Chapter 58
The room felt stifling, the walls closing in as I wrestled with my response. I had questions, doubts, buried emotions that now clawed their way to the surface, demanding answers. But one thing was clear.. I couldn’t stay there, under his gaze, feeling like I was losing control.
Without another word, I turned, my legs carrying me through the crowd, away from his pleading eyes.
I didn’t look back, not even as I pushed past the partygoers, into the crisp night air.
Once outside, I let out a shaky breath, bracing myself against the rush of emotions that surged within me.
For a moment, I leaned against the building, eyes closed, struggling to regain my composure. Part of me wanted to believe him, to let him back into my life.
But the other part reminded me that trusting Tyler again might only lead me back down a path of heartbreak.
And there, with my heart pounding, torn between anger and a love I wasn’t sure was real anymore, I found myself questioning everything.
The warm hum of voices filled the gallery, blending with the soft jazz filtering through the air.
I held my glass loosely, pretending to sip as I listened to the gallery owner rattle off details about the upcoming installation.
My mind wandered, though.. I could only imagine what my own space would look like in a few short months, its walls brimming with curated pieces that I’d handpicked.
Just the thought of it made me buzz with energy.
But then a chill, a shift, and a low, familiar voice cut through the evening’s warmth.
“I knew New York was missing something without you.”
My breath stilled, and I turned around, feeling my fingers tighten around the glass. Caleb. He looked every bit as sharp as I remembered.. polished, confident, his eyes scanning my face like he hadn’t seen it in weeks.
Which he hadn’t. A quick up-and-down revealed how time had only made him look even more put-together.
I forced a polite smile, hoping my shock didn’t show. “Caleb. I didn’t know you were… in the city.”
“Just got in last week,” he said, that half-smile on his lips. “But I’m surprised I had to hear about you from others. I thought you’d be the first to let me know you were making moves in the art world.”
He leaned casually against the wall, but his eyes were anything but casual. I caught myself shifting, trying to suppress the prickling under my skin.
“Didn’t think it’d be your business anymore,” I replied, but my voice lacked the bite I wanted.
He shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Friends talk, and I have friends who keep their eyes open. You’ve made quite the impression since you’ve been back, it seems.”
His comment landed as more of a challenge than a compliment, making me glance away. I steadied myself, taking a breath.
“I’m focused on my work now. New York’s… been good for that.”
“It shows,” he said, lifting his glass. “To the success of Samantha Blake. Although,” he added, looking me dead in the eye, “I can’t say I don’t regret missing the last few months with you. We were quite the team once, weren’t we?”
He was pushing.. testing boundaries, gauging my reaction. The gallery suddenly felt tighter, the air hotter. I remembered the way he used to look at me, that same intensity, the way he made every conversation seem like a game of strategy.
“Caleb, we…,” I started, but he cut me off, gesturing to an empty corner by the window.
“Come on, just a drink. We should catch up properly.” He tilted his head, his eyes softening but still direct. “Unless you’re planning to disappear on me again?”
I hesitated, considering my options. I could just walk away, pretend like he didn’t unsettle me, like I didn’t feel that pulse of energy from years ago.
But I’d been firm, told myself that part of my life was over. That I’d buried whatever strange hold he had on me.
I glanced at the glass in my hand, then finally nodded. “Alright. Just one.”
We moved to a quieter corner, and the conversation danced around the surface.. business, travel, little anecdotes. But he kept bringing it back to us.
The way we’d been “unstoppable” together. How much he missed our late nights perfecting projects, “making magic happen.”
“Those were good times,” I said finally, refusing to let him pull me into any kind of nostalgia. I’d promised myself I wouldn’t fall for his charm again, the way he’d always found a way to sweep me off my feet with smooth words and that smirk of his. “But I’m different now. My priorities have changed.”
He leaned in, close enough that I felt the warmth of his breath. “And what if I told you I haven’t changed? Not in that way.”
My heart stuttered, but I forced myself to stay cool. “Then I’d say you’re probably setting yourself up for disappointment. People grow, Caleb.”
“You’re right,” he conceded, though his expression didn’t quite match the easy tone of his words. “But some things shouldn’t be left behind. You and I…” He shook his head slightly, looking almost… remorseful? “I should’ve acted when I had the chance.”