What had she expected? That he’d come running to her wanting her to help with decisions about his life—his career? They’d only known each a short time. But if she was honest with herself, it hurt that he didn’t. This was a decision that involved her. Her heart cracked a little. She wouldn’t let the pain show.
Pushing back her chair, she rose. Ethan sprang from his seat, scurried around the table and stood in front of her.
“We can make this work.” He placed his hands on her shoulders. It took all her self-control not to fall against his chest and hold tight.
“I can’t be in a relationship with conditions. My parents put their business before me and now you’re putting your career first.”
“Holly, it’s not like that.”
“It’s exactly like that and you have every right to do so. This’s what you’ve been dreaming of. You should jump at the chance. I won’t stop you, but I’m not going to be your second choice.” Her breath caught in her lungs. “Goodbye, Ethan. Good luck with everything.”
Pulling away, she ran out of the room already missing the feel of his warm hands on her body. On unsteady legs, she made it to the street. Her phone shook in her hands as she ordered an Uber. There was something she’d discovered as she said goodbye to Ethan, something that slapped her in the face so hard it nearly knocked her off her feet. She loved him.Love should be enough.It wasn’t enough for Ethan. Her heart shattered into tiny pieces.
Chapter 28
Three weeks later, Holly stifled a yawn as she poured a chai latte for a customer. She’d started at the makeup academy and between working in the café and doing her makeup course, she wasn’t getting much sleep. Also, as soon as her head hit the pillow, images of Ethan flooded her mind. His face, his body, conversations and the way he touched her kept her awake. She tried to count sheep and doing deep breathing exercises—nothing worked. She was living on two to three hours a night. The bags under her eyes were even too much for her to hide with concealer and foundation.
It was silly to think she’d been in love with Ethan. Real love didn’t happen that fast. That mantra helped get her through the day. At night, with no distractions, Ethan took over her thoughts and most nights, she cried herself to sleep. She missed him. It’d take time to get over him. Soon everything would be fine and she’d be saying,Ethan who?She had to believe it or she wouldn’t be able to face the day.
Smiling at the customer, she placed the cup on the table, thankful she didn’t drop it. Everything was a huge effort these days. She glanced at her watch. Two more hours until her shift finished. But she couldn’t go home and try to catch up on sleep. She had a class to get to.
The classes taught her much more than any YouTube video could and she was learning so much and loving every minute. As she wiped down a table, another customer walked in and Holly’s stomach churned.
What was Chloe doing here?
She couldn’t face Ethan’s sister, but before Holly had time to flee into the back room, Chloe smiled and waved. She then wove through the tables to stand in front of her. The same sparkling green eyes as Ethan’s stared at her and Holly’s heart ached.
“Hi, it’s so good to see you again. Ethan mentioned you worked here.” At the mention of his name, the sting of tears pricked the back of her eyes.
Trying not to give away any emotion, Holly said, “Good to see you too. What can I get you?” She smiled, her face stiff. She bit her tongue stopping herself from asking how Ethan was doing. He was probably happy with life and not giving her a second thought while fake dating or really dating I’m-so-gorgeous Abigail.
Chloe searched Holly’s face and sighed. “Oh Holly, Ethan’s looking just as heartbroken as you do.”
Okay, so maybe he hadn’t forgotten her yet. And being told you basically look like crap should have been an insult especially when she’d gone to a lot of trouble with her makeup this morning. Hearing Ethan was hurting overtook her vanity. He’d decided what was best for his life and she needed to do what was best for hers and that was working moment by moment to put him out of her mind. Having Chloe here telling her he was miserable too wasn’t helping.
“Can I get you a coffee to go?” The hint wasn’t exactly subtle and by the smirk on Chloe’s face, she didn’t take offense.
“Can you have a break? “Chloe asked. “I’d love to have a chat,”
That was the last thing Holly wanted to do. She wanted Chloe out of the café, so she stopped reminding her of Ethan. She didn’t want to talk about him and his feelings. She was struggling with her own.
“Umm… no I can’t—”
“Please, I won’t stay long.”
Instead of telling Chloe she didn’t have time, she nodded. “Give me a minute.” Then she went behind the counter.
After asking her manager for a break, she made two coffees and sat at the table with Chloe.
“Cappuccinos are always popular. Sorry, I should’ve checked if this was okay.”
“It’s great, thank you.” She took a sip. “Delicious.”
“Chloe, if you’re here to talk about Ethan, I really don’t want to—”
“My brother is an idiot,” Chloe said.
Holly gave a surprised laugh. She had no idea what Chloe was here to say, but that was the last thing she expected.
