"Thank you," paying up for the cab, I looked at the grand restaurant. I was totally aware I was late, but didn't bother because I wanted the dinner to get cancelled. But i was convinced that Leo wouldn't let that happen. He was stubborn to make this work, as if it was to fix everything between us.
I caught myself staring at the lift's mirror. My simple maroon bodycon hug me like my second skin. I felt pretty after a long time. Despite my body looking decent and sexy, my face looked deprived of life. Eye bags due to sleepless nights, stress lines and a balding patch in my scalp. I turned away from my reflection, sighing.
The outcome expected of this dinner was unclear to me. What were Leo's intentions with dragging me out on a dinner like this? This was more than me apologizing to Neil and Maya - which I wouldn't be doing anyway. As I exit the lift, I found my head held high. Because I didn't want them to get off analysing my sadness.
"Private cabin E-8, please. It's under Leo Herring."
"Oh, Leo Herring!" The receptionist was a little too excited and showed me to the cabin herself. Pointing to the cabin, she smiled and took her leave. I walked past, closing in on the door when I heard their familiar voices conversing.
"If there was anyone better suited for my best friend, it should be you, Maya." My hand stopped at the doorknob. It was Neil's voice.
Neil was poise and didn't slur, meaning he meant what he said without even thinking that someone could walk in at any moment. He was speaking the truth consciously.
I left a shaky breath as I let anger consume me, but sadness quickly replaced it. I shouldn't put myself through this and walk away with pride intact. But something stopped me to listen.
"You've been by Leo's side for as long as I can remember. You know him inside out. And he definitely smiles a lot when he's around you." Neil continued, I could see his hand resting over her knee.
"I get it, Neil. But he's in a relationship with her. I don't want to be a homewrecker." Maya was more rational than Neil, it was pissing me off.
"You're kidding!" Neil let out a laugh, "You're not coming between them. You always were a part of Leo's life! Because he still has you in your heart, Maya. He never let you go."
I felt my whole world shatter. Leo still had feelings for her? That meant they were together in the past. Tears threatened to fall and my feet were ready to run. But I fought the urge and stood there to be insulted more.
"I don't know where I'm supposed to be, Neil." Her words didn't match her tone, she was dishonest with herself. "Felicia's a good girl. She's a nice match for him. I mean...Leo and I were THE couple back then but it's over."
"You really think Leo is capable of severing bonds? He only knows how to make them." Planting that seed in both of our heads, Neil took pride in his words and continued,
"She's not as successful as you, not prettier than you and She's got no connections. On a professional level, you're the perfect match for Leo! You'd be the power couple again, Maya. Think about it." My throat went dry as the words haunted me. Not as successful, not as pretty, no connections...
Neil was rubbing my wound with salt and other spices altogether wasn't he?
Maya remained quiet, assuming that was the truth. I leaned closer, anticipating what she'd say to Neil.
"I mean...Leo is an amazing guy, i can't forget about us. And maybe...you're right. Maybe we were meant for each other and she was just a standby. It was fate."
Standby...
Standby...
I felt used and betrayed. Maya's voice was so deceptively sweet that a third person would think Im the villain in their relationship.
"I know what I speak, Maya. I can guarantee no one knows Leo as much as I do. That man is still in love with you and I can prove it. He's done a mistake by jumping into a relationship with Felicia. We all make mistakes. Hard to believe the perfectionist Leo did one too."
And that mistake...was me. He chose me to be his standby and that was Leo's first and biggest mistake. I get it, Neil. Real smooth at insults you are.
"I know it sounds complicated, but Leo's gotta accept the truth. That he loves you truly and Felicia, only superficially." That was enough confirmation to let tears run down my cheeks. I couldn't take the humiliation anymore, it was breaking my heart. Out of all other reasons, it had to be that I was his MISTAKE.
"Ah!" While running back, I bumped into a well built chest and gazed up. It was Leo!
"Why are you cr- Felicia!" He called after me but I spitefully turned around and spat,
"Why!? Why didn't you tell me you couldn't stay with me!? You still have feelings for her!" I shouted. Leo stood flabbergasted, but his silence was what baffled me the most. It took everything in me to not punch him, make a commotion.
When he wasn't able to utter ever a single word, it was my cue to believe the truth and run away with my heart forced bare in my hands.
