Page 94 of The Story of Us
“I thought I’d stay here for a few days; help keep Joanie company.”
Mary eyed the bags at Eloise’s feet. One was barely closed, a jumper sleeve peeking out of the gap in the zip.
“What about Nate?” Mary asked slowly.
“He had a thing. He’s gone to the States for a few days. He’ll be back by Friday.”
“Nate had ‘a thing’?”
There was the teeniest fragment of comfort in knowing she wasn’t the only one confused about what had happened.
“Yep.” The ‘p’ popped, and Mary’s eyebrows rose.
“I see.”
Great. Maybe her mum could explain it later because Eloise still had no idea what had changed so drastically between them.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Eloise shook her head. What good would come from that?
“Then how about we finish putting together the new bonbonnieres?” Mary asked as she ushered Eloise inside. “I’d like to forget today ever happened as well.”
Her mother always knew the right thing to say or do.
“That sounds good.” She offered Mary a weak smile.
“Leave your bags here. Your dad will move them into the spare room for you. He’s been rattling around the place after being cooped up at the hospital all day.”
* * *
It was Tuesday,but it should’ve been Wednesday. Morning instead of night. And Nate was here, in New York City, when he should’ve been at home with Eloise. He accepted the coffee Garrett’s assistant passed him. Ten more of these and maybe he’d be able to function today. There wasn’t a single cloud in the summer sky, and the expansive city skyline showed off everything it was famous for through the large windows. What Nate wouldn’t have given to be back where he belonged.
Except he didn’t really belong there, did he?
With his family who only knew what he’d told them. With Eloise, whom he’d treated so poorly. He blinked and lowered his gaze to the steaming cup in his hand. The coffee was too hot, too bitter. His stomach rumbled, and he regretted not stopping to get a bagel or muffin, but he hadn’t been able to stomach the thought of all the people and the frenetic pace everyone associated with New York City. He hadn’t even taken his phone off airplane mode yet.
Nate exhaled slowly and tapped at the screen. No sense delaying the inevitable. A text lit up his phone screen, and he opened Teddy’s message, reading the chain he’d received over the last twenty-four hours from his brothers.
Teddy: Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaate. Why did I wake up to a message from you asking me to cover your training session? Does ‘I’ve had to go to the States’ mean you’re in the US because WTAF, dude? How’s Eloise? And Joan? Mum’s a mess.
Raff: Dad says it’s a big business deal. He’s back Friday AM.
Teddy: No shit, huh. So, he’s seriously on a plane right now.
Owen: What’s really going on, Nate? Alice isn’t real happy with you right now.
Raff: Which means Owen’s not real happy with you, FYI. You’ve upset his girl.
Teddy: I don’t think I’m all that happy with you either, Nathaniel. What’s with this mystery disappearing act? Big crisis in the book world? Or something else …
Raff: My money’s on something else.
Teddy: Or someone else. Perhaps the pretty brunette that he’s been in love with for years? Just a guess, especially if Alice is pissed at him. Spill the tea, O!
Owen: Just give us a call when you can, mate. We’re here to help if you need it.
Garrett’s door opened, his footsteps mingling with the clackety-clack of high heels.
