Malcolm knocked on Amy's door. He was painfully aware of how immature and childish he must have seemed by now.
Amy was surprised. It wasn't yet ten- too early for April- and Winnie was still hours away, even by a private car.
Fearing for her safety, Amy knocked back from the inside. All Malcolm could think was: cute.
"It's me," Malcolm announced. "Malcolm."
Amy opened the door, confused, and before she could say anything, Malcolm rushed on.
"I didn't mean to push you away earlier. I really like you, Amy- so much that I'm scared to lose myself in pursuit."
Amy leaned against the door, listening.
"When you hugged me," Malcolm continued, "even if it was harmless- it felt like you were playing with my feelings."
Amy frowned. She took Malcolm's phone from him and typed quickly.
How was I playing with your feelings?
Malcolm let out a dry chuckle. "This isn't my first time liking someone who doesn't like me back. And I despise being used just because it's fun and I'm gullible."
Amy typed again and showed him the screen.
I would never do that to you, Malcolm.
Malcolm didn't believe her- but that was a story for another time. What mattered now was the question he'd been circling.
"So what exactly do you feel for me?"
Amy hesitated. The question was valid, overdue- and deeply uncomfortable. She didn't know what she was feeling yet.
She typed.
In my life, I've only ever dated once. And as we both know, it ended in disaster. I wasn't in love then- I see that now. I pitied him, and I settled.
She typed again.
And then, with my fresh start, you came along. Showing me all the qualities I wanted to see in Jonathan. I think I led you on, and I'm sorry.
Amy glanced at Malcolm, searching his face. He was less focused on the past than on what came next.
She typed again.
Call me selfish, but I really want you in this new life of mine- in any way I can. So… it's your call.
Malcolm thought for a long moment.
"I think I can work with us being friends," he said finally. "But please don't use my feelings for you like a tool."
Amy felt a pang of shame. Malcolm was genuine, generous, deeply sensitive- and the idea of someone trampling over that made her stomach turn.
Push me away every time I cross a boundary, Amy wrote.
Malcolm laughed softly, waved goodbye, and took his phone back.
Amy closed the door feeling worse than before. She wasn't ready for more, yet she'd still offered herself- ambiguously, selfishly. What if Malcolm accepted and suggested they try dating? Wouldn't that be the start of another eight-year loop, just like Jonathan?
She felt restless. Torn.
Meanwhile, Malcolm felt light as a feather. Everything he'd bottled up was finally out in the open. What happened next was out of his control- and for once, that felt okay.
But the relief didn't last long.
On his office desk sat a letter from Ms. Caryn's lawyers.
He was being sued- for poaching her star employee, breaching her contract, and hiding her.
Malcolm stared at the page, stunned.
Were they serious? Was that even legal?