Chapter Twenty Eight

It'd been a whole day since he'd seen her last. He didn't talk to her once after she left his room the other morning. He had a bad feeling that something was gonna happen. He had to get out of his room, he was so scared that he was going to run into her. He left his room and headed down to the lobby. Fortunately there were no fans around and he went to the arcade. Normally this cheered him up, but after a half an hour he was still depressed. He headed over to the restaurant and ordered a coke. For some reason, drinking didn't appeal to him anymore. In fact a lot of things he used to like didn't seem to matter much to him. When he thought back to a month ago to how he used to be he was ashamed. He'd used so many women and he never cared. He didn't care if he used them, he didn't care that they had expected more from him. He'd been selfish and cruel. He didn't blame Alecia for feeling the way she had about him, she was right and that's what had bothered him the most. Now that he'd fallen for her, he wished he could erase everything and start over. He'd accomplished his initial plan and he was supposed to be happy, but he wasn't. He was miserable. Somewhere between wanting her in his bed and actually getting her, his feelings for her had changed. He wanted her and everything that came along with being in a relationship. He wondered if he'd ever get his chance. He had to try, he had to make her see that she wasn't just another fling, that he wanted her. Her spirit and her sincerity was so refreshing from the typical girls he used to date, when he dated of course. He sighed and sipped at his pop as a shadow fell over him.

"May I join you?"

"Oh...Hi Stephanie. Yeah sure."

She sat. "So how's it going?"

"Eh, it's going. How about you? What've you been up to lately?"

"Not much, just bored. That's why I'm here actually. I came to see you."

"Me? Why?"

"Well I wanted to know if you wanted to go out with me tonight. We had fun the last time and I was wondering if you were up to a little company this evening."

"Stephanie...I can't do that."

"Don't worry baby, we don't have to tell your friend. Although I don't see why you're worried about her. She's only your friend. You don't have to check in with her right?"

"Well no but..."

"Well then fine. You can go out with me. We'll have fun, you'll see."

"No Stephanie I can't. You don't understand."

"What? What don't I understand?"

"I love her damnit! I won't hurt her again."

"You love her? Does she love you?"

"I don't know. But I do love her. I want to be with her."

"So what difference does that make? Doesn't mean you can't go out and enjoy yourself."

Nick looked at her shocked, this must've been what he used to sound like. "If you love someone you can't go out and be with other people."

"Sure you can. Come on Nick, said it yourself you didn't want to be in a relationship right now, you just want to be free right? Well I'm offering you your freedom and a little fun on the side, no strings attached."

"Go away."

"What?"

"You heard me, go away. I don't want that, I want her."

"Suit yourself, you had the chance." She got up and left. Nick watched her leave, he'd done it. He knew it was the right thing to do, he stood leaving a few bills on the table and headed out the restaurant and to the elevator. It was time.

Alecia pressed the button and the doors closed. She had to do this, she had to tell him. Even if it wasn't something that he'd want to hear. The elevator stopped and the bell rang and she stepped out and bumped into something.

"Oh excuse me..."

"Alecia!"

"Nick! I..."

"Wow I wasn't expecting to...I mean it's....you're..."

There was an awkward silence when finally they both looked at each other.

"Nick, I..."

"Alecia, I..."

"You go first." They both called at the same time and started laughing.

"No go ahead Alecia."

"Ok." she nodded and took a breath. 'Here goes' she thought to herself. "I'm leaving."

Nick felt his heart drop. "What?" He whispered.

She watched as what appeared to be a flash of pain and hurt descended upon his perfect face. "They finished my apartment complex and I'm checking out today. I was on my way down to do it now."

"But I thought it was supposed to take three months?"

"Me too, but they finished early. I'm glad I finally get to go home."

"Y-yeah. Well I hope everything works out for you Alecia. You're a great person and you deserve everything."

"Nick you're not getting mushy on me are you?"

He smiled sadly. "Maybe."

"Oh what was it that you wanted to tell me?"

"Nothing, nevermind. It wasn't important."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, really."

"Ok."

"Well take care Alecia."

"Thanks, you too. Good luck with the rest of your career. Watch out for the ladies."

Nick watched as she turned and started walking over to the desk and ran up behind her, grabbing her around the waist and spinning her around.

"Nick wha..." His lips closed over hers almost desperately. She moaned slightly and gasped as he pulled her into his arms, hugging her tightly. She pulled away to look in his eyes. Hurt and sadness was what she found there.

"I'm sorry. I just..."

"It's ok, Nick. Look I gotta go. Thanks for being...well for being persistent." With that she turned and walked away.

Chapter Twenty Nine
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