Page 89 of Coffee Break with the Billionaire

Gunnar and Stella had returned home yesterday with a plane full of people and swept them up to the castle. Fenella had worked until noon and then disappeared to greet them.

I told her she didn’t need to take her shift, but she wanted to. I’m not sure if, like me, she’s counting down the hours until she leaves.

She didn’t work today; yesterday was her last shift and the knowledge hangs heavy in my chest.

I haven’t been looking forward to her party because once it’s over, she’ll be gone.

Fenella led her pack into Coffee for the Sole about an hour ago. They were like a gust of very expensive air blowingthrough. Every one of them was beautiful, but Fenella glowed the brightest of all.

“Hi.” She had smiled at me, and the walls regrowing around my heart had cracked a bit. “Everyone? This is Silas, my—”

“Boss?” I suggested.

She shook her head, eyes shining like purple crystals. “My friend. My very good friend.”

“Who you happen to like kissing.” I’m not sure who said it, but Fenella laughed as I flushed red. Apparently, they are a very close group who share personal details.

“You’re not supposed to know that, Milo,” Fenella chided, but didn’t seem too upset. “Silas, this is Rupert, Coral, Lavinia, and the loudmouth is Milo. That’s Mase, his wife Fiona, Tad and Demi. And this—” She drew a handsome man forward who shares her features. “This is my brother Ashton.”

He extended his hand and I could feel the scrutiny. “Good to meet you,” Ashton said. It’s easy to see they are siblings, but while Ashton is model attractive, he lacks the spark Fenella has.

Or maybe it’s the purple eyes. Ashton’s are a dark blue.

I said hello, answered a few questions about Battle Harbour, and took their orders. Leodie made most of their orders and I tried to give them for free, but Gunnar insisted on paying.

Stella gave me a sympathetic smile as they filed out to head next door.

The music starts at four o’clock. The thump of the bass, the laughter of Fenella and her friends getting next door ready for the party tonight has me gritting my teeth.

For once, I close Coffee for the Sole early. I had thought Fenella might need help but when I texted her to see if she needed anything, she told me everything was great and she’d see me at eight.

The many exclamation points she uses leave me with a bad taste in my mouth.

It’s not like Fenella is ignoring me, or even avoiding me. She’s texted me constantly since the night of the pumpkin carving when I kissed her.

She kissed me.

We kissed.

I’m not opposed to others knowing about it, but I know I’m going to look like an idiot if she leaves without saying anything.

I don’t even know when she’s leaving. Her meeting with her father is Tuesday so she should fly home Monday with the rest of them.

Her friends, who are currently spending time with her, while I stand next door, filled with self-doubt and unease and everything else that is going to make it hard to walk into her party.

We kissed, and I want more.

But I don’t think I’m going to get it. I should have known.

“Silas?” I turn, suspecting it’s not the first time Leodie has called to me. She and Jem are waiting by the door. “You okay?”

“Yeah.”

“Dude, what are you wearing tonight?” Jem asksnervously.

I glance down at my flannel shirt and jeans. “Dunno.”

“Not that, I hope?” Leodie rolls her eyes. “It’s a big night for our little town. You have to look your best.”

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