Calvin Walker

181

He gazes out at the water, memories of her drifting in like the tide. Her grace, her voice—no one could ever match her. Closing his eyes, he takes a deep breath, wishing that today, she would come back. Choosing someone else had been a mistake. He should have known—it had always been her. The breeze ruffles his hair as he stuffs his hands into his pockets. Then, a gentle touch on his shoulder. His heart leaps as he turns, hoping she accepted his invitation. But no. His smile fades. It’s not her. It’s Maxine. "I see," she murmurs, shoving a torn note against his chest. "You thought she’d come for you." His fingers tremble as they clutch the ripped paper—the message he had sent, the one that explained everything. His eyes darken as they meet Maxine’s. "You—" he growls, anger rising. By chance, he had found himself here, in this hotel. By chance, his company had booked him a room. By chance, his heart lurched as he realized—he had hurt her too much. His voice barely a whisper, he chokes out, "I’m sorry, baby." Maxine smirks as she walks away, triumphant. They would never be together. Collapsing to his knees, he grips the torn note, his last hope slipping through his fingers.