Never Got Over You -Whitney G. Page 0,66
you were done waiting.”
“You didn’t give me a chance to tell you.” I shook my head. “You didn’t want to listen to me.”
“I didn’t.” He looked into my eyes. “And I’m sorry.”
“I don’t forgive you.” I felt tears falling. “Please just go.”
“I had to lie to you about going to business school back then.” He closed the gap between us, telling me what I already knew. “I was working on oil rigs to make money, so I could be enough for you.”
I didn’t know that part... “Well, you should probably resist the urge to hold back details like that, the next time you have a girlfriend.”
“I don’t want any other girlfriends, Kate.” He wiped away my stray tears with his fingertips. “I only want you.”
“I’ve already committed to Spotify,” I said, feeling an ache in my chest. “They expect me to start in three weeks.”
He stared at me, wiped more of my tears away. For a moment, it felt like we were the only people in the airport, a terminal for two.
“Ladies and gentlemen who are taking flight 1873 with service to New York City, please direct your attention to Gate 23A,” the gate agent’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “We will begin boarding within the next few minutes.”
“I know you’re upset with me, Kate.”
“I’m beyond upset with you.”
“I know that,” he said, looking into my eyes. “And if you still want to leave after I say what I need to say, then I won’t stand in your way.”
“We’re boarding in five minutes.”
“She said ‘a few’, not five.” His lips curved into a slight smile, but it quickly faded. “I know I can’t take back what I said the other night, but I need you to know that you’ve always had an effect on me—even when you weren’t a part of my life.”
“We are now asking that customers who need assistance or additional time to board, as well as any active military personnel, please board the aircraft at this time.” The gate agent’s voice came over the speakers.
James ignored her intrusion and continued. “If it weren’t for you leaving and moving on, I don’t think I would’ve worked as hard. Actually, I know I wouldn’t have.”
“I didn’t move on from you on purpose, James.”
“I know that now.” He cupped my face in his hands. “Let me finish.” He waited a few seconds as passengers moved behind him. “I became who I am today because of you, and despite the distance and time that’s separated us, no other woman has ever compared to you, Kate. Not a single one.”
I felt more tears falling down my face.
“If I’d known that Grant was putting his hands on you, I would’ve put a hit out on him.” He paused. “Now, that I do know that, I’ve taken care of it.”
I blinked. I wasn’t sure if I’d heard that right, if my crying was distorting things.
“I want to spend the rest of my life making things right with you, and I’m begging you to let me.”
I shook my head, refusing to give into him.
“Kate, please.” He looked into my eyes. “Please come back with me so we can start over, right where we left off.”
“You mean, the past when you pushed me away the other night?”
“I’m talking about nine and a half years ago.”
“I don’t think that’s possible.” I choked over my own words. “I’ve changed.”
“No, you’re the same.” He pressed his forehead against mine. “So am I... And I know that because year after year, I can honestly say that I’ve thought about you more than anyone else.”
“First class is boarding right now, James. That’s my group.”
“Kate...” His lips nearly brushed against mine. “I love you, and I always have.”
“I believe you always will,” I said, slowly moving my head away from him. I picked up my bag and sighed. “You’ll just have to do it from afar now.” I felt my heart begging me to stay grounded, to resist the urge to fly away, but logic won the fight. “Goodbye and good luck, James. Thank you for finally apologizing.”
He looked devastated, and a part of me hated myself for making him feel that way. I had to move on, though. This time, for good. This time, forever.
I turned away and fought every urge to look over my shoulder as I headed to the line. I handed over my boarding pass and stepped onto the jet bridge.
Ignoring the tears that refused to stop falling, I pulled out my phone and turned it