Page 71 of Love Unforgettable
“Okay,” I say. “Are you sure? Can I get you some water?”
She nods. People start to murmur in the background, rehashing what they’ve just witnessed. I’m not sure whether we are continuing this argument or not. And I still don’t know why she thinks Trevor isn’t at fault here.
Does she think I forced him?
I wish I knew how much she knew, how much I should tell her, and how many things I need to apologize for. Where does she think he was for two months when he was here before? And was she okay with him just being gone that whole time? What did poor Paisley think?
I look over at Elise. She’s moved around the stool and is now perched at the edge, eyes closed, breathing deep. It’s clear she’s in physical pain. Shit, emotional as well.
She opens her eyes and looks at me. “He’s married with a family, we are going to have a baby soon for God’s sake. Can you just leave him alone?”
“Of course. Definitely. I planned to after today anyway, I already told him that.”
“Why?” She pushes a deep breath out. “What makes today different from any other time?” Deep breath in.
“Well, today I found out about you and Paisley and the baby. I mean, that made all the difference in the world. That changes everything. I would never do what we did knowingly. Never.”
“Doesn’t make you any less of a homewrecker. He came back to us once before. And he’s back with us again. I’m the mother of his children. You are nothing. He’s never leaving—”
I hear a splash on the floor and grab a bar towel to go clean it up. Grateful for the break in conversation. I don’t need Elise saying any more with all these people hearing her say it, in my place of business, tarnishing my reputation.
Only, as I round the bar, I realize that it’s not wine that someone spilled.
It’s Elise.
Her water broke.
“Um, Elise?” I ask tentatively.
“Don’t. Talk. To. Me.”
“Should I call an ambulance?” I’m already calling, not sure why I’m asking. Especially since she just told me not to talk to her. I give the dispatcher my info, then go to stand by Elise to make sure she doesn’t need anything.
“It’s too early,” she winces. “Oh God. Someone call Trevor. Please. This doesn’t feel right.”
I scramble for my phone and quickly dial Trevor’s number. It goes straight to voicemail. I leave him a message, letting him know what’s going on.
“Elise,” I say. “I left Trevor a message, he didn’t pick up. Do you know where he is?”
“He should be . . . oh God, this hurts!” She tries to lower herself from leaning against the stool to the floor. I move to help her.
“Don’t touch me!”
Cole appears and helps her away from the stool. “I don’t think you should sit down about now, ma’am. What do you say we walk a bit, real slow like, how does that sound?” He has one arm around her waist and the other hand on her shoulder. Elise nods and straightens back up.
“Keep her away from me though,” Elise says to Cole about me.
“Let’s keep deep breathin’, just you and me, okay?” Cole says to Elise. She looks up at him and takes a deep breath. “In two, three, four, five. Out two, three, four, five. Good. You seem awfully upset, something happen?” Cole asks her.
“She seduced my husband. Earlier this year, and again a few days ago,” Elise groans loud enough for most people to hear. Conversation stops again in the room as everyone’s attention turns to Elise. “She won’t leave him alone. She thinks they belong together. And completely ignores that he has a family and is happily married.”
I’m riveted.
As I’m sure is everyone else.
Kat moves to step forward, mouth opening, ready for a fight, always my champion. I hold out an arm to stop her, I want to hear the rest of what Elise has to say. Cole looks over at me, as if to ask if he should continue. I nod slightly.
“She won’t leave him alone?” he asks. “Why do you say that?”
