Not Just A Rumour

"I've tried to tune it out

But everyone's talking about you

And I, I like the sound

Of what I've been hearing

But I need proof"

~ "What I Hear" by Jessie Daniels

"Is it true?" she asks. "Is what they say true?"

He narrows his eyes at her in confusion and runs a hand through his messy, black hair.

"Matt?"

"I…uh…sorry. I don't know what you're talking about." He shrugs apologetically, brings his eyes to meet hers.

She swallows and pushes on. "Is it true that you love me? You haven't said those words to me and yet everyone in the office is saying it. I…I need to know…"

She can taste her heart in her throat, feel it pushing, trying to escape.

The smile he offers only makes it worse.

"Emily," he says. "I love you. I do. It's not just a rumour spreading around at work." He squeezes her hand. "Is that okay? Are we good?"

She smiles back, knowing instinctively that every word is true.

He loves her.

"I love you, too."

fin.