TIM

LAURA STILL STUCK IN THE PAST...

The smell of paint and varnish hung heavy in the air as I stood in the corner of the shop, scanning the shelves. I'd been here for what felt like forever, searching for the perfect sage green. Every shade I picked up was either too minty or too dull. Maybe I'd have to mix it myself.

The bell above the door jingled, but I didn't bother looking up. Customers came and went all the time in this place, and I never noticed them-not until Tim. Which was a massive mistake-huge-one I won't be repeating anytime soon.

I crouched down to check the bottom shelf, brushing my hair out of my face. Just as I grabbed another swatch of green, a voice floated over to me.

His voice.

"Laura?"

I froze, my hand hovering mid-air. For a second, I thought I might've imagined it, but when I glanced up, there he was. Tim.

He stood a few feet away, his hands shoved into his pockets, looking every bit as sheepish as I'd expected.

I didn't want to do this. Not here. Not now.

1225 TM

11 288 Vouchers

Tim," I said, keeping my voice steady as I turned back to the shelf.

feet awkwardly. "Laura,

I snapped, straightening up and turning to face him. My heart was pounding, but didn't let it show. "I don't need your apology. I don't need anything from you." Tim winced like my words had physically hit him. "I wasn't trying to hurt you. I

my voice rising. "You have a girlfriend, Tim. A girlfriend. Did you even think about her? About

down at his shoes, the same stupid pair he'd worn on our date. It made me hate him just a

you, and you were so... I don't know. I didn't think, I guess. I just saw you and wanted

to deal with it. So, congratulations, Tim. You

grabbed the closest paint sample I could find and brushed past him, heading for

"Laura, wait

without turning around.

an eyebrow but said nothing

1. up.

his eyes on me, but I didn't look back. I couldn't. I'd spent enough time letting Tim make me feel small. I wasn't going to

the shop, my chest tight and my mind

show up

I could fully spiral, someone stepped in front of me, steadying me with a firm hand on

voice was low and steady, but the

was, his eyes scanning

before I could say

I'm sorry!"

my

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