Harry, please. I shook my head. You wanted an honest answer. I did. Now you have one.
I left her sitting there. But that night, for the first time since the wedding was cancelled, I admitted something to myself. I still had feelings for Marilyn. That didn't mean I was going back. Those were two completely different things.
For the next few weeks, Marilyn respected my distance, at least at first. I went back to my normal routine and stopped asking Grant for updates about her. I didn't want to know whether she was dating someone else, whether she regretted leaving Jon, or whether she was still thinking about me. I had already heard enough. Then one Friday evening, someone knocked on my apartment door.
I opened it and found Marilyn standing there. I stared at her. What are you doing here? I need to talk to you. You should have called.
I did. I checked my phone. Three missed calls. I was working. I know.
I stepped outside and closed the door behind me. Say what you came to say. She looked nervous. I've been thinking about what you said. Which part?
That I only came back because things didn't work with John. And you're right, I said nothing, she continued. I wanted to believe I was choosing love when I chose him. But part of me wanted to know if I had made the wrong choice before. I wanted to go back to something familiar.
And you thought I would still be there. She nodded. I did. Why? Because I knew you loved me.
I looked at her for several seconds. That's exactly why you shouldn't have done it. She swallowed. I know. No, Marilyn, you knew I loved you when you accepted Jon's proposal.
She looked away. I was selfish. Yes, I hurt you. Yes, I destroyed everything we had. You did?
She looked back at me. I don't want to make another mistake. Then don't. I want another chance. I shook my head.
You don't get to decide that alone. What do you mean? You can want another chance. I can decide whether I want to give you one. Her eyes filled with tears.
Do you? I didn't answer. She stepped closer. Harry, I don't expect everything to go back to the way it was. Good.
I know I would have to earn your trust. You couldn't earn it by asking for it. What would I have to do? Nothing. She looked confused.
Nothing. Because I'm not offering you a relationship to earn. She stared at me. I continued. You made your choice.
Then you made another choice by moving in with John. Then you made another choice by ending that relationship. I'm not going to become the next decision you make because the previous one failed. Her face went pale. That's not what I'm doing.
Maybe not consciously. I came here because I love you. Then you should understand why I can't simply forget what happened. She wiped her eyes. I would do anything to fix it.
That's the problem. What? You want to fix the consequences? You can't. She stood silently.