Page 83 of Give Me Strength

As much as I’d like to graduate in a few weeks in peace, I’d like to see those three try it, especially Principal Richardson. Then again, Aunt Bonnie and Mr. Greenfield are acting like none of this is a surprise to them, and that we will all be in a courtroom in a few weeks anyway.

I’m not even mad that Gilbert went behind my back and did exactly what I told him not to do. I just miss him so much.

When I finally step inside the café, I see him immediately. He’s sitting at my table, his eyes glued to his phone. He looks up as I enter, and our eyes meet for the first time in four days.

A jolt of electricity courses through me. Thank goodness the room is empty, because I’m not even being subtle about the fact that I’m undressing him with my eyes.

Gilbert stands as I approach, a mix of relief and lust and nervousness etched on his face. “Ash,” he says, his voice hoarse and laden with emotion.

I nod, struggling to find my own voice. He gestures to the table, where two cups of tea sit, steam rising gently from them.

“I got your favorite,” he says, a small, hopeful smile tugging at his lips.

I take a seat, feeling the familiar warmth of the tea cup between my hands. “Thank you,” I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

We sit there in silence for a moment, the weight of everything unsaid hanging between us. Around us, the café slowly empties out, and the staff working go about closing up. I tuned them all out though. All I can focus on is the man sitting across from me, and the puzzled expression on his face as his eyes follow their movements. At some point, one of them — a manager, according to his nametag, but I’ve never seen him before — walks over to us and hands me an manila envelope and ring of keys. He steals a glances at Gilbert, letting out a low, appreciative whistle before sauntering off.

Gilbert’s eyes meet mine once again, and he lifts a curious brow.

“About that,” I pull out the pages and skim through them. “I kind of bought the place.”

“You… kind of bought the place?”

I nod. “I used your money to buy it. Well, our money,” I amend as I tuck the pages back into their envelope and set them aside. “But they don’t know that, and as far as the owner is concerned, some rich anonymous socialite is willing to sink a bunch of money into this place just because. But I assure you, my motives are a lot less altruistic.”

The corner of his lip tugs up. “Oh?”

I look at him, the familiar ache in my chest tightening. “I think you know what I need.”

He takes a deep breath, his eyes never leaving mine. “Ash…”

“You wanted to meet in a public place. This,” I twirl my finger in the air, “is a public place. You never said anything about other people being present. And… I got the sense that you didn’t want anyone listening in on our conversation.”

He gives me a weak smile, and takes a sip of his tea.

As we sit there, with my favorite tea cooling in front of me, I brace myself for the conversation ahead. It’s going to be painful, but it’s necessary. For both of us.

One of us has to open the floor for discussion. It might as well be me.

“I took a closer look at the types of small businesses that Rachel owned,” I begin, “and they were things that brought her joy. This place makes me happy, so…” I trail off at that, and shrug.

“And are you happy?” he asks, studying me.

I shake my head slowly. “Not at the moment, no.” The ache in my chest spreads. “But I’m working on it. Trying to, anyway.”

His jaw clenches, his expression shifts to one of regret. His lips part to speak, but I cut him off.

“What about you? How have you been? Where have you been staying? Why won’t you let me see it?” I didn’t mean to dump on him like that, but the questions, they just… popped out.

He reaches over and takes both my hands in his. The calming effect that the gesture has on me is instantaneous. “Struggling. Missing you like crazy. At a friend’s place, but I didn’t want to overstay my welcome, so I checked into a hotel room last night. If you really want to see it, we can go there after this.”

“Can we go now?”

Real nice, Ashlynn. Classy.

And desperate much?

For him? Always.

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