Xhani's
We just stood there, TJ holding me in his arms, his gaze fixed on mine through the mirror. I couldn't bring myself to look away, nor could I stop him from holding me. There was a spark between us, undeniable and dangerous, but I couldn't allow myself to take this any further. It would be wrong to give TJ hope when my heart still belonged to someone else.
The conflicting emotions inside me overwhelmed me, and tears began to slip down my cheeks. I felt so helpless, caught between what I wanted and what was right.
TJ noticed the tears. He loosened his grip, gently turning me around to face him.
"What's wrong?" he asked softly, his voice full of concern as he leaned in and kissed the tears from my cheeks.
"I'm sorry, but this is wrong," I said in a broken whisper, my eyes falling to the floor.
"Hey, shh," he said, his tone soothing. "Why are you sorry? You haven't done anything."
He pulled me into his chest again, his arms wrapping around me protectively. I sobbed quietly, my head resting against his heart. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat calmed me a little, but I knew I had to speak.
After a moment, I lifted my head and looked at him, my tears still flowing.
"I… I can't do this with you, TJ. It's wrong," I said, my voice trembling.
He lifted his hand and gently wiped my tears away, his thumb grazing my cheek with the gentlest touch. "What is it?" he asked softly.
"The reason you found me after the crash… it's because I was running away. From my boyfriend," I admitted, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. "I found him kissing another girl." I buried my face in my hands, unable to control the fresh wave of tears.
"Hey, look at me," TJ said, lifting my chin with his hands so I had no choice but to meet his gaze. "I'm so sorry you went through that. I hate that someone hurt you like this. But listen to me—I'll always be here for you. As a friend, or… more," he said sincerely, pulling me into another comforting hug.
How could I not fall for someone so genuine, I thought to myself.
"It's not that I don't like you, TJ," I confessed, my voice muffled against his chest. "I just don't want to be unfair to you. I can't be with you while someone else still occupies my mind. You deserve someone who loves you with a clear heart and mind. I don't want to hurt you."
His arms tightened protectively around me, and he whispered, "You're not being unfair. You're being honest. And I respect that."
Before either of us could say more, Zoe's voice rang out from downstairs. "Hello? Xhani? TJ? Are you guys up there?"
We quickly pulled apart, both of us flustered. I fixed myself up, brushing my hair back and wiping my face, before heading downstairs.
"There you guys are," Zoe said, her hands on her hips, looking both relieved and suspicious.
"Sorry, we were just upstairs," I said quickly, offering an apologetic smile.
"It's all good. I just came to tell you that lunch is ready," she said, leading the way out of the house.
"I'm starving," TJ said with a smirk as he looked at me.
"Me too, actually," I replied, smiling back at him.
---
When we got to their house, JJ was on the back porch, grilling some BBQ. The smell of food filled the air, and it immediately made me feel lighter.
We walked over to the deck where Zoe had prepared plates with BBQ and steamed potatoes. TJ went to prepare himself a plate while I approached JJ.
"You haven't changed one bit, JJ," I teased, smiling. "You always loved being in charge of the BBQ."
JJ grinned. "Yeah, I love cooking. It makes me happy to feed people—it's my love language," he said with a playful wink.
"Do you remember when you used to cry to my dad to let you grill, and then we all had to eat burnt BBQ?" I said, laughing.
Zoe and TJ burst out laughing at the memory, and JJ's face turned red. He pouted, which only made me laugh harder. JJ had always been the family clown, the one who could light up a room no matter what.
TJ walked over, handing me a plate. I looked down and was surprised to see it neatly arranged with steamed potatoes, cheese, and coleslaw—exactly the way I liked it.
JJ smirked and said, "You know, ever since TJ found out that this dish was your favorite, he's been eating it almost every week."
I turned to TJ, my eyes wide with surprise, and he looked away, embarrassed.
I smiled softly. I couldn't believe how pure and genuine his feelings for me were. It made me feel warm inside, but also guilty. How could I deserve someone so thoughtful?
---
We all sat together at the outdoor dining table, eating and laughing as if no time had passed.
"I've missed this," Zoe said suddenly, her voice soft. "We used to do this so often, but ever since…" She trailed off.
"It's okay," I said, reassuring her. "I don't mind anymore. I'm happy for them. They're living their lives, and I'm learning to live mine. It's better this way."
TJ reached across the table and took my hand, his touch warm and steady. His eyes were full of concern as he searched mine. I gave him a small, bittersweet smile and looked away.
"I'm fine. Trust me," I said, forcing a smile to reassure everyone.
Without warning, TJ got up, came around the table, and hugged me from behind, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "We lost contact once, but I never want to lose you again," he whispered softly.
My heart warmed at his words, and I leaned into him.
Zoe and JJ stood up next, coming over to join us in a group hug. It felt like we were a family again, like nothing had changed.
For the first time in a long time, I felt loved, safe, and surrounded by people who genuinely cared for me.
And that was enough for now.