“I said things last night that I didn’t mean. It was in the moment. I’ll make you a deal: you give me my razor back so I can shave and I’ll show you when I get out of the shower that nothing happened. Please, G. I promise you, and I’ve never broken a promise. You of all people know that.”

“Give it back to her, Giana,” Donovan spoke.

She sighed. “Fine. Go take your shower and I’ll bring it to you.”

I hugged her tight and then stepped into the shower, letting the hot water soak my body. A few moments later, Giana stuck her hand through the curtain.

“Here.”

“Thank you.”

I took the razor and set it down so I could lather my legs with shaving cream. I shaved like I said I would and set the razor on the shelf. I stepped out of the shower, put on new pajamas, and climbed back into bed. I stayed there for the next three days. Giana and Donovan took turns bringing me meals that I barely ate.

There was a light knock on my bedroom door and when G opened it, she walked in holding a dozen red roses that were arranged in a beautiful crystal vase with baby’s breath.

“Look what was just delivered for you.”

I knew who they were from and I didn’t want them. “I don’t want them.”

“They’re beautiful, Gabs. I’m going to set them on your dresser.”

She gave me a small smile and walked out of the room. From a distance, I could see a small white envelope amongst the roses. Curiosity got the best of me as I climbed out of bed and opened it.

Gabrielle,

I love you and I’m sorry.

Forever my love, Simon

I tore up the card and threw it in the trashcan. He could say “sorry” all he wanted to, but the damage was done. He had broken me beyond repair. I climbed back into bed and stayed there for another couple of days.

****

Two weeks had passed since that day in New York. Simon sent me a dozen roses every day with the same card and, every day, the roses were a different color. I heard my phone beep with a text message from Katie.

“Hi. I was hoping you’d meet me for lunch today. It’s a beautiful day out and I thought maybe we could meet in the park. Work has totally sucked since you quit and I would like to see you.”

I climbed out of bed and, for the first time in two weeks, I opened my blinds and stared out at the bright sunny day. Maybe it was time I stepped outside my pity zone and tried to reclaim my life.

“Hi. I would love to meet you for lunch.”

“Great, Gabby. I miss you. Let’s meet in the park at twelve thirty. I’ll bring lunch.”