Page 49 of Harmony Island Gazette
“I don’t mean to push you, but Collin is looking for an answer soon.” Just as Asher finished speaking, his gaze flicked over to me.
That seemed to get Boone’s attention, because a moment later, he looked as well. Now that I was found out, I quickened my pace. “You found Boone,” I said as I stepped up to the two men.
Asher’s smile was back, and Boone’s expression was stone. Was he mad at me? “I did.” Asher clapped Boone on the shoulder. Boone’s entire body tensed, but Asher didn’t seem to notice. “I appreciate you listening to me,” he said as he stepped around Boone. “And I’ll get out of your hair to let you think.”
He flashed me a smile as he passed by and headed to the front of store. I was left standing next to Boone. I peeked up at him, worried that I’d created a wedge between us. He was determined to protect me. Shouldn’t I have done the same?
“I’m so sorry. I had no idea what he wanted when he asked for you.” I stepped closer to Boone. “I thought it was innocent. I didn’t think it was about your mom…” My voice trailed off as Boone turned his body away from me and back to the cooler that he must have been stocking.
“It’s fine. I’m not upset,” he said as he pulled open the door and a blast of cold air surrounded us.
“I know, but I should have vetted?—”
“I found a lawyer,” Boone interrupted.
I stopped and stared at him. “You did?”
He nodded before removing a torn paper from his back pocket. “His name is David Phillips. His firm is in Powta, and he can see you Friday.” I held out my hand, and he pressed the paper into my palm. “I told him noon would work.” His gaze drifted to mine as he held my hand with his. “I’ll cover for you while you go.”
My gaze lingered on our hands before it slowly made its way to meet his. My heart was pounding as electricity zapped throughout my body. I never wanted him to let me go. I felt safe and secure when he was around, and I wasn’t ready to lose that.
“Thanks,” I whispered as I studied his gaze. Did he know what he was doing to me? That I wasn’t going to ever be satisfied with another man again? Boone had shown me what it was like to be cherished. And I feared I would never be able to find that with anyone else.
He held my gaze. “Of course,” he said. His gaze intensified like he wanted me to know something, but I was too scared to allow myself to guess what that was.
I wanted to stand next to Boone forever, but I knew I needed to get back to relieve Kate. So, I forced my feet to move, and I eventually got back to the registers. Kate asked me if I was okay, and all I could do was nod. She looked confused but hurried back to the bakery without asking more questions.
I leaned against the stool, my mind swirling with thoughts of Boone. Those thoughts made me more convinced that divorcing Kevin was the right move. I hoped we could move through the courts quickly. And when I was finally free…
I hoped that Boone would still be here.
My phone buzzed, drawing my attention over to the screen. Kevin had texted me.
I picked up my phone to see that he’d sent an invitation for lunch tomorrow with a location and time. My resolve to end our marriage grew stronger, so I pressed on the message bar and typed back.
Me:I’ll be there.
18
ELLA
“Well, I’m out for the day,” Gloria announced as she stood in her office doorway, pulling her purse strap up onto her shoulder. Her gaze settled on me because, in all honesty, I was the only one she was talking to.
Everyone else was headed out soon, leaving me alone to work on the articles for the Sunday edition. When I first started at the paper, I was honored that Gloria trusted me with this task, but then I realized it was just grunt work. She’d already decided which articles went on which page, it was my job to make it all fit.
It had bothered me at first, but then I began to look forward to Wednesdays. I got to come in late and spend the evening at the office by myself. I would order a hamburger and fries from the diner, drink some Dr. Pepper, kick my shoes off, and blare my music while I worked.
It was kind of perfect.
Elizabeth was the last one to leave. I followed her to the door while she told me about the fight she got into with her boyfriend the night before. As she neared the door, she stopped and turned to continue the conversation. I listened and nodded for a few minutes before I reached forward and pressed on the door release.
“It sounds like you’re just going to have to talk to him,” I said as the evening air surrounded us.
Elizabeth chewed her bottom lip before she nodded. “You’re probably right.” She smiled over at me. “You’re such a good listener.”
“Thanks,” I said, still holding the door open.
She hugged her notebook to her chest before she took a step outside. “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay? I can help.”
