Chapter thirteen Julie I slowly open my eyes, feeling the first morning sun rays on my skin. I quickly look at the watch on the bedside table and I see that’s not even 6 a.m. — and that the watch is not the one on my bedside table. This is also not my bedroom. But even before I feel alarmed at waking up in a strange place, the weight of Daniel's arm on me and my sore body are good reminders of the fantastic night I had. I remove his arm slowly and get up quietly. Unwilling to wear the tight clothes of the night before, I take a t-shirt of his in the closet and wear it while I go to the bathroom. It's so big it seems like a dress. I look in the mirror and the image I see reflected is different from any I've ever seen before. The messy hair, the swollen lips and the shining eyes make me smile. Is this how we feel when we're loved by that special person? As I leave the bathroom, I walk into the kitchen with a little smile on my face and make coffee for myself. Th
Chapter fourteen Julie Six months later I look away from the window, from where I see the sky full of stars, and I look at the man lying next to me in bed. His chest rises and falls at a slow pace and he seems very relaxed, unlike the agitated businessman I usually see. I smile as I look at Daniel's disheveled hair, the thick lashes against the relaxed face and the lips I love, especially when they cover mine, slightly parted, in a passionate kiss. At times, it feels like I'm living a dream. Sometimes it's even hard to believe that everything I've wanted so much is happening. I close my eyes and let out a long sigh. Being with Daniel... it's even more amazing than I could have imagined. We've been together for almost six months, and since then, our routine has changed completely. We spend most of our free time together, going to the movies, dining out or going to the beach. We sleep together every night, whether at my house or his, including the nights h
Chapter Fifteen Daniel I frown when I look at my phone. Something's not right. I have 133 missed calls, 35 voice messages and 61 text messages. But what... "What are you doing there, man? “ I hear John's voice behind me, who doesn't seem to be as drunk as I am. After pressing the ride confirmation button in the Uber app, I turn to look at him and he swings his finger towards the house. "The party's in there.” I let out a long sigh. It's 2:00 in the morning, and although I planned to sleep at his house, I preferred to call an Uber when things started to get a little out of control. When I started to lose control. "I’m going home," I answer, and my friend rolls his eyes. "I called an Uber.” “I thought you were going to spend the night here, meet some girls...” I frown at him. Even drunk, I don't like the direction this conversation is taking. "I told you I'm with Julie. I may have many faults, but cheating is not one of them.” All my relationship
Chapter sixteen Daniel Knock. Knock. I knock on the bedroom door, but Julie doesn’t answer. Holding the tray with the morning coffee and both hands, I use the elbow to open the door. Julie, who’s already awake, turns away without talking to me - this almost breaks my heart. With a soft sigh, I try to remain positive and get closer. “Good morning, baby,” I speak softly and put the tray on the dresser on the right hand corner of the room while she remains with her back turned to me. “I brought coffee, toast, cheese and...” “You can leave it there. Thank you,” she says in a serious manner and pulls the duvet further up, without even turning. “Hmm... “ I mutter, baffled. “Right.” I put the tray on the dresser and I get out of the bedroom. I tilt my neck left and right while I go back to the kitchen, seeking coffee for myself. I let out a long yawn. I’m broken. Since we came back from hospital, Julie’s been ice cold to me. I’ve been sleeping on th
Chapter seventeen Julie I look around the bar and quickly my eyes find Daniel’s. He’s standing next to Zack, and Rafe says something that makes them three laugh out loud. Seeing Danny laugh makes me smile because I love the way the whole of his face turns when he’s happy. The green eyes shine even more and the corners of the eyes fringe while the lips curve into a beautiful smile. “Love suits him.” George’s voice sounds behind me and I turn to face him. My friend smiles and I hug him. It’s been a few days since we last saw each other. “Being loved suits me,” I say and George winks at me, with that hint of a smile on the corner of his lips as if he knew all the world’s secrets. It’s no secret to anybody that I’m head over heels in love. But, as opposed to the beginning of our relationship, Daniel now seems to return all my love. He seems more mature and committed and our relationship seems to have reached another level since we made up. Since we g
Chapter eighteen Julie After I get out of Daniel’s house, I go to mine and remain there enough time just to put some pieces of clothing in a travel bag and call an Uber, which leaves me at a hotel. I spend two days locked in the room crying and feeling sorry for myself. My world had collapsed. I loved Daniel with all my heart. I loved him my whole life, but I’m not going to settle anymore without having everything I deserve. And taking into account the latest events, I understood that he would never give me everything. Unfortunately, his fear of commitment was a lot bigger than his feelings for me. After two days in complete depression, I take a look at myself in the mirror when I go to the bathroom and I’m horrified at what I see. I look dreadful. With my nose red, swollen eyes and the hair messed up. To see the reflection of my emotional destruction in front of the mirror is what I needed to make me put an end to it. “Enough, Julie,” I say as I look at mys
Chapter twenty Julie Sitting in front of the window overlooking Central Park, I lean my head on the glass, holding the small, slightly crumpled photo from being held so often. Like Jenny said, the baby's just a little grain, but it's fine. George and I were very moved during the ultrasound, and as I left the consulting room, I was really thankful of Jenny's support, who had been amazing with me. I went back to the hotel with George, who helped me finish packing and was the one who took me to the airport the next day, reinforcing the promise that he wouldn't tell anyone about the baby. He wanted to come with me, but I didn't think it was fair. He had his own life to take care of and I was a big girl, even though I was heartbroken. I talked to Rob when I arrived, and told him about the pregnancy. Luckily, he was sweet and said that wasn't a deterrent for me to be hired. So here I am, almost a month after I left L.A., trying to forget the fool who broke m
Chapter twenty one Julie Daniel goes across the hotel with me in his arms and I understand that quite a few employees already knew his plan, because they smile at me and give him a positive sign. “Danny, did everybody know?” “Of course. How do you think I would be able to close one of the most important bars of New York? I had to tell my story.” “You mean, our story.” “ My story. Of how I went in a short time from confirmed bachelor to passionate asshole,” he says and we both laugh. We go up to the eighth floor, with me still on his lap. As we arrive, he follows the corridor up to my bedroom door. “Baby, get the key card out of my pocket.” he asks and I open my mouth, astonished. “How do you have my bedroom’s key card? I ask with a raised eyebrow. “Rob gave it to me. He’s a hopeless romantic...” Daniel tells and winks, and then waves towards the door. “But he made me swear that I would only use it if you forgave me.” “I guess I’m gonna ha