Page 48 of Ewan

My imagination completely failed me when I thought he’d be all right, like nothing out of the ordinary. But he is probably the most handsome man I’ve been in a room with.

It’s quite significant, although we’re still very much two reserved strangers. I wish my ex could see this man.

Oh, boy, wouldn’t that be fun?

Joachim sitting next to him, all flustered, his face twitching from his simmering frustration.

He always criticized men like the stranger in my kitchen, his insecurities getting the best of him.

Initially I thought it was fun and even teased him about it, and then I realized it was a coping mechanism and he could do nothing about it.

Constantly hearing him berate any man I had an interaction with drove me up the wall.

And then he had the gall to suggest that he, himself, was quite a catch.

He may have been for someone new––I didn’t want to buy his shit anymore at that point.

“So, can I have your name?” I murmur, leaning against the counter and bringing my coffee to my lips.

“Ewan,” the man says.

I take a sip and put my drink down.

“Ewan?” I say as if wanting to find out how it sounds on my lips.

“Do you happen to have a last name?” I say with a pang of humor.

“Ewan is enough.”

If he says so.

11

SCARLETT

“Okay.Can you at least tell me if Colley’s cousin is all right?”

“He’ll be fine,” he says, his stare moving away from mine.

Considering I’m making a living teaching, and I'm an expert at reading non-verbal clues, I surely know what that means.

He’s half honest with me, probably lying through omission.

There must be more to the story.

“All right,” he says as the silence prolongs. “Are you going to be home tomorrow?”

My heart races.

“You’re asking me that because…?”

I smile, and he seems to de-tense for a moment.

“I’m asking because they’ll bring you the car tomorrow.”

“Oh, the car.” I’m visibly disappointed. “Yes. I’ll be home in the morning.

“It might not be ready early in the morning.”

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