Page 76 of Until We Break

“How about you’re happy to see me?” There was expectation in his eyes as he moved toward me with open arms.

I tried to avoid the hug, but he pulled me to him. I stiffened against his chest and backed out of the hug.

“I’m not sure how you found me.”

He exhaled. “It wasn’t that hard. I asked the landlord where you had your mail forwarded.”

“And he gave you the address?”

Ethan smirked. “Well, I did tip him handsomely for it.”

Just then the truck door slammed, and Caleb walked around the hood of the truck, his athletic frame cutting through the headlights with an imposing shadow.

“Who’s this?” Ethan’s expression changed when he sized up Caleb.

“Caleb O’Connor.” He held out his hand.

“My boyfriend,” I explained.

Ethan shook hands, but I saw the bitterness in his eyes already forming. He glanced at me. “Is there somewhere we could talk alone? Just us?”

“What is there to talk about?”

“I flew and then drove all the way out here, just to see you. You know that’s a long trip. It’s been a long day.”

“Without telling me. Where are you staying?”

Ethan shrugged. “I thought maybe…”

I shook my head. “No. Oh, no. You’re not staying here with me.” My palm slid into Caleb’s hand. He squeezed it gently.

“Then where?” Ethan sighed.

“There’s a motel on the island,” Caleb added. “It’s summer and peak season, but you might be able to get a room. I don’t know for sure.”

“Motel?”

I almost laughed. I was certain Ethan had never stayed in a motel.

“Come on, Margot. Talk to me. Without him.” He nodded toward Caleb. “I came all the way down here for you.”

My stomach twisted in knots. I wasn’t curious. No part of me wanted to know why Ethan was here. I had known for a long time I was over him, but there was something freeing and exhilarating about triumphantly knowing it in my bones.

“I didn’t invite you, Ethan. I haven’t called you. I haven’t sent a single text. I didn’t ask you to come. And I’m definitely not letting you stay with me at the marina. So go. See if they have a room at the Island Oasis.”

“Island Oasis?” His voice cracked.

“Yeah, that’s the motel I was telling you about.” Caleb shrugged. “It’s about a mile from here on the beach side. There’s a flashing neon wave on the roof. You can’t miss it.”

Ethan reached for his suit jacket. “You aren’t going to talk to me?”

I shook my head. “No.”

He kicked a few rocks along the parking lot as he shuffled to his car. His shoulders were hunched. He hung his head. He paused before ducking in the driver’s seat. I’d seen this mopeyroutine before. It had worked in the past. It always tugged at my heart. I’d felt guilty for upsetting him or hurting his feelings. Sometimes it was because I wanted to skip one of his events or work on my book instead of going out with him. It wasn’t going to work anymore.

Finally, he climbed inside the car and drove off.

Caleb pulled me into his arms. “That must have been tough.”

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