“Morning, beauty,” Noah greets as he waltzes in with a cup of coffee in each hand. I must be glaring pretty hard because his face breaks into a grin. “What? Too early for sweet talk?”
“It’s always too early where you’re concerned.” I begrudgingly accept the coffee. At least this one’s hot.
“You’re welcome,” he says as he sits down.
“Thank you,” I bite out.
“Sleep well?”
I decide not to dignify that with a response. I glanced at myself in the mirror before I left the house. It was not the reflection of a well rested man.
“Guess not.” He raises his cup to his mouth and takes a sip. “We played better last night at least.”
“We still lost.”
“Yeah. In overtime. It happens. We’ll get it back tomorrow.”
“Even if we do, we’re still down in the series.”
“Geez, Suzy Sunshine. Tamper that enthusiasm, would you?” His sarcasm isn’t welcome and I’m about to tell him so when there’s a soft knock on my open office door.
“Hi,” Elliot says from the doorway. She’s wearing her team trainers outfit and a tentative expression. Her hair is tied back in a much tidier ponytail than usual. It makes me miss her usual messy buns.
“Hey, Elliot.” Noah gives her a wave and she smiles at him. I take this unguarded moment to study her face. She looks as tired as I feel. Much, much prettier though. Jesus. Did she get prettier in the few days since I’ve seen her? How is that possible?
“Hi, Noah. Nice assist last night.”
“Thank you. Would have liked a better ending.”
“I know. But you’ll get them tomorrow night.”
Noah looks at me, smug as hell. “Yeah, we will.”
Irritation hits hard and low. “Did you need something?” I meant the words for Noah, but Elliot thinks I’m talking to her.
“Oh. No. Yeah. I’m sorry to interrupt.” She walks quicklyto my desk, not meeting my eye, and drops something on the dark mahogany.
“Your keys?” I hope my voice didn’t betray the panic I’m feeling. Why is she turning in her keys? Is she quitting?
“Yes. My girl Millie has finally been declared road worthy. I really do appreciate the loan. Especially for so long. It really got me through the winter.”
I want to tell her to keep the car. No one here missed it. Even if her car’s been fixed, the term “road worthy” doesn’t inspire me with a lot of confidence. I want her and Sam to be safe.
“Well, thanks again. I’ll get out of your hair.”
“Elliot, wait.”
She turns to face me, all wide eyed and hopeful.
I clear my throat. “The car is available if you need it again.”
She blinks once. Twice. Then nods. “Thank you.” It’s the sadness in her voice that tears me apart. Knowing it’s because of me. Because no matter what I do, I’m always going to hurt her.
She gives a quick “Bye” to Noah and then she’s gone. Leaving me to stare at the doorway wishing she was still standing in it.
God, I’m a jackass.
“You’re such a jackass.”
