Page 137 of Reconciling With the Rival

Alissa: If you want to go home, I can buy you a return ticket. I know you’ve missed work. Leo and I are going to have some much needed family time.

Ella: I can buy my own ticket, Liss.

Alissa: Too late. Leo offered to pay for it anyway, so you can shout at him and not me. Please pop by and see us before you go back.

Ella: I will.

Alissa: Thanks again, Ells. I really needed you this week, and I owe you big time. I love you.

Ella: You owe me nothing. You would have done the same for me. I love you too. I’m glad everything is okay.

I throw my phone in my bag, smiling because their dad is doing better. I was worried for a second he would never wake up. All I’ve felt the past few days is worry—worry I’m overstepping while I’m over here, worry about my family and friends back home, and more worry I’m not doing the best I can with everything going on.

Don’t even get me started on my feelings about Leo. They’ve taken a back seat this weekend, but the ache is still everywhere, and I don’t know how to remove it. If I could cut it out and shove it somewhere else, I would.

God, why aren't feelings for someone like wrinkles? Why can’t I shove some Botox into them and forget about it?

Before I spiral about it, I grab my phone again and dial my favorite people. It’s close to dinner time here, so it should be around lunch time for them. They both pick up immediately.

“I miss you. Please come back soon!” Paige smiles through the phone.

“She’s coming back, P—unlike someone else we know,” Hads rolls her eyes. “But we do miss you.”

“Is that Ella?” I hear Grant shout in the background. He comes into frame, his brown hair all over the place. “How is England, mate?”

I laugh. Oh, how I miss them. I grab my headphones and put them on so people can’t hear this conversation, especially ifGrant keeps doing his accent. “England is okay. Rainy, but I’m hanging in there.”

“How are the Zimmermans?” Paige asks as Oliver comes into the frame.

“Love, I just got out of the shower,” Oliver quickly backs out of view.

“Ew! Paige, seriously?” Hads all but gags.

“He went for a run!” Paige quips back. “Ella, answer my question.”

“They’re okay. He’s awake now, so I’ll be heading back soon.”

“With or without Leo and Alissa?” Oliver asks, still out of frame.

“Without. They’re staying for a bit longer so they can make sure their Dad is alright.”

“That’s good he’s awake,” Hads says, Grant nodding with her. “How are you, Ells?”

“I’m okay,” I say, lying through my teeth. I’m overstimulated in another country with all the things running through my mind. “I’m excited to be home.”

“Hads and I have been watering the plants. They’re all still alive, in case you and Alissa were wondering.” Grant smiles at me.

“Thanks, guys. I really appreciate all the help while I’m over here.”

“We would do anything for you, Ells,” Paige smiles, and I fight the urge to cry.

“So, how are things going with Leo? Have you guys talked?” Grant asks me.

“Grant, that’s a stupid fucking question. Of course they haven't. His father is in the hospital,” Oliver chirps as he enters the camera, now fully clothed.

“As much as I hate to say it, Oliver is right,” I confirm. “It’s not the right time.”

“Do you think you’ll ever talk about it?” Hads asks, and I can only shrug.

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