Chapter 206 Can I have your number? - Monet

Chapter 206 Can I have your number? - Monet
"Stinker." Luke slides into the empty spot next to me of the booth that I'm occupying, putting finishing touches on the last of my assignments before spring break officially begins.
I give him the side eye. He's the only one I'm talking to right now, the apartment like a fucking household going through a divorce. I leave early in the mornings, and return late at night, avoiding everybody.
I have a stalker now, too.
He's a really bad fucking stalker because he's openly following me.
I don't know where he's staying, but every night he follows me and waits until I'm inside our apartment, before he drives off.
I hate it, and I like it. I should call the fucking cops on him and have him arrested, but of course they're not gonna arrest the great Cole Smith in this town. His godly status has increased even more after we lost in the first round of the playoffs. Everybody is saying that if he played, we would have won again. All of them fucking idiots.
"Luke." I press save on my work, and sigh as I switch my laptop off. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Well, since I never see you anymore, I just wanted to tell you that I'm moving out." He smiles sadly. "I thought I'd spend some time with my family before the draft."
Everything is changing. The last string holding the past together when I thought things were good, is disappearing too. Of course I knew he had to go because he wasn't going to go to school anymore.
My heart aches even more thinking of the plans I was making around Cole. How I was going to move schools to wherever he signs to.
I nod, sniffing to try and keep the tears inside that threatens to spill over. "All good things come to an end, right?"
He's quiet, and I'm scared to look at him, but I meet his eyes anyway. Regret shines in his as he looks at me.
"He really misses you."
A pang goes through my heart at his words.
"How could you forgive him so easily?" I whisper. "How are you not madder at Amy for keeping it a secret for a year?"
"Because I might leave here now and get in a car accident and never open my eyes again." His words strike a nerve, and Mom's words in her letter reverberates through me just like they always do. "I love you guys, more than I can say, and I don't feel like Cole did something unforgivable. He did what he did to get better and be a better man. How could I stay mad at that when all I've ever wanted was for him to keep his cool? Amy thought she did the right thing, and I love that crazy girl more than life itself. Forgiveness isn't always easy, but it's always worth it."
I mull over his words, and I know he's right. Life is unpredictable, Mom's death taught me that. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. There are so many what-ifs running through my mind. What if he got hurt over the last year? What if I got hurt like I did when James kidnapped me? What if I died? But none of that happened.
I should be asking myself how do I move past all this?
Do I forgive him and move on with my life? Or do I forgive him and allow him into it again?
The answer is simple.
I just don't know.
What I do know is, is that he shut me out when I needed him the most. And I know he said he did it all for me, but it doesn't make the pain any less.
The problem with it all is, I don't see myself with anybody else. I love him too much, and there is no space for any other guy in my heart.
"But I'm not here to lecture you, or tell you what to do." Luke kisses the top of my head. "Just thought I'd catch you here since you're avoiding me like the plague. My mom also asked if you'll come home for the spring, she says your mother's garden is in full bloom and she'd hate for you to miss it."
Mom's garden is still as chaotic as ever because Luke's parents make sure it's taken care of. I might be avoiding Cole now, but I still have to talk to him about the house since we're co-owners, and the plan I have for it. I know he's probably gonna think it's a good idea, because Mom always wanted to help people.
"See you later, Stinker, and stop ignoring me."
I watch as Luke leaves, contemplating if I should go home and chance facing Amy, or if I should get in my car and drive somewhere and sit in it until I know her and Luke probably went to their room.
I could kick her out, and live peacefully, but maybe I'm also clinging on to our friendship.
I pack up my laptop, pay my bill, and slowly walk to the parking lot, my feet freezing when I see the familiar figure leaning against my door.
Why in all hell does he have to look this good, though?
Cole straightens when he sees me approach, shoving his hands in his grey sweatpants that does nothing to hide his muscular thighs, his biceps straining against the fabric of his plain, black tee.
I take a deep breath, and walk over, knowing that I can't hide forever.
"You're following me." I say as I stop in front of the car.
He grins, the longing evident in his eyes as he looks down at me. "I thought I'd gather the guts and ask for your number."
I squint my eyes. What the hell is this? First the introduction in the elevator, and now this?
"I didn't get it at the hotel." He continues, licking his damn lips that is making me want to stand on my toes and bring his head closer to mine. "So, can I have your number?"
My heart is beating wildly in my chest, just wanting to give in already, knowing that I've already made up my mind about us.
I unlock the car, and he gives way when I open the door and deposit my backpack in it.
"You have my number, it never changed." My voice is icy, and full of spite when I get in, start the car and drive off, leaving Cole in my rearview mirror.