Page 42 of Grateful Hearts

Chantel’s chest tightened at the mention of his name, but she kept her expression neutral. “I’m not sure. The last time I saw him, he was in the hall by the restroom. If you could just let him know I left, I’d appreciate it.”

A flicker of confusion crossed Clover’s face, but she nodded, pulling Chantel into a warm hug. “I’m so glad you’re here this year, Chantel. I’ve never seen Zach like this before. It’s like he’s really come alive again.”

The words tore at Chantel’s heart, but she forced a grateful smile, clinging to her composure until she stepped outside. The cold air hit her, grounding her, and she let out a shuddering breath just as her Uber pulled up. She climbed in, grateful for the escape, her mind already dreading the awkwardness tomorrow would bring.

As the car pulled away, she sank back against the seat, trying to steady her thoughts.

After cooking dinner for Zach and his family tomorrow, she’d make her exit. She’d slip away quietly, leaving no trace of the heartache she was leaving behind.

???

Zach leaned back against the wall in the narrow hallway of the pool hall, feeling better than he had in a long time. His thoughts drifted to Chantel, picturing her laughing and teasing him only moments ago. He hadn’t expected to feel this way, but here he was, genuinely wanting to see where things could go with her. He hadn’t exactly figured out what he wanted when this all started, but the more time he spent with Chantel, the clearer it became. Whatever this was, he wanted it.

He glanced at the restroom door, anticipating the moment she’d walk out so they could pick up where they’d left off. He was working up the nerve to tell her he was willing to make this work, no matter what it took. He knew they’d need to talk about what came next, but he was ready.

Just then, a familiar voice called his name from down the hallway. Zach looked up, surprised to see Naomi, his ex from years back. When she first broke up with him, it broke his heart, though he understood her reasoning. He then considered their breakup mutual—two people who cared deeply for each other but knew they weren’t meant to be. They’d managed to stay friends, though life and time had pulled them in different directions.

“Naomi!” He greeted her with a smile, genuinely happy to see her.

“Hey, stranger!” She beamed, giving him a quick hug. “It’s been way too long.”

“Yeah, it has. You look great,” he replied, glancing once more at the restroom door, hoping Chantel would join them soon.

Naomi noticed his glance and gave him a soft nudge. “Hey, would you mind talking with me for a second? There’s something important I need to tell you.”

Zach hesitated, knowing Chantel would be coming out any moment. But the look on Naomi’s face told him she meant it, so he nodded. “Yeah, of course. Let’s step outside.”

Once they were outside, Naomi reached for his hands, smiling brightly. He took her hands, feeling a mix of curiosity and nostalgia. She was beautiful, as always, and he’d heard she was in a serious relationship the last time he was in town.

“Zach, I wanted you to hear this from me,” she began, her eyes warm with happiness. “I’m getting married and I’m pregnant.”

The news caught him off guard, but a wide smile spread across his face. “Naomi, that’s amazing! I’m so happy for you. Congratulations!”

He hugged her, giving her a friendly kiss on the cheek. It was good to see her this happy, and he meant it. Naomi had always wanted a family, and he was glad she’d found that with someone. They lingered for a moment, catching up, and as they turned to go back inside, Naomi looked at him curiously.

“So, are you seeing anyone?”

For a moment, Zach hesitated. Chantel and he hadn’t exactly defined things, but whatever it was, he wanted it to be something real. “Yeah,” he said, a little smile tugging at his lips. “Actually, she’s here. I’d love to introduce you to her.”

Naomi’s eyes sparkled with excitement as they made their way back into the pool hall, and her fiancé, Ian, joined them, extending a hand to Zach. “Congratulations, man. You and Naomi are perfect for each other.”

“Thanks, Zach,” Ian said, shaking his hand warmly.

Zach led them over to the table where he and the others had been sitting, but when they arrived, his heart sank. Chantel wasn’t there. He scanned the area, his brow furrowing, and turned to Clover.

“Hey, did Chantel make it back from the restroom?” he asked, a slight edge of worry creeping into his voice.

Clover looked up at him with a puzzled expression. “Yeah. She left a little while ago. She said she wasn’t feeling well.”

The words hit him like a gut punch, confusion flashing through his mind. “She left? Why wouldn't she tell me?”

Clover seemed equally confused, glancing back toward the hallway. “She said she couldn't find you.”

Zach’s stomach churned. What had happened? They’d been having a great time, and everything seemed fine. He took out his phone and dialed Chantel, but the call went straight to voicemail. He tried again, a knot of worry forming in his chest when the same thing happened.

“Clover,” he said, his voice low with concern, “did she say anything else before she left?”

Clover shook her head, her gaze softening with sympathy. “No, she just said she wasn’t feeling well. But I don’t know. Something seemed off.”

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