We rode to the hotel in silence. I watched as the cars passed by, no one caring that my love life was spiraling away. I kept thinking about the way that woman was clutched to Jacob like he was her next breath. I knew exactly what that was about.
When Tasha pulled into the parking lot, she put the car in park and rushed to help me out of the car. I was walking around in a daze. I truly felt lost. I casually directed her to my hotel room, barely acknowledging where we were going. She dug in my purse to remove the hotel key and let us in.
I sunk down in the chair the minute I touched the floor in my room. I could tell that she was scared to say a word. "Destiny…" she slowly began. I finally lifted my gaze to meet hers. "You have a lot on your mind. Maybe it wasn't the best idea to go out, but did something else happen tonight to upset you?"
"Jacob…I saw him at the lounge." I closed my eyes as the words went tumbling out. "He was with another woman. She was all over him. What am I going to do?"
Tasha stared at me until she had to turn away. "First of all, you're going to put your chin up and realize that what you saw is for the best."
She didn't get it. I don't know why I thought she would. No one would understand. "But…" I argued.
"You have known him, what…five minutes?" I rolled my eyes, but allowed her to continue. "He leads another life. You should realize that. If you thought you were the only person in his life, then you were being naïve. And now you know the truth."
I couldn't believe that. I found myself wondering if there was a logical excuse. Then I cursed myself for even thinking that. I didn't care if we had been together only five minutes, I didn't deserve to be lied to. "I know you don't understand this, but I do have strong feelings for Jacob. I told you that."
She nodded. "I know you did, but isn't it better to see this now?"
I didn't feel better, but I was a bit relieved to know the truth. I was relieved I hadn't spent years wrapped up in his lies. "I don't want to be alone tonight," I confessed, getting up to go sit on the bed. I kicked off my shoes and lay in the bed on top of the covers.
Tasha gave me a refreshing smile. "I'm not going anywhere."