Page 20 of All I Feel

“Well, that’s one place where we agree. You were wrong, and you do need to apologize.”

“I can’t do that, though, if she avoids taking my calls.”

“No, I guess you can’t. You’ll just have to wait.”

“Wait for what?”

I could hear the smile in Lark’s voice when she said, “For Tessa to decide she wants to hear what your sorry ass has to say. Until that time comes, you need to leave her alone. That includes never stepping foot in this salon again, unless Tessa specifically asks you to do so.”

He released a frustrated groan. “Just give me a minute. I’ll go back and talk to her now.”

I could hear his voice getting closer, and my stomach trembled as I began to back away.

“You will not go anywhere other than right out the door you came in. If you take another step in any direction that’s not the exit, I won’t hesitate to call the police.”

Long moments of silence ensued. I couldn’t see anything that was happening, so all I could do was wait and hold my breath.

“Will you at least tell her I stopped by?” he asked, the defeat evident in his tone.

“With your incessant calls and showing up at her place, Tessa is already aware that you’re hoping to speak with her, but yes, I’ll be sure to tell her about how you’re ignoring the fact that she very clearly isn’t interested in speaking with you right now and decided to show up here at her place of business.”

I could only imagine the glare Ryan sent in Lark’s direction. A moment later, I heard the front door open. My heart was pounding so hard, I could feel it in my ears.

The next thing I knew, Lark materialized at the end of the hall. Before she could say a word, I held up my hand and whispered, “I’m okay.”

“Tessa, I?—”

“It’s okay, Lark. Thank you. I just need to get back to work.”

She held my stare for a few beats before she jerked her chin down in understanding. That’s when I took off in the opposite direction and returned to my client.

Fortunately, the rest of my day was packed with appointments, and my clients were the kind who enjoyed talking. There was no better profession for me to have in a situation like this, because hearing others talk about whatever was on their mind meant I didn’t have to focus on what had left me heartbroken.

“Are you okay?” Lark asked when we were both done for the day.

“I’m alright. Thank you again for what you did today. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t been here and dealt with him.”

She waved her hand in the air dismissively. “Ah, it was nothing. That man doesn’t scare me.”

“You’re the best, Lark.”

Grinning, she said, “I know. So, what are your plans for tonight? Want to go out and grab some dinner?”

I shook my head. “As much as I love spending time with you, I think I’m going to pass. Not only have I learned that I’m not ready for public outings like that just yet, but I’m also beyond tired after not sleeping well for the last two nights. I’m just going to grab something quick for dinner on the way home, eat, and crawl into bed. Another time?”

“Of course, Tessa. If you need anything, even if it’s just to talk, give me a call.”

I nodded. “I will. Love you, Lark.”

She wrapped her arms around me and squeezed. “Love you, too. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

With that, we locked up the salon and left.

I hopped in my car, picked up some food, and made my way home. It wasn’t until I was in the house and staring off into space while I was eating that I realized I was just going through the motions. It felt so… unnatural. I felt numb.

Whatever it took, I was going to have to find a way to snap out of this. I’d told Lark I’d give it until the weekend before I talked to Ryan. So, I’d give myself the next couple of days to fall into a new routine—one that didn’t involve him—but beyond that, I wasn’t going to linger in this awful existence.

When I’d had enough to eat, I cleaned up, hopped in the shower, and did as I promised Lark. I crawled into bed. I was just about to shut off my light when my phone buzzed on the nightstand.