Page 47 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

As soon as the shower shuts off, I ready the table and plate up dinner. I shouldn’t be nervous. The guy takes his shirt off around me all the time. Going to a wedding with me won’t be that big a deal. That’s what I keep telling myself as I get the table set.

He sighs as he drops into a chair. “Smells great. Thanks for cooking.”

“It felt good to be productive.” I set a plate in front of him.

We eat in silence for a few minutes.

I clear my throat and force words out. “My friend Layla is having her wedding a week from tomorrow. Technically it’s a celebration since they’re already married, but people will still be all dressed up. There will be cake and dancing. And Nico will get the moment of seeing Layla walk up the aisle.”

“Cool.” Archer nods and continues eating.

“Anyway, I was wondering if you wanted to go with me. As a friend.” I stare at my plate, my avoidance alarms going off in my head.

For a second, the only sound is forks clinking against plates.

But he finally says, “Umm. Things have been pretty busy just because so many of us were sick. So I should probably stick around the ranch and get stuff done. Thanks for the invite though.” His tone is friendly, but the words are no less crushing.

“No worries. I get it. I bet there is a ton to do.” I carry my plate into the kitchen, then call out, “Want seconds?”

“I’m good.” He sets his plate on the counter. “Since you’re feeling better, I’m going to go to crochet night with the ladies. I’m supposed to be teaching them a new stitch tonight.”

“Sure. Yeah. Have fun.”

He taps the doorframe. “You can come if you want.”

“No thanks. I have lots to catch up on around here.” And I want time to cry alone while he isn’t eavesdropping from the other side of the wall. “I’ll see you later. And now that the whole mom mess is over, I don’t need a ride to work tomorrow.”

“Good. Okay.” Gazing at me, he opens his mouth, then snaps it closed.

I can’t be mad at him. This is only a taste of how he felt when I broke things off, which only makes me feel more awful.

But it looks like I’m going to the wedding alone. Oh joy.

* * *

Layla waltzes into the shop,way too happy for this time of the morning. “I’m glad you’re feeling better. How are things with Archer? Have you invited him?”

“He’s busy with the ranch and can’t go.” I keep my focus on the glass case as I load it full of donuts.

The news must be shocking because it’s rendered Layla silent. That lasts less than a minute. “But he’s been so sweet to you. I thought—you know—boyfriend trap.”

“Nope.” I trudge back to the kitchen to get another tray.

The bell jingles, and Layla’s warm “Good morning” rings out.

“Yeah. I’d like a coffee and a half dozen. Just surprise me with the flavors.” Anderson has been coming in a lot, and he never specifies what donuts he wants.

Layla laughs. “You are all about surprises, aren’t you?”

“I like them, I guess. But with donuts, it’s just easier. I don’t have to decide. Sometimes it’s just nice when someone else makes the decision.”

My friend grins at me as I slide the last tray into the case. “I have an idea.”

“Morning, Anderson. Sounds like y’all are really busy at the ranch.” I wipe my hands on my apron.

He shrugs. “No more than normal.”

I refuse to cry.

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