Page 234 of Love Unwritten
“What happened?”
“Ava contacted me.”
He sneers, although I’m not sure if it is directed at Ava or himself.
“I’m sorry.” He curses again. “I should have answered your call, or at the very least, I should have called you back when I calmed down after a bit.”
I stare at my hands. “Yeah. You should have.”
“Staying away for as long as I did… You have every reason to be upset with me about it.”
I release a heavy exhale.
“Do you want to talk about it?” he asks.
I shake my head hard enough to send a few of my hairs flying in front of my eyes.
“Did you…” He lets the sentence hang.
“No.” I suck in a deep breath. “I thought about it…for a moment…but I calmed down.”
He lets out a breath of relief. “I should have been there for you.”
“What I do to my body isn’t your responsibility.”
“No, but you’re the woman I love, and knowing you were hurting enough to think about it while I sat around, pissed off and ignoring you, makes me feel like absolute shit.”
My chest clenches so hard, my next breath comes out like a wheeze. “You can take time to calm down or work through your thought process, but ignoring me the way you did isn’t fair.”
“You’re right.”
I exhale slowly. “I want—no, I need to know that you’ll be there for me, even when it’s hard.” If he pulls away every time he gets scared or is triggered by his past, we will never be able to move forward together.
“You can count on me, Elle. I’m sorry I made you doubt that because of my own insecurities, but I won’t make that mistake again. I promise.”
Over the next few days, Rafael holds true to his promise of sticking by my side, regardless of whatever photos and articles are being published about Cole and me online. He even makes a few jokes about it, including scheduling me a session with my tattoo artist to ink his name on my forehead, which I politely decline.
If I’m going to get a tattoo inspired by him, I would prefer something a bit more discreet, although the gesture is thoughtful.
The next few travel days are long, thanks to our early train rides around Spain. By the time we make it to France three days after my conversation with Rafael, I’m struggling to keep my eyes open throughout the day.
After fighting with inserting my hotel key in the slot at the end of the night, I finally enter my room to find a nondescript box on my bedside table, along with a note attached to the top in a standard typeface.
Rafael’s Relationship Rule Book
Rule Number 1:
If your girl doesn’t want real flowers, make her one instead.
With a little squeal, I tug at the pink ribbon and rip open the box. Nestled between layers of protective paper is a 3D-printed hibiscus flower that is painted pink, along with a second note.
At least you can pack this one in your suitcase.
-Your Prom King
I fall onto the bed with a huge smile and cradle my new flower to my chest until I accidentally fall asleep without ever texting Rafael thank you.
The next night, I return to my hotel room to find another white box with a note attached to the top. Before I read the message, I send Rafael a text.