Page 54 of New Growth
Nevertheless, all I could do in this moment was smile politely and look away.
“They’re starting a group discussion soon. Wanna stick around for that?” he asked softly.
I hesitated, then nodded. “Sure.”
I didn’t know why I even agreed because I spaced out for most of it.
I was so interested in this event when I came here, but now I was wondering if it was even worth the trouble. It seemed like anything that had the potential to make me happy or be a possible ray of sunshine in my life was quickly smothered by the reality of being Elliot Sawyer.
I do not deserve nice things.
It has to be true because anytime I looked forward to something, it was always crushed. Case in point: My wedding, the Expo, this event—all crushed the minute I had gotten my hopes up. I thought back to a time when my excitement didn’t result in failure, and the closest I could come up with was EL’evations.
That fact had me ready to face the evidence piling up more than I could bear. It was possible the happiest moment of my life was already behind me.
“What about you, Ellie? Got anything you’re working on that you want to share?” A woman El introduced me to earlier asked. I couldn’t be bothered to recall her name.
I hesitated. “I don’t really have anything like this ready.”
“That’s okay,” she said, smiling. “Creativity comes in all forms. What do you do?”
I shifted in my seat. “I own a salon.”
A brief pause. Then she grinned. “That’s amazing. I don’t think people realize how much creativity goes into something like that.”
“Seriously,” someone else agreed. “Do you ever think about showcasing your work?”
Suddenly, a flicker of pride sparked in me. Maybe today wouldn’t be a waste. “Actually, I’ve applied for the Atlanta Hair Expo recently.”
The woman’s face lit up. “Period! That’s huge. When is it?”
“Five months from now. If I get in, it’ll be a big deal for my salon.”
“Well, you’ll definitely get in,” Elliot said confidently.
I smiled at the enthusiasm. For a moment, it almost felt… euphoric.
But then, Elliot’s hand landed lightly on my back and shattered the feeling.
My body went rigid.
Immediately, my breath caught in my throat, and my pulse hammered against my ribs. That spot—right there—that was where Jonathan used to hold me. Where his hand would rest, firm and possessive. My skin crawled like it was on fire.
I shot up from my seat so fast the chair scraped against the floor.
“Ellie?” Elliot looked up at me, confused.
I shook my head. “I—I need some air.”
Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked—no, bolted—toward the door. My hands were trembling as I pushed it open, stepping into the cool evening air.
I pulled on my coat and fumbled into its pocket for my flask, twisting the cap off with unsteady fingers before taking a long, burning sip. The warmth spread down my throat, dulling the sharp edges of my panic.
Damn it.I had been fine. I had just been fine.
See what I meant?Nothing good ever lasts for Elliot Sawyer.
I leaned against the wall, pressing my palms flat against the rough brick, trying to steady my breathing. The air was cool against my skin, but inside, I was burning. My chest felt tight, my pulse erratic.
