One Month Later
Aidan sat staring blankly at his computer screen. He had been searching for a new place to live for hours, and he was beginning to get a headache. His parents had no idea of his plans to move, or of his recent employment at the mechanic shop across town. He knew his mother would have a heart attack over that.
But Lili had inspired him to make changes in his life. To take on responibilities and to do something he loved for once. He was tired of the same old scenes; the stuffy parties, the fake smiles, the rude comments...all of it.
He wanted simple. He wanted to come home, change into a pair of shorts and watch the game without having to worry about the next dinner engagement, or keeping his high maintenance fiance entertained.
The last thought gave him a stab of guilt. Although she was definitely annoying, childish and high maintenance, he still felt like an asshole for getting carried away with Lili. He had never done anything like that in his life, but Lili...she set his soul on fire like no other woman had. Or ever would.
He wanted her more than ever. He needed her like he needed his next breath.
He loved her.
He rested his elbows on the desk in front of him and put his head in his hands, and he truly admitted that to himself for the first time. He thought he may have loved her before, but now he knew.
But how was he supposed to tell her when they both had so many changes going on in their lives? How was he supposed to tell her that he wanted to come home to her every night, and wake up next to her every morning? How could she not be frightened away when he told her just that?
His cell phone ringing broke his train of thought. He picked it up, looking at the caller ID.
Olivia.
He set it down, ignoring it and went back to his search. He came across a one bedroom for $900 and decided to call the number. It was now or never.
He picked up his cell to make the call, and it began ringing in his hand.
Olivia. Again. She had this annoying philosophy of blowing up his phone repetitively, thinking he would answer eventually.
If I didn't answer the first time, and I didn't call you back, what makes you think I'm going to answer this time?! he thought.
He hit ignore and dialed the number for the apartment on the computer screen. An older man picked up on the other end, just as his phone beeped in his ear, indicating a call waiting.
God, he hated that. Yes, now was definitely the time.
------------------
Lili sat at her desk at the museum next to one of the head curators, Maria. She was in her mid-40's, calm, quiet and had a great sense of humor. Along with developing an instant friendship, they had also attained a sort of mother-daughter relationship. Lili had taken a liking to her immediately. And today, someone like Maria was exactly what she needed.
Maria looked up from her notes at Lili, frowning. "What's the matter with you today? You're quiet and your mind is obviously somewhere else."
Lili sighed and recanted yet again the past few weeks and the encounter with Dave. "It's not so much the disowning me that's upsetting, it's the fact that they couldn't even say it to my face. They really must not love me...and they obviously have no respect for me."
Maria reached out and put her hand on Lili's. "I'm sorry, dear. Life has a way of cutting out bad relationships or excess baggage sometimes. Look on the bright side, all they would have done is just brought you down, belittled your dreams, and forced you to do what they wanted you to do. Now they're gone, and all the doors are open to you. And you have people like me and your best friends to help you along the way."
Lili smiled. "Thanks, Maria."
"Besides, I'll bet Dave was a terrible lover."
"Maria!"
"He was, wasn't he?! I knew it. You can always tell. Men that have no passion for life, never have passion for their women. Lame, moving on! Now about this Aidan fellow..."
Lili just laughed. "What about him?"
"What do you mean, 'what about him?!' He obviously cares about you! Take the initiative, talk to him, and tell him how you feel."
"I don't even know how I feel. And besides, we're both taking care of our issues."
"Excuses. You know how you feel, and why can't you be together and help each other deal with issues? There's no reason why you can't be together, and you know it."
