Page 8 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

I hope your day is the same.

Maybe all this time, I wasn’t just standing still, halted in my journey. Acknowledging the ways I’ve grown as a person is important. And my friendship with Layla is a huge step.

Years ago, I leaned on Archer to get me through hard days. His kind words and his smile comforted me when crazy stuff happened at home. The one Christmas my mom was so drunk that she didn’t wake up until late in the day, Archer invited me to his house. When I declined, he showed up at my door.

That was when I decided I loved him. Why did I ever let anyone sway me about our relationship?

And now Layla is that friend who drags me out of my funk. But I still miss Archer. I hope wherever he is, he’s having a fabulous Christmas.

* * *

This morning,I started extra early at the donut shop because we have a big order that’s being picked up first thing. Tessa even came in early to help.

“Ready for the move tomorrow?” Tessa shifts donuts into the glass case, getting ready for the onslaught of hungry customers that will be here in a half hour.

I stop in the doorway before going into the kitchen to grab another tray. “All packed. The owner’s wife—I can’t remember her name—said that someone different would be living out there. I hope they’re nice.”

“Lilith. And I’m sure they will be. She hasn’t said anything to me about who else will be living out there, but I can ask.”

I shrug. “It’s not a big deal. I’ve already given my apartment complex notice, and they always have a waiting list. The new people might show up to help carry my stuff out of the apartment.”

“You’ll have lots of help moving. Garrett is getting some of the guys to come load and unload.”

Cautiously, I step closer to her. “He knows about my situation, right?”

Tessa pats my arm. “He knows. He’s not broadcasting. Just quietly asked a couple of the guys. You can meet up with Archer on your own terms. We won’t invite him to your apartment.”

“Thanks.”

She nudges me. “Let’s grab more donuts.”

In the back, she adds icing and sprinkles to a tray of donuts while I squeeze lemon filling into another batch.

“Leave a half dozen empty. I made a special strawberry filling for them. It’s a special request.” She starts on another tray. “Will you carry out this tray when you’re finished with those?”

“Sure.” I fill the last donut, leaving a few for her to pump full of strawberry goodness. “Strawberry sounds good. Maybe you should add that to the regular menu.”

“I might.” She smiles. “Dag will be here to pick up his birthday order any minute. Don’t be startled when someone rushes in before opening time.”

I carry the tray of sprinkle donuts toward the front.

Archer is standing on the opposite side of the counter.

I let loose a shocked squeal, and the tray of donuts hits the floor. The hurt in his eyes shatters my floodgates, which are normally locked up tight, and the pain and regret I’ve held onto for five years streams down my face as I struggle to catch my breath.

Then the look in his eyes morphs into rage, and he spins and marches out of the shop.

He hates me.

I grab the nearest chocolate donut and take a bite. But there aren’t enough donuts in this place to help me feel better.

There aren’t enough donuts in the whole wide world to do that.

CHAPTER4

ARCHER

Istorm out of the donut shop. But instead of climbing into Dag’s truck, which was how I got here, I keep walking. It’s too cold to walk, but anger has me so inflamed, I figure I’ll make it at least a couple of miles before the cold penetrates my fury.

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