Page 177 of The Heart You Kept

What a waste of my fucking time.

ALORA

“Hi, Dad.” I smile down the phone.

“How is my favorite girl?”

Hearing his voice makes me teary. “She’s good,” I whisper.

Don’t cry.

“What’s been happening?” I push out. “How did you do at the doctor’s for your yearly checkup?”

“Blood pressure is perfect.” He chats away and tells me all about his week and I smile as I listen, grateful that I don’t have to tell him about my week and the imminent heartbreak I’m about to go through. Like a ticking time bomb, I can feel it coming.

No missed calls

Dear Nel,

I love your suggestions and have attached a furnishing concept. I have some beautiful pieces on hold, let me know if you want to go ahead with them.

Have a great day,

Alora.

I hit send on the email, the plans for the hotel refurb in Paris are coming along nicely. We’ve finally locked in a color palette and I know it’s not Nel’s fault, but I really can’t help disliking her. Knowing that she likes Edward is like twisting a knife in my side. Who am I kidding, the entire female population likes Edward…. Ugh.

I let out a deep sigh and turn the kettle on. “You guys get going,” I call to Jonty and Helene. “I’m going to take my time finalizing the cash register.”

“Okay,” Helene calls.

“Good luck on your date tonight,” I call.

“Don’t need luck,” she calls back. “Just condoms.”

Jonty laughs and I smile as I make my tea. I love this girl. They come out of the back room and grab their things. “What’s for dinner?” Jonty asks as he grabs his backpack from his locker.

“No idea, what are you having?”

“Pasta. I think.”

“Sounds good.”

“Lock the door behind us,” Helene says.

“Okay.” I walk them to the door. “See you tomorrow.”

“Bye.” They walk out onto the street and I flick the brass lock on the back of the door and turn the Open sign around to Closed. I wind the blinds closed on the front windows and turn the music up.

Knock, knock, knock, sounds on the front door.

“What did you forget?” I call. I walk out the front to see Edward standing at the door. He gives me a slow, sexy smile and my heart skips a beat at the mere sight of him. I open the door in a rush. “Hi.”

“Hi.” His eyes hold mine, big and beautiful, just like I remembered.

How is this man so perfect?

“Can I come in?”