Arrogance melted into astonishment as Jake stiffened his face. You’re serious? Over nonsense?”
“Yes,” I said clearly. “Finished. All done.”
Seeing me, he grabbed his coat and went without saying anything. It ended when the door slammed behind him.
After thinking for a while, I called the pizza business. Tom replied.
Hi Tom, Emily. I… Thank you. You were right about Jake.”
The line paused. Emily, I’m very sorry. I felt you should.”
“I appreciate it,” I answered with genuinely. “Maybe I could buy you coffee? To talk?”
“I’d like that,” Tom said, comforting my damaged heart with his warm voice.
My concern about confronting Jake faded the next day when I saw Tom at the café. His real care in his eyes made me feel seen for the first time in a while.
Tom, I appreciate your candor. I commented as we drank coffee that it must have been hard to tell me.
He nodded. It was, Emily. It felt wrong to hide it from you. All deserve the truth.”
I understood how much my identity depended on Jake as we talked. As I sat across from Tom, I felt free and possible. This person prioritized honesty over convenience. It was refreshing and oddly hopeful.
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