Page 65 of Mr. Swoony

“You didn’t.”

“Okay, I was being nice, trying not to end up as enemies.”

The waitress brings our dishes over and slides them in front of us.

I grab her attention before she leaves. “Actually, can I have a to-go container please?”

“You can’t even have a meal with me?”

I look over at the bar again, seeing the man and woman glancing over their shoulders, their sunglasses not doing anything to disguise them. I can’t believe they followed me here.

“I think it’s best we end this as amicably as we can,” I say.

The waitress brings over my takeout container, and I put the salad in it. I reach for my purse, and Tristan stops cutting his steak bites.

“I got it.” He sets his silverware on the plate.

This is it. This is likely the last time I’ll see him. I can’t explain the sadness filling me like a vase with water being poured into it. I wanted this. I needed this, but Tristan was a big part of my life for so many years. He listened to the eulogy I wrote for my dad. He stood by my side at my dad’s funeral as the casket was lowered into the ground. He held me for nights afterward, telling me everything would be okay.

I stand, and he slides out of his chair to stand in front of me.

The two fools at the bar are now watching us over their shoulders.

“Have a great life, Eloise.” Tristan opens his arms.

I step into them and hug him back. It doesn’t make me feel warm or safe. It’s just a transaction, as if it’s sealing the end to our relationship.

“I’m sure your Mrs. Tristan Somerset is out there somewhere.”

“I think I’ll be putting pause on that for a while.”

I smile and nod, stepping back from him. “I’m sorry for hurting you. Goodbye, Tristan.”

“Goodbye, Eloise Corbin.” He winks.

I turn around, heading out of the restaurant. It’s done and over, but I wasn’t expecting this grief mingled with relief inside me. I hate the feeling of hope woven around a layer of failure, as if I don’t deserve the opportunity of rediscovering myself.

I stop at a light post once I’m out of the restaurant, leaning my back on it and waiting until they walk out. “Hello, Jade. Hello, Conor. Enjoy your meal?”

Twenty-Six

Conor

“She’s hugging him,” I say under my breath.

“Relax, that’s her goodbye hug.”

I wasn’t happy to see Jade walk in the restaurant right after me. I was here early enough that Eloise wouldn’t see me. Tristan was early, and he doesn’t appear to pay much attention to anything but himself, so I was able to change my seat to have the perfect view through the mirror on the back wall of the bar. Then Jade came in, and I saw Eloise track her journey across the restaurant.

“How do you know?” I ask, the two of us now glancing over our shoulders as if the reflection in the mirror has been skewed somehow.

“Her ass is out. It’s a polite hug, not a ‘let’s get back together’ hug.”

Still, I hate seeing his arms wrapped around her. I shouldn’t be here. I know this is Eloise’s business to handle, and she doesn’t need me. I’m still unsure whether it’s protectiveness, or if I’m worried that he’s going to talk her into getting back together.

“Oh, jeez, stop the jealous alpha thing.” Jade slides off the stool. “She’s gone.”

I climb down from my stool, tossing some money on the bar top. “I’m not jealous.”

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