Even If It Hurts

by Marni Mann

Thanks again for brunch. I had a great time … even if I looked half-dead. Oliver: You looked perfect.

“A virgin …” “Yes.” He looked me over, his eyes giving me the compliments instead of his mouth. “How is that possible?” He held me tighter. “How has someone not worshipped you?”

“My beautiful, sweet girl,” and there was so much pain in his voice that it sent a rawness through me that made my stomach ache. “Promise me something …” I couldn’t answer; I just stared at him and continued to hold his face. “Promise you won’t ever forget me.”

the evening and everything that happens in between.” As he smiled, I added, “It was too good not to steal from you.” “You can have anything you want from me, Chloe.”

“I should have known,” he said, his beautiful navy gaze holding mine so steadily, “kissing you once would never be enough.”

“I can’t believe you came all the way here … for me.” His hands went to the sides of my face, his mouth moving closer to mine. “I’d go anywhere to have a second date with you.”

“Remember something, Chloe”—his lips pressed into the top of my head—“I will fix anything for you; you just have to come to me.”

Even if it hurts. Even if it’s the hardest thing you’ll ever have to do, you have to stop.”

“Because even if it hurts … you’re going to come back to me, and we’re going to start making plans for our future.”

She’d once told me she hoped the hurt would finally go away. After watching her leave me twice, I didn’t think it would. And, damn it, sweet girl, it never did.