I’m going to heal, but never date again. Problem solved.
“Don’t you have a job to get back to?” Christian’s protective-older-brother tone turns on. “I thought you had started cleaning for Dad’s offices.”
“I did, but it’s just cleaning. It will not be the end of the world if I skip a week.” I drop my voice into an indistinct murmur, adding under my breath, “Or a month.” I can’t afford to miss work with my dad, who’s not exactly the understanding type. He’ll more than likely “teach me a lesson” and fire me for not coming in. I’m willing to risk it, because as of right now, I can’t imagine ever going back there. People are going to find out what I did—dating a guy with another girlfriend—and they’ll talk. That’s not my personality at all, but are they really going to believe that it wasn’t my fault? I can’t imagine the rumors going around about me. Nerves quake out of the depths of my gut, and I desperately motion to the counter. “I promise I’ll earn my keep. I can take as many shifts as you want to help here.”
“I actually just hired an assistant manager, Gia. She’s not here right now, but she’s working full time. With her new position, I really don’t need any help, and I honestly can’t afford it.” Christian shrugs. His gaze bounces to Portia then back to me, all the while my heart sinks lower.
Is he really going to tell me I can’t stay?
I get he has a life, but he’s my older brother, who isalwaysthere for me.
“Christian.” My voice is soft, cracking. “I don’t have anyone back home but Dad, and I’m not ready to face him yet. He’s going to throw it back into my face that I quit college to be with Tom and tell me all the ways I ruined my life. I know I messed up, but I can’t hear that right now. Please—”
“I wasn’t going to say no.” He peers down at me, his words rushing out faster. “You didn’t give me a chance. I was going to say I don’t need help here, but I’m leaving on a business trip toacquire a new location. I’ll only be gone for a couple of days to get the paperwork done. You’re welcome to come with me.”
“You’re leaving?” I blink, and then blink again. Enough with my whining, this is great news! “I had no idea you were looking to expand. I would love to go anywhere as long as it’s not back home.” I jerk my thumb over my shoulder toward the parking lot. “My bag is already packed. We can take my car.”
“That’s fine.” He nods, and his gaze trails back to Portia, who beams an approving smile.
“That’s a wonderful idea, to have El come with you.” She winks, and tacks on, “She’ll keep you out of trouble.”
“Yeah, it’ll be good to have company for the drive, especially since I’m running late.” He takes a step back, rubbing his chin. “I do need to request a loan pre-approval form from the bank before we head out, so if you’ll excuse me a moment, I’ll be ready to leave shortly.”
“That’s fine.” I pace toward the nearest booth and plop down, staring at both my hands on the table. It’s as if my body prefers to stay frozen.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Portia asks softly, her kindhearted smile aimed at me. “I’m partial to the French press.”
I can’t even fake a warm smile to repay her generosity. My heart is ripped open, but coffee sounds soothing. “Sure,” I whimper as she turns on her heel to make my drink. I’m left to myself and it’s overwhelming. I lay my head down and weep.
“Oh, honey.” Portia comes from behind me and wraps both hands around me into another hug. “Please don’t cry. He’s not worth it. Trust me, I have a slew of men on my website who would love to meet you.”
“Please don’t even mention dating again.” I shudder at her suggestion.
“I hate seeing you so upset over someone who clearly isn’t worth it.” Her kind eyes never leave my face as she rolls her bottom lip under her top teeth for a beat. Then she breaks the silence she created by rushing out, “If I let you in on a secret, do you promise not to say anything?”
“A secret about Tom?” My brows spring up, and my heart slams against my chest. “How do you have a secret?”
“No!” She pats my back, soothing me. “Not about Tom. This is something to cheer you up.”
“No offense, Portia, but I just found out the love of my life was living a whole secret life. I really want to be miserable right now—”
“Stop!” She grabs both of my hands and squeezes them in a motherly way. “This isn’t your fault and trust me,” —she tosses a look over her shoulder before whispering— “This secret is so much fun, you can’t be sad.”
I slope my gaze up to her. “So, Christian doesn’t even know?”
“He knows.” She nods, dismissing my concern. “It’s something I’m working on, and I haven’t told many people because it’s in beta.”
“I don’t know,” I start slowly. After the worst day of my life having secrets being unveiled, I don’t know if I can handle another secret. “You know what they say. Secrets are lies.”
“This isn’t a lie.” She whips her phone out of her apron pocket and taps on the screen, and I immediately roll my eyes.
“I’m not going on your dating site—”
“It’s not my matchmaking app.” She slides her phone screen in front of me, and a bright blue screen flashes. “Karaoke Cash-oke,” I read out loud, confusion bunching my brows together. “What is this?”
Her index finger taps her lips as she breathes out a quiet, “Shhh.”
My eyes case side to side, confirming we’re still alone. Unsure of why I need to be quiet. Unless that’s just the presentation she does to drum up excitement for this thing. I give in and whisper, “What is this?”
