Forever Again

“Did you ever finish the renovations on your apartment?” Alissa asked, right before she placed a couple of green beans into her mouth.

“I did. I had the new kitchen installed last year with brand-new appliances. A chef’s dream, or so I was told by the designer. My private chef enjoys using it, at least.”

“Lucky guy.”

Hossam laughed, took a sip of Coke, and then carefully set the glass on the table. “I took your advice about the lights and installed a new chandelier in the living room. You should come see the changes.”

“Don’t hold your breath,” she said dryly, cutting into her steak.

He missed having her in his home. He could stare at her for hours and had, seated on a chair across from the bed in his Paris apartment, watching as she slept peacefully. Knowing her rest was because she felt safe with him. Trusted him. She’d told him so, in fact.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you Amal was staying with me,” Hossam said quietly.

“Are you?” she asked, as she placed a piece of steak in her mouth with an air of nonchalance.

“Nothing happened between us.”

Alissa finished chewing. “How do I know that? Because you say so? You had a woman you used to fuck staying at your place—and you were probably still fucking, if we’re being honest.”

“We were not. She lost her job and needed a place to stay.”

“Lucky for her, your bed was available.”

Their gazes clashed across the table. He had messed up, but her unwillingness to give him the benefit of the doubt grated.

“What did you want me to do? Send her away?”

“I don’t know, Hossam, you’re a smart man. You could have figured something out!” Alissa snapped.

Her elevated voice caused a few heads to turn, and they both fell silent.

She released a calming breath. “We split up over a year ago. What do you want from me?”

Hossam pushed aside his food and gave her his undivided attention. “Forgiveness.”

“You think you can waltz back into my life, apologize, and everything will go back to normal? That’s not the way things work.”

“You told me you loved me,” he reminded her.

“So did you!” Her eyes darted around the room, and she dropped her voice. “You promised me forever, and then you had your ex staying with you and conveniently didn’t tell me she was with you. Conveniently after I told you about my lovers. Honestly, Hossam, I don’t care what you do. I’m not changing my mind.”

He ground his teeth as anger threatened to overtake him. Anger at himself and anger at Alissa. How could she throw away five years together because he allowed Amal to stay with him for a few weeks?

“I am not some petty child who wanted to hurt you because you hurt my feelings. I am a man. An adult. Maybe you were looking for a way out,” he accused.

She reared back, eyes wide. “Are you serious?” she hissed.

“You heard me. I screwed up and lost your trust, but I have told you over and over that nothing happened between me and Amal. Why can you not forgive me? You were looking for an excuse for us to break up because you wanted to end the relationship.”

“That is not true. You know what, we’re not getting anywhere. This is a wasted conversation. You should get the check.” She tossed her napkin on the table and glared at him.

“You are being unreasonable.”

“And you’re being ridiculously obtuse. What if you came here one day, and I had a man I used to sleep with laying up in my house, and that same man told you about the great time he and I have been having?”

“I admit, I would—”

“A whole year passed since I last saw you. You think a phone call and a couple of voicemails are doing something? You haven’t exactly been beating my door down, Hossam, so excuse me if I’m skeptical about your feelings for me. Do us both a favor. Leave me the hell alone and go back to France. What we had is over.”

She hopped up from the chair and stalked toward the exit.

What the hell?

Hossam jumped up too and tossed a wad of bills on the table, enough to cover the cost of the meal and leave a generous tip for the server.

He caught up with Alissa outside. She stood in the parking lot talking to the Hodges and Senator Lyburd. Pedestrians strolled by, including an older couple walking arm in arm.

As Hossam approached, Senator Hodge and her daughter walked toward a red car while Lyburd strolled toward a black SUV, its lights flashing as he popped the locks remotely.

Alissa shot an indifferent glance at Hossam. For a split second, he thought he saw the sheen of tears before they disappeared from her eyes.

“So that’s it? We are done for good?” he asked.

“Yes.” Her answer was quiet but firm.

“I made a mistake.”

“Let it go, Hossam.” Her voice sounded tired.

His chest tightened in dismay. This was it. She was giving him the final brush-off. He raked his fingers through his hair. “No.”

Startled eyes looked into his. “What do you mean no?”

“No, I am not giving up. No, we are not done. No, this relationship is not over.”

Her back went ramrod straight. “You must be mad. Newsflash, both people have to agree to be in a relationship. Thank you for the meal, but if you’ll excuse me, I’m going home.”

He grabbed her wrist. “Alissa—”

She yanked away her hand and glared at him in disbelief. “I said—”

Boom!

The night shook as a loud explosion spewed debris into the air. The momentum of the blast knocked Alissa and Hossam to the ground. He landed hard on his knees and flinched when rough asphalt grated the palms of his hands.

Temporarily deafened, he shook his head to mitigate the ringing in his ears. Beside him, Alissa groaned and rolled from her side into a sitting position.