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As I sip the tea, I try to put things in perspective What Alex did hurt me The blatant way he executed eredback, I now see the signs clearly—the way he insisted I go out with him, hoouldn’t take no for an answer until he’d worn down my resolve, how heme, and how quickly he convincedfact that he always knew my shift schedule at the hospital
The truth is he’s always been this way, and despite the blinders lifting from my eyes, I don’t want hih to ht from the start, and I doubt the visceral pull he exerts on ht was proof of that My body always tells the truth
I care about him more than I’ve cared for any man If I want space, it’s not because he’s er The reason I need to sla with keepingas he’s convinced that it’s in my best interest
Can I tie ive hter of his business partner, was right Maybe I don’t fit in Alex’s world Howhiht, that’s not me Then how do I take back my power?
A shadow invadesI check n of Alex A shiver of unease runs downcan be happening out there
Seesawing betorry and anxiety is exhausting I’ve been lying here, thinking this thing through until my brain hurts, and I still haven’t decided on a course of action
Putting the eet tobathroom and pull it on over my swimsuit My hair smells of pool chemicals and my skin feels dry I need a shower to rinse the chlorine from my body
After I’ve had a warm shower, ILena’s comment that Alex prefers to dress for dinner, I choose a blue cashmere dress I don’t care what Lena and Alex think aboutunderdressed puts e, even if it’s just in loss, I’m ready
At seven, I go downstairs The big house is quiet Alex and hisbefore, the table is set with a variety of dishes I finish dinner in solitude,of the clock
Ti redients as he serves dessert and finally clears the table
Not ready to retire, I go to the library and curl up on a chair Someone made a fire in the fireplace I watch the shadows the flames draw on the wall and listen to the crackle of the wood Soon, a warlow spreads over my cheeks, and my eyes start to droop
I give a start when the door suddenly opens Alex stands in the fra a dark suit and a black button-up shirt without a tie