Page 34 of Shattered Dreams
“You’re sure you want to spend more time with my fucked-up self?”
“Listen, I’ll spend all day and night with you if you get me an Americano and a cookie.”
I can’t help but laugh, giddy that he still wants more of what we had this morning, and to spend time with Poppy too.
Damn.
“Okay, I’ll head down and order. Don’t be long,” I quip, giving him a little wave before closing the door behind me.
“Yes, ma’am.”
I take a deep breath and head to the elevator, praying no one I know sees me. Or worse—reporters. I bite back a giggle at the thought of what they would think.
Or what they would print.
Fuck them.
I stab the button for the elevator and realise I’m smiling all the way down to the lobby, and it feelsgood.Life doesn’t end because your husband fucks up.
You make hay while the sun shines, right?
The doorman holds the door open for me, and I beam, greeting him brightly.
“Have a great day.” He tips his hat as I walk by, and I promise him I will. I head straight over the road to the coffee shop to order a latte, an Americano, and a cookie for my sugar-deprived friend. With benefits.
Jeez.
I’m coming back, baby, and Roman will regret cheating on me, mark my words.
13
ROMAN
I've walked the length of this fucking city at least three times in the past two hours, unable to sleep. Ava won't answer my texts, I'm sick of sleeping in this hotel alone, and I miss my family. I know I'm the only person to blame, but other than punching myself repeatedly in the face, I'm not going to change anything.
God, if I could, I would.
What was I thinking, fucking someone else when I had Ava? Ava, whose throaty laugh made my dick hard instantly, the face she made when she came, how she stared at me with utter love and adoration, not to mention how fucking beautiful she is.
I’m an idiot.
I spot the hotel up ahead and groan. I feel like it’s Groundhog Day, chasing my tail and ending up in the same place each time.
But wait.
A woman crosses the road, her hair blowing out behind her, a beautiful smile on her face. She looks just like my Ava, and my chest aches. She's even got the same jacket as Ava.
I freeze.
Surely not...
I stop, glancing back at where she'd come from—the hotel I'm staying in—and clock where she's going.
The coffee shop. Avalovesher morning coffee—but loads of people do, right? I'm probably hallucinating.
Thatcan'tbe Ava. I check my watch—it's eight in the morning. Why would Ava be leaving a hotel ateight in the morning?
My legs stop moving as she turns to let a lady leave the coffee shop, laughing and smiling before she ducks in, disappearing from my sight.
