Chapter 16

Allison POV

It's eight in the morning and I am already up, pacing back and forth in my bedroom, my laptop laid flat on the bed, the bright lights flickering on and off, I wanted to email back Gary now, more than ever and the saddest part is I don't know if I'm doing this because I am hurt, or I genuinely want to. You know it's funny how I knew I couldn't have been the only one, but my heart was telling me different, tricking me to think that... Maybe there was a tiny spark between us, but good sex seems to cloud everyone's judgment every now then, no matter how smart you claim to be.

I still haven't called Toniann and she hasn't called me, but I was no stranger to this, she does this a lot from time to time, but it's merely business she's busy, being the HR of a company like Myers is no easy work, and I respect her time and space, she will just pop up out of nowhere one of these days, energized and ready to take me all over the city, the greatest thing is our bad communication at times doesn't affect our friendship, not even in the slightest way.

Sitting on the bed, I pulled the laptop closer go staring at the screen. Hussain didn't even call, he values me so little that he thinks he owes me no explanation, or he doesn't after all, I did sign a contract with a man I barely know, but did it at my own free will, he didn't force me... I wanted to. Picking up from the bed, I placed it into my laps, the blank screen waiting for me to type, waiting for me to... respond to Gary. The low tapping of the keyboard board filled the air, disturbing the quietness of my bedroom. Sending the email, I agreed to be with Gary, but it must be a well-known place where everyone can see us out in the open if Hussain can get my full name and where I work in a matter of hours, imagine if I breached the contract terms, he'll probably have my head.

I didn't like that Stefanie girl, it's not because I am jealous, I find her that compliments are covered with sarcasm, she didn't say those this to warm me, I am sure of it, she just enjoyed taunting me and I let her win. I was never the type of woman to fight back, no matter hardship life hands me, I simply submitted to my situation, for example with Gary, I never responded to that text message and ask him why, instead I came with my speculations. It's a bad trait, I know that now. Slowly closing down the laptop screen, I pushed it back vigorously when I heard the email tone, it's Gary... He responded and he agreeing to meet me at Venn’s at 11:AM later today, he must haven't gone there since he got back, to know that I no longer work there. But I need to go there anyway, Venice owes me my last check, I am entitled to it.

Putting the laptop aside, I hugged my knees, remembering what Sam told me about Venn’s closing down, as stupid as I might sound I feel sorry for her, the diner is probably her only source of income and I will not rejoice over another man’s downfall. Glimpsing back the clock, I realized it was now 9:00 AM, and I better start getting ready, I am meeting my recent ex and its law to always look your best. Unhurriedly, I searched for an outfit, something that is sexy but still morning friendly.

"Perfect," I mumbled, smiling at a yellow long-sleeve shirt-like dress, I have this in my closet for so long I can't where I bought it or how much I paid, but it's cute and I am wearing it, maybe with a pair of heels too, the black ones would surely go well with this. Laying the dress on the bed, I slipped out of my nightwear, ambling towards the bathroom, I paused in front of the mirror, noticing how refreshing my body was starting to look again, my eye must be playing tricks on me, seems as if I gain a few pounds too. Smirking, I stepped into the shower, closing my eyes as the warm water beat against my body, wishing it could wash away my feelings... My feelings for Gary.

Unhooking the showerhead, I turned up the water pressure, holding tight in my grip as the stings if the water teased my nipples, awakening the excitement in me, biting into my lower lip, I trailed the showerhead down my stomach line, guiding it with my hand, down to my core. A gasp escaped my lips when I felt the throbbing of the water against my bud. Leaning on the wall, my breathing got heavy, I whimpered in pleasure, wishing it was him... I longed for Hussain. Feeling the closeness of my climax, I pulled the showerhead away, this needs to stop, I thought, I signed this contract to retain control, not to lose it. I was horny and I am about to meet Gary, was it a good idea?

Marching out of the shower, I started to quickly get dress, it's 10:55 AM and I wanted to get there first. Unplugging my phone from the charger, I looked down on the screen, he still hasn't called. Lowering the phone into my purse I clasped it shut, taking a deep breath before I left the apartment. Out in the streets as busy as usual, I stood by the sidewalk waiting for a cab. Fifteen minutes have passed and every taxi that have I have driven pass me was packed with passengers and for some odd reason, I saw no signs of Sam, maybe he is ill, or he just didn't feel like working today. Slowing down at my feet, I recognized a driver I have seen a few times,

"I am going to Venn’s; can you drop me there?"

"Sure thing," he nodded at me, flashing a bright smile,

Pulling up in front of the diner, I handed him a twenty-dollar note before exiting the car, I was already twenty minutes late and didn't have another minute to spare, pushing the doors to the diner, I was stunned to see that it wasn't crowded like it used to be, there was an elderly couple seated in the corner and there was a... Dark-haired man, he was sitting alone with his back turned to me, wearing a very familiar leather jacket, pacing towards him my heart raced, not knowing he will react seeing me. Reaching out to him, my fingers trembled, afraid to touch the man's shoulders I hoisted my feet on many times. Retreating, I folded them in into a fist, clearing my throat as I made my way in front of him,

"Allison," his hazel eyes danced with contentment.

"Gary," I muttered, giving him a half-smile.

"I came here asking for you, heard you finally had enough of Venice bullshit and quit and please forgive me, I tried ordering for you as well, but seems as if Venn going through a little crisis," he glimpse over her shoulders, "there is nothing available here but coffee," he chuckled turning to meet my unamused face,

Clearing his throat, he lowered his eyes into his cup, the tension between us thickened, none of us dared to say anything,

"So," he broke the silence, "how have you been, you look great by the way, I like your dre—"

"Gary," I sighed, gazing into his eyes, "please... Just stop," I continued, "Why did you invite me here today? I know it's to talk about my dress, let's just get to the point so we both can move on,"

"I came back to say, I'm Allison, I am a jerk and I know that I broke with through a text message with a proper explanation,"

"Explanation?" I chuckled lowly, I could the anger burning the flesh off my face, it was a mistake coming here,

"Gary I spent the last seven months, trying to... Figure out, where I went wrong, and you turn up now with an 'explanation' right?"

"Ali—"

"I am not finished, Gary... You broke me, Gary you can't... You can't even fuck me, our sex life was fatiguing and still, I stayed, only to be dump... For someone else,"

"Allison please, you have every right to be angry, I understand but I am trying here, I am trying to explain... I-I" he stammered, lowering his head

Raising to my feet, I could feel how flushed my cheeks were, my eyes were burning from the tears I was trying my best to hold back, but the longer I stayed, was the angrier I was getting, and I think it's best I leave,

"I need your explanation, Gary, you seem to not have your lies figured out, please... Don't email, text, call... Just... just don't,"

Walking away I wiped the lingering tears that settled under my eyes, even the ones that were already pouring down my cheeks from a blink.

"It was never you Allison," Gary squealed, "it's because I-I'm gay."