Page 136 of Torn
“No. We need to talk.”
“Okay, let’s go inside and talk, then. You can send Kenzi home now; she’s just been pet sitting.”
“No.”
She turns in the seat with a confused look. “No what?”
“We’re not together, Syd. Nothing has changed. I appreciate you coming to the hospital and driving me home, but now I want you to leave.”
She frowns at me like I’m an unruly child. “What are you talking about? You said you wanted to give us another chance, Tor.”
“I said I wouldthinkabout it after your tour if you didn’t sleep with anyone. But a lot has changed since then.”
Her eyes flash with irritation. “I don’t understand. I’ve been here for you. What could have changed?”
“A lot, actually, and I’m sorry, but we’re not getting back together. Ever.”
She shakes her head, her mouth twisting in confusion. “I sawthe ring with your stuff at the hospital, Tor. It was in the bag with your clothes.”
I cringe and brace myself. Of course I would get hit by a car after picking up an engagement ring and I hope it’s not some kind of bad omen.
“The ring isn’t for you,” I say quietly. It’s ridiculous she would assume it was for her. I’m pissed at her for even touching something she had no right to be anywhere near, getting her bad mojo all over it. Now I’m going to have to burn sage next to it.
“What?” she says.
I turn to face her and my ribs scream in pain. “It’s not for you. I’m sorry, Sydni.”
“Then who the hell is it for?” The rise of her voice pierces through my brain.
“That’s none of your business.”
“What the fuck, Tor? Are you insane? Did you just meet someone recently and decide to get married? Just like that?”
I shake my head slowly. “No. It’s someone I’ve had feelings for, for a long time.”
She stares at me, dumbfounded. “Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
“Is it Lisa?”
“No.”
“Then who?”
“I’m not discussing this with you.”
“Why the hell not? Don’t I have a right to know?”
I let out a sick laugh. “No, you really fucking don’t.”
“We’ve been in a relationship forever, Tor. You don’t think I deserve to know how you just suddenly fell in love and are going to propose to them? That’s supposed to be me!”
“A long time ago, I thought it could’ve been you. But I wasnever enough for you, and you were never right for me. You always wanted or needed someone else. Several someone elses. Face it, Sydni; you don’t want to be married. You just want to know I’m yours. You want a safety net.” I look toward the house, my heart pulling me to go inside and see the woman whodoeslove and want me. Unconditionally. “And I’m not going to be that for you.”
Of course I care a little that Sydni is upset after she jumped to a crazy conclusion because she went through my personal things. Nothing will change that we have a history together, but it’s over for us.
“Fine. Good luck, Tor. I hope she’s everything you want,” she says bitterly.