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“Ah well,” I sighed. “I’ll just sort myself out, then.”
As I sat down to a lonely dinner of leftover pasta, my thoughts kept drifting back to Cole and the girls. For the first time, I truly let myself imagine what staying in Bluehaven Beach might look like. Giving up my New York dream. How would that life unfold?
I twirled spaghetti on my fork and chewed thoughtfully. My daydreams were interrupted by the buzz of my phone.
"Hello?"
"Miss O'Neil? It's the Pierre Trouffant Pastry School." It was the same friendly-sounding French lady as before.
"Good to hear from you."
"Yes. I'm afraid I have some bad news. Due to a scheduling conflict, we must postpone your interview by a month. We will, of course, cover any flight change fees."
"A month?" My blood ran cold. An entire extra month in Bluehaven Beach. I don’t think I could handle that. Neither could Cole.
"I’m afraid so. The only other option would be to schedule your interview three days from now—next Monday—but I appreciate that with this short notice it wouldn't be poss—"
"Monday?" My heart leaped. "Yep. Yes. Let's do it."
"Are you sure?"
"Totally. A hundred percent."
"Wonderful! I'll handle the arrangements and email you a confirmation."
As I hung up the phone, relief washed over me. And then grief.
This didn't change things, not really. It likely wouldn't hasten my move to New York. I still had to sell the bar. But it meant precious little time with Cole before the interview. And then, if I got in, I'd be on the path to leaving.
For a moment, I wondered if I'd feel differently had Cole told his daughters I was his girlfriend earlier. Probably not, but I couldn't be sure.
I cleaned up dinner and took Anthony for a short walk, before crawling into bed. With a heavy heart, I picked up my phone and texted Cole about the change in plans. My fingers hovered over the screen, hoping for a response that would ease the ache inside me. His reply came quickly.
Fantastic news. So happy for you! Do you need me to look after Anthony?
Damn him for being so sweet. And so supportive.
That would be so helpful! Thank you. What are you doing tomorrow?
We've got dinner with Ida and Ethan. Sorry, wish I was free.
Shame, be nice to see you before I go.
He left me hanging for five agonizing minutes before responding.
You can come if you like. Bring Anthony and I'll take him home with me.
I paused. This felt like crossing a line. Attending a family dinner?
Ida knew we were sort of an item, but it seemed a lot like "meeting the family." But he'd invited me and I wanted to see him.
Trying not to overthink it, I replied, "Sure, sounds great," feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. Part of me wished I could stay away from him, to avoid his magnetic pull. But I couldn't.
I was hooked.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Cole
