Page 21 of All Her Broken Pieces

Then why are you talking to me?

He left a little bit ago. No sleepovers tonight. Early meeting in the morning.

For real this time.

Can we grab coffee tomorrow before?

Sure, if it’s quick.

Are you texting Robert?

He’s in the bathroom right now.

It’s one of those “I’m pooping, but I’m really watching videos” situations.

Not the best timing. I’ll do it during coffee tomorrow morning.

7:30 at our spot

____________

The next morning, I oversleep for the first time in over twenty years. I could blame it on my period and the pain I was in. Or I could chalk it up to the bad news the nurse shared with me. But I’m pretty sure the anomaly could be pinpointed back to Ethan. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw his deep green ones. And that dimple. That fucking dimple. It haunts me. What is so alluring about it?

I walk into The Daily Grind feeling sweaty and flustered and spot Becka immediately.

“You’re late.” There is a hint of awe in her voice as a Cheshire Cat-like grin stretches across her face. She thrusts an Americano into my hand as I pull out my chair and sit.

“What’s with the creepy smile?”

“Did Ethan come back for round two?”

I nearly spit out my coffee. “What? No. I went to bed after we texted.”

“But you’re never late. You practically worship numbers, and last I checked, telling time is like, all numbers.”

“I’m here to help you get your mojo back with Robert.” I texted him after I was done with Becka last night. He’d needed me to keep her distracted this morning so he could pack some of her items for their secret trip. They need some time away together without their daughter, and I’m happy to help. I didn’t tell him about my bargain with Becka, but I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.

I thrust my hand across the table, gesturing for her to give me her phone. She snatches it away quickly and holds it against her chest. “Nope, I want to hear about this date first.”

Sucking in a deep breath, I let everything out in one breath. “It’s not a big deal. I tried to cancel, but he knocked on my door at the same time I sent the text. I’d started my period and my cramps were brutal, but he said he understood because he has five sisters, and he helped and brought me tortellini from Mangia Bene. Turns out he’s a sous chef there, and we ate and talked for a little bit, and there was no sex, and it was fine and then he left. Happy?”

“That’s a lot of information in a short amount of time. I’m honestly kinda impressed.”

“I’m nothing if not efficient, and I have a meeting soon.”And I’m trying to avoid talking about my doctor’s visit, so I’m distracting you.“Now, text your husband.”

“Fine! I already have it drafted.” She slides her phone over to me, and I nod my approval.

“Send it.” I grin into my cup as I take a sip.

She taps her phone a few times and relaxes into her chair. “It’s sent.” Seconds later, her phone buzzes on the table, and she looks at it with wide eyes.

“Is that Robert already? What’d he say?”

Becka’s face turns a deep crimson as her eyes meet mine. “He said, ‘Fuck yeah, babe, suffocate me with that sweet pussy.’” She whispers the last part, her eyes darting around as though she’s worried someone might hear.

“This is going to be so good for you! I have a feeling your rut is ending soon.”

“I don’t get it, though. That’s not at all what I expected him to say. He sounds excited.”

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