Read Love Takes Hold: The Helena's Grove Series Book 3 for Free Online Page B

world to see. I can pretend…”
    “I don’t want to pretend anymore!” Zack yelled.
    Jen stopped as her heart leapt into her throat. She swallowed, trying to stop the feeling of dread that was building inside her. “What are you saying?” she whispered.
    He looked at her, his face twisted in pain. He ran his hands through his hair and then placed them on his hips as he stood before her.
    “I can’t do this anymore,” Zack finally said.
    Jen felt her legs would turn to jelly beneath her. “What exactly can’t you do?”
    “This. Us. Pretending; lying to ourselves and each other. Acting like we don’t know it’s over.”
    “Is it over?” Jen’s voice cracked. “Do you want it to be over?”
    Zack sighed. “The last few weeks I feel like all we’ve done is fight, or avoid each other.”
    “I haven’t been avoiding you…” Jen began.
    “Don’t lie Jenny, please.” Zack voice was soft and even though she hated to admit it, she knew he was right.
    They stood in silence, neither knowing what to say or do. Zack, sensing Jen’s unwillingness to speak went on, “I love you Jennifer, I do. I love you more than I thought I could love a person but…” He paused and looked down at the floor before looking back up at her. “I want to be with someone who wants the same things I do. I can’t go the rest of my life pretending I’m happy when I’m not.”
    Jen felt a tear escape her eye and run down her cheek but the rest of her body felt numb.
    Zack didn’t look at her; he was clearly dealing with his own emotions. “I’ll uh…” He sniffed once and went on, “I’ll stay with Jeremy. He said I could crash on his couch whenever I needed so…” His words hung thick in the air.
    They looked at each other, worlds apart in their small apartment. “Marriage is that important to you?” she asked, unbelieving. “It’s so important that you’re willing to throw away everything we’ve built? Our entire relationship?”
    “Is not getting married so important to you that you’re willing to give up our relationship?” Zack replied, listless.
    Jen stared at him. “I don’t know. But I don’t want to be pushed into something I’m not ready for. And I definitely don’t want to know that you’re not happy because of that. So if it’s that big a deal, then… I guess you should go.” Her voice sounded far away and strange, like she wasn’t the one saying the words.
    “I’ll start looking for a new apartment,” Zack said quietly.
    “No,” Jen said after a moment. “No you can have this one. It’s a great deal and it’s close to the hospital. It’s perfect for you.”
    “What are you going to do? I don’t want to leave you with nowhere to stay. I’ll stay with Jeremy as long as you need.”
    Jen managed a weak smile. “That’s nice of you. But I think I’ll go back to New York, see if I can find a job. I’ll stay with my dad until I do.”
    “You don’t have to do that…”
    “I don’t want to stay in this city,” Jen cut him off. “The only reason I moved here was for you so it doesn’t make much sense to stay.” She shook her head. “Besides, my dad would be glad to have me back. He’d never admit it but he doesn’t like being alone, and I know my not being there has been hard on him. Perhaps it will be a good time for us to work on our relationship.”
    Zack was nodding. “I hope you guys can patch things up completely.” There was silence in the room. Finally, Zack moved toward the bedroom. “I’ll just, grab some things…”
    Within minutes he had packed a small bag and had it waiting by the door. He pulled out his key and held it out for Jen.
    “No, keep it,” she said. “You’re stuff is still here and you’ll need to get in and out. Besides, I won’t be here very long.”
    Zack put the key in his pocket, turned and picked up his bag. As he walked out he looked back at her, but knew there was nothing left to say. So without another word he opened the door