No

I wanted to, so badly. But a nagging voice in my head wouldn't let me.

"I can't today, Lily needs me." I replied weakly.

Abby looked at me, her confidence wavering for a brief moment. Then she nodded understanding. "Of course, Alex. Take care of her." She took a step back, leaving me wondering what could have been.

I went back inside and got a drink. Abby said goodbye as she left but I could tell she was mad. But she had seen how torn I was between both women.

Part of me hated that she knew my vulnerability, while another part appreciated someone else who understood my struggle. When she was gone, I waited for Lily.

It was James who appeared first, "Hi Alex." He said, his demeanour seemed surprisingly cheerful.

"Hi James is Lily in there?" I pointed towards the back rooms from which he'd just emerged.

"She's just gone to the bathroom, I've just given her some training on company policy," he explained. "She seems pretty beat, I'm going to let her finish early." He stared before walking to the other side of the bar.

Lily returned looking paler than usual. She walked up next to me, not saying a word. It looked like she'd been crying.

"What happened, Lily?" I enquired softly.

"Nothing, he was just training me, can we go home?" Lily's tone was flat, her face still teary. As we walked to my car, she leaned heavily against me, seemingly drained by whatever had transpired.

Inside the vehicle, I carefully maneuverer her onto the passenger seat. She sighed deeply, slumping against the door.

Once we were driving back home, I tried to engage her in conversation but she remained silent. It pained me to see her like this, I wanted to fix things.