Page 67 of The Only Time

“You should call Ma and tell her. I have no interest in her whining when I let her know her daughter won’t be coming home immediately.”

I laugh lightly. “I’ll give her a call. Thanks again for all of this. I’m sorry I’ve caused such a headache for everyone.”

“Your safety is not a headache for any of us. Stop apologizing. Keep in touch. Let me know when you feel comfortable to move back. We’ll make sure we get it all squared away.”

“Thanks. I’ll let you know.”

I hang up the phone and try my best to enjoy the coffee with the bitter taste of my lies. What am I doing to myself? I should just leave now with my heart still partially intact, but I can’t make myself do it.

I think I need to get out of this house to clear my head. Knowing that Don is confirmed to be back in Cleveland gives me the freedom to at least go out on my own without any concerns.

Maybe I’ll go surprise Layla at her restaurant. I smile at the thought.

Perfect. It’ll be exactly the afternoon I need.

I’ll pull out my laptop and get some work done right now and then go see her for lunch.

I’m feeling a bit better by the time I walk into her restaurant for lunch. Maybe it’s because I’m hungry and walking into a restaurant. I’ll never be one of those girls who’s too depressed to eat.

I opt to sit at the bar and order a drink when Layla walks by.

“What are you doing here?” She runs over to me with a smile.

“Just figured I’d get out of the house and have some lunch. I was going a bit stir crazy at the house.”

She waves at the bartender. “Sorry, Max. You’re going to be serving me today because I’m having lunch with my friend.”

She hops up on the barstool next to me. Max, a cute bartender with amazing dimples, smiles at her.

“I think I can handle your presence for a little while, boss,” he says.

“So, you’re out on your own. Is that safe?” she asks.

I smile softly. “It is. My brother told me Don is confirmed to be back in Cleveland and going to work, living his life.”

“Oh, that’s good.” Her voice sounds hesitant and sad. “Does that mean you’re leaving?”

“I will be soon. I’m giving it another week or two to try and make sure he stays put.”

“Have you told Eric yet?”

“Not yet. I just talked to my brother this morning,” I tell her, dreading the conversation with Eric already.

She lets out a troubled sigh. “I wonder how he’s going to handle it.”

“Why do you say that?” I ask.

Her eyebrows raise at me. “I think we can just be honest with each other at this point. There’s definitely something going on between you two.”

I look down sadly. Yes, there’s something going on. Nothing that means he’s going to be crushed when I leave. It might actually be a breath of fresh air for him. He won’t have to deal with his own feelings.

My eyes become blurry as tears threaten to spill over. I feel the warmth of Layla’s hand on my arm.

“Are you okay, honey?” she asks delicately. “I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?”

I shake my head back and forth, somehow managing to blink my tears away then take a deep breath before I respond. “No, I’m sorry. You’re right, there’s something going on between Eric and me. But I don’t think he’s going to care too much when I’m gone. In fact, he’ll probably be relieved.”

“I don’t believe that for a second. Why would you say that?”

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