Ugly Love (Hoover)/Chapter 21
from the Collection “Ugly Love”
Chapter Summary
Tate had spent the weekend working without seeing or speaking to Miles after his hurtful behavior on Thursday night. With Corbin away for three days, she wondered whether Miles would approach her and explain why he had abruptly shut her out.
She questioned why she kept excusing treatment she would not accept from another man. When she found a casual note inviting her to accompany Miles on an errand, she was angry that it ignored what had happened, but knew she would go.
Miles arrived at seven, and they entered the elevator in uncomfortable silence. He apologized, stopped the elevator, and repeatedly told Tate she had not deserved his behavior. She struggled to hold back tears and initially said nothing.
He embraced her and admitted that he did not understand what was happening between them or know what he was doing. Tate held him in return. After several minutes, he restarted the elevator and held her hand on the way to his car.
During the drive, Tate finally asked where they were going. Miles said he sometimes visited the airport to watch planes take off. He held her hand again, then parked overlooking the runway, where they briefly shared a smile over her accidental pickup line.
Miles told her their arrangement was not fun and would get worse unless they stopped. When Tate asked what she had done to upset him, he firmly said his problems were entirely his own and not caused by anything she had done.
Tate asked whether he had brought her there to end things. Miles said their expectations differed and warned that continuing would hurt her. When she demanded an explanation, he repeated his rules: no questions about his past and no expectations of a future.
Tate admitted wanting more because she liked him and believed he liked her. She challenged his refusal to open up and his coldness after sex. He started the car and said their lack of an earlier friendship made ending things easier, then tried to retract the remark.
Tate pushed his hand away and told him either to admit he wanted more than sex or take her home. He drove away without making that admission. Back at the apartment complex, she stayed downstairs with Cap rather than share the elevator with Miles.
Crying, Tate admitted she had hoped Miles would eventually want more. Cap offered tissues and said Miles was not worth her time if he could not appreciate her. She still believed something held Miles back. Cap then told an interrupting-cow joke, making her laugh hard.
Characters
Quotes
However, his actions during and after sex seem to contradict his character. It’s as if pieces of the guy he used to be bleed over into the guy he’s trying to be.
“I asked you to do two things for me. Don’t ask about my past, and never expect a future. You’re doing both.”
I nod. “Yes, Miles. You’re right. I am. Because I like you
“I was being delusional,” I say. “I told myself I could handle it if he never wanted more. I guess I thought if I let him take his time, he’d eventually come around.”