As the evening wore on, Pasco began to open up. He talked about his time in Bangkok, the struggles of architecture school, and the loneliness he felt despite the life he had built. Debbie listened, her walls slowly crumbling as the familiarity of his presence drew her in.
"I never stopped thinking about you, Debbie," he said quietly, his eyes meeting hers.
Her breath hitched, her heart betraying her with its
rapid beats. "Pasco…"
"I know I don't deserve another chance," he continued.
"But seeing you again, hearing your voice… it makes me realize how much I threw away."
Debbie felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes.
She wanted to hate him, to hold on to the pain he had caused, but the truth was undeniable—part of her still loved him.
"Why now?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Why are you saying this now, after everything?"
"Because I'm an idiot," Pasco admitted, leaning
forward. "And because I don't want to lose you again."