His face falls, and his mouth tightens. “I’m sensing a but.”

“Yeah, there’s a but. I can’t commit to you.”

He huffs out a laugh. “Jesus, is that all? I’m not asking for marriage, Carolina. Simply a desire on both our parts to take this forward.”

“I can’t do that.”

He lets go of my hand, stands, and begins to pace the room. “Why not?” His tone is hard.

“It’s me, not you.” Oh, for pity’s sake, did I really say that?

He laughs again, but this time it’s bitter. “Jesus. Sweetheart. I clearly read this all kinds of wrong, and for that, I’m sorry. No need for you to say any more. I’ll call Target or someone in, and they can take over looking after you.”

I stand and walk to him, about to tell him how wrong he is. To explain how badly I worded this. I'm a nervous wreck, and it makes it difficult for me to speak what is on my mind clearly. What I said and the way I said it isn't what's in my heart. I do want him, but I need to be strong and well in myself first. I want time to confront my demons and get myself in a place where I don’t need a glass of wine first thing in a morning, but my phone goes, and when I glance at the screen I see it is Lexy.

My heart skips a beat.

“It’s her.” I pick the phone up and show the screen to Samuel. “What do I do?”

He’s immediately all business. “Answer it.”

“Hi, Lexy.” I try to keep my voice steady and friendly.

“Hey, there. How are you doing? How come you haven’t been at work? I’ve been worried about you.”

I put her on speaker and raise my brows at Samuel. I don’t know what the hell to say.

“I, erm … have some personal stuff going on.” Then I get inspired. “I split up with Joseph. He cheated on me.”

She makes a scoffing sound in the back of her throat. “What an epic dick. I’m sorry, Carolina. He wasn’t good enough for you. The man is a loser. I know you must be hurt, but at least now you know how unworthy of you he is. Most of us in the office could see it, you know? I wanted to talk to you about it so often, but I didn't feel I had the right. I'm sorry you found out this way, though. It must be hurtful. Even if in the long run, it will be so much better for you to be rid of the dead weight that he is. Do you know who he cheated with?”