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“That’s very cool. Congrats.”
“Thanks. I’m looking forward to seeing it come to life.” He gave me a sympathetic look. “As for you and Andre, given what I’ve seen of him today, he wants to talk too. If it was really over, I don’t think you two would look so miserable.”
My friends nodded and voiced their agreement.
The conversation shifted to lighter topics—plans for the rest of the summer, things they wanted to do when they returned for their coaching stints.
As things wound down and people started heading out, Liam dropped onto the stool next to mine.
“You glad you came out?” he asked.
I nodded, surprising myself by meaning it. “Yeah. I didn’t need to just go home and brood.”
“That’s what friends are for.” He pulled me into a quick hug. “You know where to find me if you need to talk.” Liam headed out the door. “See you in the morning.”
As I took a sip from my second shake of the night, an idea formed on something I could do to apologize for my silence.
TWENTY-EIGHT
ANDRE
Sleep evaded me most of the night. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Ethan’s hurt expression over and over—tensed shoulders, sadness in his eyes, forced smiles. The memory twisted my heart. Even my anticipation about the upcoming Library Association call failed to override my guilt.
Was this karma knocking me in the head? Getting professional recognition while my personal life shattered? The call had the potential to be life-changing for my career. But what good was success when I’d hurt someone I was in love with?
I rubbed my tired eyes and looked at my phone.
6:45 AM.
I could lie here for another hour, but what was the point? My mind wouldn’t stop grinding anyway.
What should’ve been a soothing shower was filled with memories of warm water and tender touches shared with Ethan. I braced my hands against the cool tile and sighed. What olive branch could I extend?
Send him flowers at the rink? Too public. Write him an apology letter? Too much like something out of Bridgerton or Jane Austen. Cook him dinner? That might work, if he’d even agree to come over.
As the water ran cold, I stepped out and dried off, still turning possibilities over in my mind.
I pulled on a soft gray sweater and dark jeans—something that said I care about my appearance, but I’m not trying too hard. The outfit felt right for both the Library Association call and anything I might do later with Ethan.
My stomach growled as I headed out to my car, reminding me I’d barely eaten yesterday. Special Blend would already be open, so I headed that direction.
A light fog hung over Maple Street, giving everything a dreamy quality. City crews were already out taking Pride decorations down. Later this morning volunteers would pack away the tents, including the one we’d had our first kiss under.
I looked across the park when I got out of my car. We’d pulled off something really fantastic this weekend.
Jenny’s cheerful expression greeted me as I entered the coffee shop. “Breakfast sandwich and tea?”
“Please.” I studied the pastry case while she entered my order. The maple tarts looked perfect, golden brown and perfectly glazed. “And two of those.”
Her eyebrows rose, but she didn’t comment as she boxed them. Two of his favorite treats might smooth the way.
“Have you seen Ethan this morning?” The question slipped out before I could stop myself.
“He was first in the door.” Her expression gave away nothing about how Ethan might have been.
I kept my tone neutral. “Can I borrow a pen?”
She passed me a marker, and I wrote carefully on the pastry box. I wanted no mistakes when he had his app read it out. Can we please have lunch today? Andre.
