Free Back to Reality by Danielle Allen

contact.  I wanted to look away, but I deserved to take everything he was throwing at me.  Even if it broke me down in the process.
    My voice broke as I said, “I’m sorry Tyree. Everything you said is true. And I’m sorry for everything.  You are…” Fat tears fell and as quickly as they came, I wiped them away.  “You are a good man and you didn’t deserve to be treated like this. I called and I waited and—”
    “ Ty.” A sultry voice drawled from the door, interrupting my apology. “You in here?” 
    I dried my face quickly and looked curiously from Ty to the short hallway and then back at Ty.  He offered nothing in response and just sat back in his chair, watching me.  His fingers stroked his beard and his eyes didn’t leave mine. The office door clicked closed and in seconds a leggy model type strutted into the room.  Her already tall frame was supported on electric blue stiletto heels.  Her light brown skin contrasted beautifully with the white tank dress.  The dress was short and tight and fit her light a glove.  Her long, light brown tresses flowed down her back and each strand was perfectly placed. 
    “Oh, pardon me. I didn’t mean to interrupt. I’m Ava,” she extended her hand to me.  Ava’s Spanish accent was heavy, but her English was clear. She’s beautiful and polite, I silently noted as I shook her hand.
    Although I was a mess inside, pretending that I wasn’t was second nature to me. “I’m Sahara,” I replied confidently.
    Ava smiled and a flicker of recognition crossed her eyes. “Nice to meet you, Sahara.”  Turning her body to look at Ty, she continued, “Ty, I don’t mean to intrude on your conversation, but can I speak with you before I leave?”
    I rotated my head to look at Ty.  The room was absolutely silent as we waited for his response.  He held my gaze and my heart beat increased as he studied me.  I lost all semblance of thought. I lost my ability to breathe.  It felt as though my next move was predicated on Ty’s next move. Without taking his eyes off of me, he responded, “Of course, Ava. We’re done here.”  
    A rush of air escaped my lungs as I took his words like a punch to the gut.  Ava tossed her hair over her shoulder and pursed her lips.  She didn’t turn to look my way, but I could tell she was satisfied with Ty’s decision.  I didn’t embarrass easily; but, the hurt and embarrassment burned my cheeks and I was sure my brown skin had reddened.  I brought my hand to my neck and tried to will my heartbeat to slow down. Leave with your head held high…cry after you leave, I instructed myself as I bit the tip of my tongue and smoothed the side of my hair.
    Ty stood and walked around his desk. “Have a seat Ava and I’ll see Sahara out,” Ty commanded.  Ava slinked her way to the couch and made herself comfortable.
    I stood awkwardly in front of the desk before I followed Ty to the hallway leading out of his office.  I didn’t know what to say. My emotions were all over the place. I deserved the cold way he’s treating me. I deserve it. I did him wrong.  But I didn’t expect this. I didn’t expect things to be so bad. It hurts. It hurts worse than I thought it was going to. And I thought it was going to be extremely painful, I thought as we reached the door.
    Facing him, I stood on the outside of the office and looked at my shoes. “Ty, I didn’t get a chance to finish what I came here to say,” I whispered unevenly, my voice cracking with emotion.  After getting the words out without letting the tears fall, I took a chance and looked up at him.
    Sighing, Ty’ s eyes met mine. Instead of the anger I expected to see, I saw hurt. “You’ve said enough,” he whispered before he closed the door gently in my face.
    The patrons heading in different directions, some upstairs to the lounge and some through the restaurant doors, were a blur as I jogged as quickly as I could out of Jimmy’s.  With my eyes blurred with tears,