Chapter Twenty-Four - I Need To Try

Chapter Twenty-Four - I Need To Try
Gabe

It's been a month since the wedding, and I last saw Peyton. I haven’t heard from her at all. I'm going to meet Anthony and Kaitlyn, whom I haven’t seen since the wedding. They were on their honeymoon and then busy with work. We've mostly kept in touch by text and phone, as I promised. I haven’t brought up Peyton yet; they haven’t either. But today I plan to ask. I need to know she's okay, and I have a feeling she's back with that jerk. I hope I'm wrong, but I'll find out when I see them. If I ask, they'll tell me the truth. 

I make sure I have everything and head out the door. I’m meeting them for lunch at a nearby restaurant, just a few blocks away. Since the weather is nice, I decide to walk, which won’t take long. I arrive quickly, and they are already there. I smile when I see them cozied up, sharing kisses and laughing. I feel a slight pang of jealousy towards them, not in a bad way, just because I wish I had what they have. 

“Hello, you two.” I greet them as I approach the table. 

They divert their attention from each other and focus on me. “Gabe.” Kaitlyn grins and stands to hug me. I happily return her embrace. Anthony also hugs me before the three of us sit down to order coffee. 

“I wasn’t sure whether you would come,” Kaitlyn says. 

“I said I would. I told you things will be different this time, and I meant it.” 

She nods. “Good.” 

“How was the honeymoon? I hope you explored and didn’t spend all your time in bed.” I chuckle. 

“No, we didn’t spend all our time in bed,” Anthony replies with a laugh. 

I get them to tell me about it, minus the private stuff. They showed me loads of photos. They look like they had an incredible time. I am glad, they deserve it.

“How have things been with you? Have you heard from Peyton?” 

I sigh and shake my head. “Nope, not a word. You?” 

They glance at one another and sigh loudly. That gives me my answer, they have. 

“Yes, we had dinner with her last week. Sadly, she is back with Max.” Kaitlyn answers with a roll of her eyes. 

“Why would she go back to him? He treats her like shit. She deserves better. Peyton has more sense than that. She doesn’t need him. She is capable of taking care of herself without help from him or anyone.” 

“I have no idea. I honestly thought she would have stayed away, but clearly not. We tried talking to her about it, but she shut us down. I wish she would listen. She doesn’t even love him,” Anthony says, his voice heavy with sadness. 

“It doesn’t make sense.” 

Peyton has no real reason to stay with him. While it might be difficult if she loved him, she doesn't. She can support herself financially, has her own home, and works diligently. He offers her nothing. The only explanation I see is she's avoiding loneliness, but she has plenty of options to be with someone. She likely isn't lacking in offers. 

“Honestly, I think she is trying to protect her heart from what she truly wants,” Kaitlyn says softly. 

I furrow my brows. “So, is it my fault? I should have stayed away.” 

She frantically shakes her head. “No, that’s not what I meant. It’s not your fault, Gabe, please don’t think so. He’s familiar, part of her routine, and if she’s with him, she doesn’t have time to think. We just need to give her some time and hope she realizes she shouldn’t be with him. We’ve tried to reason with her, but you know how stubborn she is. Sadly, it’s a waiting game, hopefully ending sooner rather than later. 

A loud sigh escapes from my lips again, and I tug my hair in frustration. “I hate this. I hate that she is with him.” 

“We do too.” 

There has to be something we can do. We can’t just stand by and do nothing. What if the situation worsens? He obviously has a temper. What if he seriously harms her and no one is there to help her? These thoughts make me feel sick to my stomach. 

“Will you give me her number?” I ask. 

“Gabe, I don’t know if that is such a good idea.” Kaitlyn seems hesitant about the idea. 

“Please? I need to talk to her. I need to try to make her see sense.” I beg. 

Peyton may be upset if she finds out I have her number, but that doesn’t matter. She can shout at me and dislike me all she wants; I still need to try. 

“You should give him her number, darling. He may be able to talk to her and make her realise she can do better.” 

I am grateful to Anthony for being on my side in this. I expected him to agree with his wife. 

“Fine, but if she asks, tell her I took it from my contacts without permission," she whines. 

“I will tell her whatever you want if you give it to me.” 

Kaitlyn mutters a curse quietly, then pulls out her cell and hands me Peyton’s number. “Don’t make me regret this.” 

“I promise I won’t. Thank you. I will reach out to her later.” 

I think it's better for me to text her first. If I call, she'll probably hang up as soon as she hears my voice. With a text, I can clearly explain what I need, and she'll have the chance to read it. I don’t know if she’ll respond, but I won’t give up easily. If she asks me to get her, I’d go immediately, without hesitation. Even if she doesn’t talk to me, I want her to know I’m here for her, that I can be her safe space whenever she needs it. 

“We should order,” Anthony suggests as he sees the waiter coming back. 

I nod in agreement, and we all take a look at the menu, soon ready to order. My mind drifts back to Peyton, trying to work out the best words to use when I text her. I don’t know what to say, but I will work it out before I do so.