A tear drips onto my cheek as I slump out of the door, wheeling my case behind me. You’d think I’d be used to this by now, but rejection from him cuts deeper than any other.
GRAY
It’s been four days without Cam. Four miserable fucking days. I stretch my leg out on the bed and roll over to bang the snooze button on my phone. My face burrows into the pillow that still smells of her honeysuckle shampoo. I hate that smell now, but I can’t seem to bring myself to wash the sheets. I hate to love her, but even after everything, I always will.
Each day, I stopped myself from stomping over to the inn and bringing her home where she belongs. I had to remind myself that she belongs in London with the suit. She and Lark have probably signed all the relevant paperwork by now. Lark Meadows isn’t one to mess around when it comes to her business opportunities.
Besides, what would be the point, even if I could tempt her away from the suit? She hates me now after I let her believe there was something going on with Daisy and I. At the time, I was hurt. My pride had taken a beating, and the lie seemed less lame than telling her the truth. It was easier to let her believe I was seeing someone, too. Easier for the both of us, so she could walk away.
But why does it feel so shitty?
My alarm goes off again. I have the urge to throw the damn phone through the window. Instead, I tap the button and roll out of bed with a groan.
I need to put out a hiring ad to replace Cam, which will be fucking impossible. Lark might know someone. I’ll have to have a word with her, seeing as she’ll be my new partner. Glory’s been picking up extra shifts, but once she graduates uni, she’s going to be pursuing her own career and who knows if Trudy will even want to come back now she has a baby.
Julian and I can’t run this place on our own, although without Cam around, work seems like a good distraction. I made a promise to Betty. I need to make sure this place survives, even if I feel like I'm drowning.
* * *
I yawn as I enter the tearoom. Julian is already here with everything set up. Cam’s red, white and blue National Tea Day decorations hang all over the place like the British monarchy threw up in here. It all seems rather pointless now. Today was her idea and without her, I just don’t have the heart to see it through. Luckily Julian and Glory are on hand to help.
“Did you sleep in again?”
“That's what snooze buttons are for.”
“Here, I made tea. It will help wake you up.” He thrusts a cup of peppermint under my nose, and I take the warm cup between my palms. “Still nothing from Cam?”
“Nah, that ship’s sailed, man.”
“She isn’t boarding a ship. She’s catching a flight.”
“You saw her?”
“She stopped by early this morning. She left this for you.” He hands me an envelope. I tear it open expecting to read a goodbye letter, but it’s from her lawyer. “She says you just need to sign it.”
With blurry eyes, I read the words, but they make no sense. “It says I’m the sole owner.”
Julian snatches the letter from my hand. His grey eyes dart left to right. “She’s giving it to you. She’s handing over her share.” His eyebrows pinch. “Dude, you must have been one hell of a lay.”
I snatch the letter back. “She can’t do that.”
“She has done it. You just need to sign.”
“I’m not signing that.” I scrunch the letter in my hand and stomp over to the inn, breathing heavily through my nostrils. My heart beats wildly against my ribs. I’m not letting her just hand this over. She should have half. It’s what Betty wanted.
“Grayson, how are you, dear? How’s your mom?” Mrs Meadows asks as I walk inside the Sugar Plum Inn.
“Mom’s fine, Mrs Meadows. I’m looking for Camomile.”
“I’m afraid she checked out first thing this morning.”
“Where did she go?”
“I’m not sure, let me get Lark.” She disappears, leaving me alone in the foyer. The huge Christmas tree twinkles, reminding me I need to buy one since Cam threw ours out.
“Grayson, what were you thinking?” Lark appears out of nowhere and swats at my chest. “You’re such a jerk.”
“Where is she, Lark?”
