The Alpha in her Dreams

Scuffle

“Hey you,” Susu said as she set her phone down.

Laurel tackled her with a hug and didn’t let go. She wasn’t going to cry, but she could if she let herself. She felt so anxious and heavy.

“Hey, what’s the matter, Laurel? Talk to me.”

She reluctantly let Susu go and sank onto the bar stool beside her best friend. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”

“Well first, you spill to your best friend and then we figure this s**t out together.”

Laurel took a deep breath before delving in. “Henry’s been pressuring me to take our relationship to the next step. And you know I’ve had reservations about it. Then the dream, meeting dream man in person, and I have all these intense feelings about him which isn’t like me at all. Then, I take this trip with him and find out that his feelings are just as intense as mine if not more so. Henry is jealous, and I know I need to break it off, but I don’t want to hurt him. Shepherd lives on the other side of the United States but says he doesn’t want to leave me and he’s staying until I feel comfortable moving with him, and I just feel so overwhelmed, Susu!” She let her head drop to the countertop with her arms limply hanging beside her. “What do I do, Susu? Tell me,” she wailed.

“Whoa.”

Laurel lifted her head. “That’s all? Whoa?! What am I supposed to do?”

Susu shrugged, “I think you already know what you have to do. It’s just difficult. And there’s no way around that. You end it with Henry as honestly as you can, and you allow him to feel whatever he feels. And then you give Shepherd a fair chance because you deserve that, Laurel. You just have to trust yourself.” Susu paused and then added with a smirk, “I mean things could be worse. You actually dreamed your dream man into existence! And boy was he created with perfection in mind! That body, that face, and a brain! Girl, you got lucky.”

Laurel rolled her eyes. “I didn’t dream him into existence. Although it doesn’t sound any crazier than what actually happened …which I can’t begin to explain. Ugh. I have to change. Henry’s waiting downstairs.”

“What?! Start with that, Laurel. Are you going to tell him tonight? I think you should. Just cut the cord. It’s been coming for a while. You know that. Don’t let this thing with Shepherd murky the waters. This was going to happen regardless, and you know it,” Susu said as she followed Laurel into her room and sat down on her bed.

“I know,” Laurel replied as she grabbed a black cocktail dress from the closet. “I wish I had done this before because now it just feels messier. And Henry is such a good guy. He doesn’t deserve this.” She slipped off her clothes and threw them across the room into the hamper.

Susu raised her eyebrows, “Well, I don’t think he’s a bad guy, but you know I’ve never thought he was the greatest for you. He doesn’t see you, Laurel. Doesn’t know you even after three years! It’s time.”

Laurel lifted her hair to let Susu zip up her dress. Stepping into her nude heels, she turned around with a sigh.

“Yep, it’s time. Alright, will you be home when I get in tonight?”

“I have to go to work for a bit. Someone has to leave early, and I said I’d cover the rest of their shift. But I’ll bring home pastries. We can have Saturday brunch tomorrow. If you need me, call. You know I’m here for you.”

“Ok, sounds good. Love you, Susu.”

“Love you, too! It’s all going to be ok. Trust me.”

Henry cupped her face, lightly kissing her on the lips after she climbed into the limo.

“You look beautiful, Laurel.”

She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Thanks, Henry.”

The ride to the restaurant was quiet. Henry was trying his best to make small talk, but Laurel wasn’t doing a particularly decent job participating. Once they were seated, he ordered their usual and waited for the wine to be brought to the table while he studied Laurel with a pensive face. Finally, he broke the silence.

“We’ve talked about it a lot, and I think it’s time, Laurel. I want you to move in with me. If you’re worried that I’m not ready, know that I am. We’ve been together for three years. We’re a good team. I would marry you right now if I knew you’d have me, but you’ve been so skittish about moving in…” Henry paused, waiting for some sign from her. “What are you thinking?”

“It says a lot about our relationship, Henry, that I’ve been so hesitant to take the next step with you. You’re a good man, but I don’t think we’re right for each other. I think it’s time we admit that.”

Henry’s face darkened. “Is this because of Shepherd Ryan?”

“You know it’s not, Henry. We’ve been talking about this for months. You’ve been ready for our relationship to progress, and I’ve had reservations about it.” She paused, looking around. “Do you want to leave and go somewhere more private to talk?”

“I think enough has been said. I get it. I’m not the type of guy to push things with a girl who doesn’t want me. I deserve better.”

“Yes, you do. I’m sorry I couldn’t be the one to give that to you.”

He stood and threw a hundred-dollar bill on the table. “Me, too. I’m sure you’ll understand that I don’t want to stay for dinner. Come on, the car is waiting for us.”

She sighed as she stood up. This wasn’t how she wanted their relationship to end but knew there was no easy way to say goodbye. “I’ll just walk.”

“It’s a long way from your apartment, and I don’t want to worry about you getting home safely. I’ll take you.”

Laurel nodded and gathered her things. Once they got in the car, Henry stared straight ahead, refusing to look at her.

“Once you figure out that you’ve messed up, don’t come crawling back. I’m a nice guy, but I’m not that nice.”

Laurel knew that although things felt bad right now, this wasn’t a mistake. She felt entirely sure of her decision.

“I really am sorry for breaking your heart, Henry.”

Henry scowled, and they rode the rest of the way home in silence. Laurel wanted to say something to fix it but knew that nothing could. As they pulled onto her street, Henry sighed, reached over, and gently grabbed her hand. Laurel was thankful. She cared for Henry and didn’t want it to end with hurtful words. She gave his hand a squeeze. As they stopped outside her building, Henry suddenly jerked his hand from hers and scrambled out the door, leaving Laurel confused. But as soon as she saw Shepherd standing outside her building, she understood.

Henry rounded on her, “Was this planned? Did he know you were going to break up with me?!”

“No, Henry, I swear. I never discussed this with him. Shepherd, what are you doing here?”

While Shepherd studied her, Henry raised his fist and slugged Shepherd in the face. Shepherd looked like he wanted to retaliate but then he looked at Laurel and his expression calmed. Henry turned and got into the car, slamming the door.

She watched the car until it was disappeared and then turned to face Shepherd. She couldn’t help but feel angry. His face was a mixture of regret and hope.

“I’m sorry, Laurel. I didn’t know that would happen.”

“What are you doing here, Shepherd?”

“Can we go inside and talk?”

“No. Talk now. What are you doing here?”