"I love you still," I mutter, putting all my feelings behind it. "Won't you let me love you?"
"I would, but I can't return it the way you want me too," he says much more quietly. And it's not exactly a no, but that's all I'm hearing.
Tears are running down my face and I'm sobbing. I shouldn't have drunk wine tonight. I can't take wine.
"Stay where you are," he says. "I'll come get you."
"Don't bother," I say and hang up. This is too hard. Too confusing. He builds me up then cuts me down. Stokes my feelings up and then douses them until all that's left is smoke and tears. I can't take it.
"What took you so long?" Lucy asks when I get back to the table. "Have you been crying?"
"I have to go now," I say, gathering my coat and pulling out my wallet.
"What's the rush? It's early yet," th
