Page 21 of Forever Love at Fleur's Flower Shop

Holding her hands up in front of her, Fleur backed away. ‘I can’t do this, Matty. I can’t relive that day again and again. And I know you want answers from me. I know you want an explanation, but I just don’t think I can.’

‘But…’ He paused.

‘Please...’ Taking another step back, she could feel the tears stinging the backs of her eyes.

Bending down, Matty placed his takeout cup on the pavement before stepping towards her and gently cupping her elbows. ‘Fleur, look at me.’

Keeping her eyes fixed on the flickering neon sign of the grocery store behind him, Fleur steadied her breathing, willing herself not to fall into his arms. The irony was she could just use one of his hugs right about now. The feeling of his arms around her had always grounded her, and always reminded her he was there for her, but now, that feeling was just a distant memory and she had to remember that, she had to remind herself that she’d left that at the altar too. She’d left the future she’d wanted, the future he’d wanted at that time, and her right to one of his hugs too.

Chapter Fifteen

‘Look at me, Fleur.’ Matty’s voice was firm as he repeated himself.

Slowly she focused on him and met his gaze, but instead of the disappointment she’d expected to be met with, his eyes were only full of warmth, of concern. She whispered, ‘I’m sorry.’

‘I don’t need your apology and I don’t need an explanation from you either.’

‘You don’t?’

‘No, that’s not why I asked you on this walk. That’s not the reason I’ve been trying to talk to you ever since I arrived back in Nettleford either.’

‘It’s not?’ She frowned. Then why? Why did he want to speak to her? What could she possibly offer him?

‘I just wanted to clear the air. I just wanted to make sure that things are okay between us and you don’t mind me moving back.’ Letting go of her elbows, he bent down again and picked up his coffee. ‘I don’t want my return to make you feel awkward. If it does, then I’ll leave.’

‘You’ll leave?’ She felt like a parrot, but she was too stunned to form proper sentences. She shook her head. ‘Are you saying that, what? You’ll just up and leave if I ask you to?’

Matty nodded slowly. ‘That’s exactly what I’m saying. Of course I’d rather not leave. I’d rather be here but I will if it makes things easier for you.’

Fleur turned and sank down to the floor and perched on the kerb, all energy suddenly escaping her. ‘Why? Why are you back? Why can’t you just go and rent somewhere instead of moving in with your parents?’

‘You want me gone, then?’ Matty sat down next to her, his long legs reaching out in front of him.

She shook her head. ‘I didn’t say that. I just meant, like, why are you here?’

Matty carefully took the lid off his coffee cup and gently turned the cup, watching the liquid inside swell against the edges. ‘My relationship broke down and I lost my job.’

‘Oh.’ Fleur gasped. ‘I’m sorry to hear about your separation.’

Matty gave a small, solemn smile. ‘Don’t be. It’s for the best. I caught her cheating on me.’

‘She cheated on you?’ How could anyone do that? And to Matty, of all people? He was the best. He’d have been the perfect partner, loyal, loving, kind, everything. How could she? She clenched her jaw. How could anyone cheat on him and break his heart? Leaning her chin on her chest, she focused on the tarmac at her feet. She was the last person on earth who had any right to be judgemental on the front of hurting the sweet man sitting beside her.

‘Yep. And I lost my job because I worked for her dad. Hence wearing these suits.’ He tugged on the sleeve of his jacket. ‘Another day, another failed interview.’

She looked across at him. ‘You’ll get something. Anybody would be lucky to employ someone like you.’

He smiled a quick short smile, one which reached his eyes this time. ‘I wish you’d tell them that.’

‘Ha, well, I guess I could try.’

Leaning over, he nudged her. ‘Cheers.’

‘I am sorry to hear about all you’re going through. I really am.’

‘Does that mean I can stay in Nettleford, then?’ His eyes met hers.

‘Well, I can’t really dictate where you live.’ Pulling her thumb towards her lips, she tugged on the cuticle with her teeth.

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