Jerry stood at the edge of the rooftop pool, the city skyline glinting in the sunlight. He'd agreed to meet Roxie here, at her friend's luxury apartment, for a "relaxation day". But now, he regretted it.
Roxie emerged from the shadows, her hair shining in the sun. "Hey, Jerry. Enjoying the view?"
Jerry shrugged, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "It's okay, I guess."
Roxie slid onto the lounge chair beside him, her skin glowing with a subtle sheen of sunscreen. "You seem tense. Want to talk about it?"
Jerry snorted, his defenses on high alert. "Nothing to talk about, Roxie. Just enjoying the silence."
Roxie's eyes narrowed, her voice gentle but firm. "Jerry, I know you're hurting. I can see it. Let me in."
Jerry's heart raced, his walls threatening to crumble. But he pushed back, his voice cold. "I said there's nothing to talk about, Roxie. Drop it."
Roxie's face fell, but she didn't back away. Instead, she reached out, her hand brushing against his. "Jerry, please..."
Jerry jerked away, his eyes flashing with anger. "Don't touch me, Roxie. Just leave me alone."
The air was heavy with tension as Roxie slowly withdrew her hand, her eyes never leaving his. Jerry felt a pang of regret, but he pushed it aside, his defenses reinforced.
Jerry's harsh words hung in the air, a palpable tension between them. Roxie's eyes, once shining with warmth, now dimmed with hurt.
"Fine," she said softly, her voice barely audible. "I'll leave you alone."
Roxie slid off the lounge chair, her movements graceful despite the pain in her eyes. Jerry watched her go, a pang of regret echoing through his chest.
Why did he keep pushing her away? Why couldn't he just let her in?
As Roxie disappeared into the apartment, Jerry slumped back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the city skyline. He felt empty, hollow, like he'd just lost something precious.
But he refused to acknowledge it. Refused to admit that Roxie had gotten under his skin.
The sound of the pool filter and distant laughter filled the air, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside Jerry.