She stepped away from him, cognizant of the fact that if he touched her, if he pulled her against that broad, safe chest of his, she’d never be able to leave. Never be able to do the right thing.

“Harper’s devastated. Like she’s a shadow of the Harper we love. It’s like someone flipped a switch and all the light went out of her. It’s because she fell for someone too broken to love her back.”

There were tears blurring her vision.

“You’re upset because your friend is hurt. I get that,” Aldo said carefully.

But it was more than that. So much more. Gloria had never seen anyone love as freely as Harper. And if that kind of love couldn’t be reciprocated, what did that say about Gloria’s future? Was she like Luke and too damaged to ever be in a healthy relationship? Did her scars run too deep?

Or was she like Harper and chasing a love that wasn’t real?

Looking at Aldo, in the dim glow of lamps, she couldn’t be sure. She needed to think. Needed to figure out if she was making a mistake or if she’d already made it.

Because now she knew that love wasn’t enough.

“I’m sorry, Aldo. I think I need some time. Some space.”

“Spell it out for me, Glo. Because you’re scaring the shit out of me right now. Are we talking about just tonight?”

She swallowed hard and shook her head. “No. We’re not. I’m not. I think all of this might have been a mistake.”

“Sweetheart, if you want to back off on the moving in together thing, that’s fine. I don’t want to rush you. I love you. I love being with you. I’ll be as patient as you need me to be…if you’re in this.”

The if. She didn’t know the answer. Didn’t know if she should be in it. Shouldn’t this be easy? Shouldn’t she know? Maybe that was her answer.

“I think I made a mistake, Aldo.”

“No, Glo. No.” He reached for her, but she shied away, and she saw the pain flicker across his face.

She knew he wouldn’t hurt her. Not like that. Never like that.

“I’m sorry,” she said lamely. “But I need time. And space. And I need you to give me both. You said you’d give me anything.”

“Anything,” he repeated.

“Then give me this.” And with those parting words, she walked to the closet. She got her coat, bag, and phone. And then she left.

75

The pounding on her front door had Gloria leaping out of her bed and running barefoot into the living room. She hadn’t slept. Her decision the night before hadn’t given her the peace she sought.