Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"I've changed over the last four years, but you know what they say, 'You can take the girl out of the small town but not the small town out of the girl.' Deep down, I'm still the same."

Sherilyn leaned back in her seat, her smile faint, "You used to despise me so much, I doubt you've grown to like me all that much now."

Their recent interactions had proved as much.

He had feelings for her, sure, but not enough to make her forget the past, let alone to build a future on.

Gilbert felt a turmoil inside, but managed a sardonic smile, "You think you know my feelings better than I do?"

"Hmm." Sherilyn raised an eyebrow. "Ever heard of 'love is blind"?"

She looked straight into his handsome face, serious now.

"I'm simply your backup plan, nothing more. Four years ago, I was naive and it cost me dearly. What would make you believe I'd make the same mistake again? Merely because you find my company slightly less insufferable now?" Hearing this, his eyes darkened.

Sherilyn took a deep breath, "I do appreciate you stepping up for Jenna, taking responsibility. You're not entirely without redeeming qualities."

"But, we don't have to force ourselves to be together for Jenna's sake. Loving her separately is enough."

With that, she closed her eyes, leaning back, clearly done with the conversation.

"Sherilyn..."

resistance, Gilbert halted, biting back his words, and drove on in silence, the corners of his mouth turning down in a

pulled up in front

the door, only to find

move, instead, he took out a piece of gum from the glove compartment, popping it into his

frowned, puzzled, "I want to get out of

leaned over in a hurry to

the moment, Gilbert wrapped his arms around her, causing Sherilyn to

"Sherilyn."

her name, his eyes deep, "After all this time together, do you really feel nothing for me?

but despite his seemingly gentle hold, she couldn't

"Like you? After you left me alone

wasn't for Jenna,

someone

me?"

away and turned to exit

plaintive voice, he said, "What should I do? I didn't like you before treated you poorly! Butl can't o back in

could have anticipated this

what