remember. But I loved him once. Remember?
So?
Before Grant became my boyfriend, he was my friend first, and how can I ever want to see a friend of mine be in this much pain?
Like I said, you’re being stupid—-
“There’s no need to do that, Fawn,” Grant suddenly muttered under his breath.
Startled and confused, she asked dumbly, “Do what?”
“Talk to yourself.”
Oh.
“You only do that when you’re troubled.” And finally, Grant slowly raised his head, and she couldn’t stop her heart from crying out in pain at the empty look in his dull blue eyes.
“What happened?” she whispered. “What’s wrong?”
Grant shook his head, saying brusquely, “It has nothing to do with you.”
“Of course it has.” And she knew then she couldn’t make herself break up with him – or at least not now. Not when Grant looked like he was about to shatter any second.
Digging her fingers into her palms in an effort to stay focused, she reminded him forcefully, “I’m y-yourgirlfriend, remember?”
Grant flinched.
“Grant, say something.” Her fingers dug deeper in frustration.Why wouldn’t he tell her what was wrong?
And almost as if he had heard her unspoken question, Grant suddenly choked out, “I don’t deserve you.”
The words shocked her, but more than that, they hurt because once she would have done everything to hear him say them.
But it was different now.
“This i-isn’t like you, Grant.” She fought to keep her voice steady. “Why can’t you tell me what’s wrong?”
Grant only stared at her, repeating, “I don’t deserve you.”
“Grant—-”
“Last night—-” And then he started in his seat, terror flickering in his gaze.