Page 36 of Before Broken Vows

My hand hovers just above the wood.

Just knock.

He'd answer. Maybe scowl. Maybe ignore me. But maybe, just maybe, he'd let me in.

I imagine it. Sitting across from him like we used to. Maybe he'd pour me a vodka soda. Maybe I'd finally tell him the truth.

That I didn't leave because I stopped loving him.

I left because I loved him too much.

My fingers curl slowly into a fist.

But I hesitate. Paralyzed by the same fear that made me leave in the first place.

Because what if I tell him, and he looks at me like a stranger?

What if he says nothing?

What if he just walks away?

I lower my hand.

It's not time. Not yet.

As I turn to leave, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I take it out, heart jumping.

It's him.

I have to talk to him.

I hurry back to my room. My phone stops buzzing.

1 Missed Callflashes across the screen.

My heart flutters. I can't miss this.

Theo flies from my mind as my phone buzzes again.

I quickly shut the door, answer the call, and press the phone to my ear, my heart skipping a beat.

"Hey," I whisper.

A pause.

Then I smile.

"I know. I miss you too. I'll be home soon, don't worry."

13

THEO

As I walk across the house, I realize just how right Ares is.

Since she showed up, I'm barely holding myself together. I can't work, can't sleep, can't think without her voice clawing through every other thought. I'm not 100% focused on what I need to be.

Tonight, that ends.