The Writer's Dilemma

The Apology

“Mr. Bassett?” Audrey exclaimed, her surprised voice echoing off the very close walls of the small room. Kerem smiled weakly at her, lowering his head. He gestured for her to take a seat on the couch near the coffee table.

                “I must apologize for startling you. Actually, there is a lot of explain. I hope that you won’t be upset,” Kerem took the seat across from her, his compassionate chocolate brown eyes find hers as he did. “You see… at the fan meeting, when I first saw you, I realized who you were and I felt a connection with you,” Kerem looked down at his hands that were rubbing together. “I purposefully called my manager over so I could have a reason to talk to you more. I wanted a photo to remember you by. I couldn’t really explain my actions at the time and I thought you might be unsettled by my sudden coming onto you. I asked my manager to get the photo from you and gave him my phone. So, I had your number…” Kerem looked very afraid as he began to explain his actions.

                Audrey kept her eyes on his face, shocked at what she was hearing.

                “I must sound like some kind of stalker… I promise I’m not! I just felt this connection with you the moment I saw you. I was afraid of what you’d think if I told you who I really was… so I just told you that I was Wyatt, my manager…” Kerem turned away from her, unable to look her in the eye. “When we talked the first time, it seemed to me like you were upset… so, I helped arrange for Pierre and me to be your next collaboration, hoping that you’d be more excited. I was very shocked to hear that I was your inspiration. It also filled me with a sense of guilt. I shouldn’t have fooled you as I had. I really hope that you can forgive me.”

                Audrey wasn’t sure how to feel. She was sure she was supposed to feel upset, but she didn’t. She didn’t feel quite happy though either, even though the person she looked up to was telling her that he personally got involved in her life after just one book signing event. Audrey sat motionlessly, feeling lightheaded. Her heart was still heavy with fear. She had been fooled before… lied to before… She stood, moving towards the door as she noticed Kerem’s head dip lower, his body seeming to slump over in defeat and anger. Audrey paused at the door, her hand on the handle.

                “I’m not angry. I just need some time, to process what you’ve told me. Excuse me.” Audrey pushed herself out of the small room, out of the café, and onto the first bus that appeared, not glancing back and unsure of where she was going.