70 Guilt

Having Emily comfort Justin for something that was a) not what she thought it was and b) entirely his fault was a miserable experience. Having his hand held…being hugged from behind…even when she held a bag of frozen vegetables to his face…it all felt wonderful.

But it was because of a lie. A big, stupid lie that he had started and Alexa had taken the liberty to finish.

He had tried telling the truth twice but Emily kept cutting him off! He didn't dare try a third time, his courage having abandoned him. He did not deserve her kindness.

He wished he could stay there in her arms forever but the silence and the guilt were eating him alive so he said he was tired and went back to his own apartment. An hour later a foil covered plate appeared on his doorstep with a sticky note that said 'I figured you hadn't eaten yet –Emily'

Justin's heart constricted. Even after he left her apartment she insisted on taking care of him and his supposed broken heart.