26. Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Six

Mia

The coffee is hot, the morning air is crisp, the view from the porch is incredible, but all I can think about is our fight.

We never really resolved anything. In a moment of pure panic, we made love that felt like something from a romance novel. But I can’t let that make me believe that we might actually have a future.

The way he blew up at me for bringing up his past shows that he is not ready to confront any of it. Maybe he never will be.

My phone vibrates in my lap. It’s my brother, Gabe.

“Hello,” I answer as I hold my coffee in my other hand.

“Hey, sis. I’ve got some good news.”

“Oh, yeah?” I ask, my body tense as I wait for what I think is coming.

“It’s been confirmed that Don has been at home now for a couple of weeks. His credit card activity seems clear, and he has been going to work. Your neighbor who thought she saw him the other night must have been mistaken because my buddy happened to be following him that evening and confirmed he was nowhere near your house. We think it’s safe for you to come back. You can get your life back and put all of this behind you.”

There it is. The good news. Right?

But why doesn’t it feel like good news?

“Oh, that’s amazing,” I manage to muster.

He laughs. “Don’t sound so enthused. I might be slightly offended that you don’t miss us more.”

“No, no I’m excited to come home. I just—I think I’d feel better if we give it another week or so. I mean, maybe more time where he can’t find me will put me further out of his mind.”

“That’s true. I never thought about it like that. Okay, maybe another week to play it safe.”

“You should call Ma and tell her. I have no interest in her whining when I let her know her daughter won’t be coming home immediately.”

I laugh lightly. “I’ll give her a call. Thanks again for all of this. I’m sorry I’ve caused such a headache for everyone.”

“Your safety is not a headache for any of us. Stop apologizing. Keep in touch. Let me know when you feel comfortable to move back. We’ll make sure we get it all squared away.”

“Thanks. I’ll let you know.”

I hang up the phone and try my best to enjoy the coffee with the bitter taste of my lies. What am I doing to myself? I should just leave now with my heart still partially intact, but I can’t make myself do it.

I think I need to get out of this house to clear my head. Knowing that Don is confirmed to be back in Cleveland gives me the freedom to at least go out on my own without any concerns.

Maybe I’ll go surprise Layla at her restaurant. I smile at the thought.

Perfect. It’ll be exactly the afternoon I need.

I’ll pull out my laptop and get some work done right now and then go see her for lunch.

I’m feeling a bit better by the time I walk into her restaurant for lunch. Maybe it’s because I’m hungry and walking into a restaurant. I’ll never be one of those girls who’s too depressed to eat.

I opt to sit at the bar and order a drink when Layla walks by.

“What are you doing here?” She runs over to me with a smile.

“Just figured I’d get out of the house and have some lunch. I was going a bit stir crazy at the house.”

She waves at the bartender. “Sorry, Max. You’re going to be serving me today because I’m having lunch with my friend.”

She hops up on the barstool next to me. Max, a cute bartender with amazing dimples, smiles at her.

“I think I can handle your presence for a little while, boss,” he says.

“So, you’re out on your own. Is that safe?” she asks.

I smile softly. “It is. My brother told me Don is confirmed to be back in Cleveland and going to work, living his life.”

“Oh, that’s good.” Her voice sounds hesitant and sad. “Does that mean you’re leaving?”

“I will be soon. I’m giving it another week or two to try and make sure he stays put.”

“Have you told Eric yet?”

“Not yet. I just talked to my brother this morning,” I tell her, dreading the conversation with Eric already.

She lets out a troubled sigh. “I wonder how he’s going to handle it.”

“Why do you say that?” I ask.

Her eyebrows raise at me. “I think we can just be honest with each other at this point. There’s definitely something going on between you two.”

I look down sadly. Yes, there’s something going on. Nothing that means he’s going to be crushed when I leave. It might actually be a breath of fresh air for him. He won’t have to deal with his own feelings.

My eyes become blurry as tears threaten to spill over. I feel the warmth of Layla’s hand on my arm.

“Are you okay, honey?” she asks delicately. “I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?”

I shake my head back and forth, somehow managing to blink my tears away then take a deep breath before I respond. “No, I’m sorry. You’re right, there’s something going on between Eric and me. But I don’t think he’s going to care too much when I’m gone. In fact, he’ll probably be relieved.”

“I don’t believe that for a second. Why would you say that?”

“Because he has basically told me. He’s so hot and cold with me. I swear, whenever he feels something real, he freaks out and pulls away.”

The corners of her eyes droop, as a soft sheen of moisture appears. “I thought maybe since he was acting different, since he seemed happier, that maybe he had worked through everything. Don’t give up on him. I think he’s crazy about you.”

A soft smile touches my lips. “He has a lot of issues with his past, especially his ex.”

Her voice raises slightly. “He told you about her?”

“About his fiancée? Yeah, she was clearly the worst. I mean, to leave him because she wants a man with more money. My gosh, how much money does the woman need? And for the man she married to end up being his boss. Ugh, gross.”

Layla’s face contorts into pure anger. “That’s what happened between the two of them? That bitch left him because of money?”

My body freezes. “He never told you that? Shit. I can’t believe I said that. I thought you knew.”

I can’t believe I just did that. He’s going to kill me.

“He never talks about it. With anyone. I’m glad he opened up to you. I told you there’s something between you two. He talks to you.”

Silence falls between us. I don’t know how to respond.

“What do you think about everything? Do you care about him?” she asks softly.

When I look into her eyes, I know I can’t lie. Tears blur my vision then spill over my lids. “I love him.”

A tear escapes her own eyes as she stares at me. “Don't give up on him.”

I nod my head. I won’t…if he doesn’t give up on me.