Page 26 of Willows and Waterlilies

“Oh,” she says, wincing for me. “Things still not good between you and her then?”

“Apparently not,” I reply sadly. I know Kelly is hurting, trying to ignore what she doesn’t want to know, but it still stings to know that she’s blaming me of all people. I always thought we had a good relationship.

“I’m sure she’ll come around,” Ellie says soothingly as she covers my hand with hers. “You won me round, right?”

“I don’t think I can use the same skillset to win my sister around,” I tell her with a devious smirk, to which she laughs and takes a sip of her drink. I take the moment to watch as her neck swallows back her wine, feeling both lustful and anxious. “Anyway, Amanda caught me before I stormed out of the bar,” I tell her, bracing myself when she instantly changes the way she’s looking at me – less reassuring, more apprehensive. “She wants to explain what happened all those years ago, to give me some answers to questions that have plagued me for so long, Ellie.”

“Oh,” she says as she withdraws her hand to chew on her thumbnail. I immediately pull her hand back and begin to stroke it with my free one. She fakes a smile as she looks at me, trying to remain strong while having all the doubts she warned me about.

“Ellie, you have absolutely nothing to worry about,” I tell her honestly. “I felt nothing for her; all I could think about was you. I just need to know why she treated me like she did; to have some form of closure.”

“I know,” she says with a rapid nodding of her head, still trying to sound confident, “and you should go.”

“Ellie, if this is going to make you have doubts about us, then I won’t go, I promise,” I whisper.

“Oh, God,” she gasps, then withdraws her hand from mine to take a healthy gulp of wine. “When are you supposed to be going?”

“Tomorrow evening,” I reply, “but I’ve already said I won’t go if it’s going to cause you to have any doubts about us.”

“Jesus, she must think I’m some sort of neurotic mess,” she says, then drops her forehead against her fingertips, squeezing her eyes shut as she does so.

“No, she doesn’t, and even if she did, who cares? The only people who matter here, are you and me.”

“You have to go, of course, you do,” she says, even though her expression is telling me something completely different. “This is my issue, not yours. If we’re really going to make this into something, then I’ve got to learn to trust, and the only way I can do that is to let you show me. This is you showing me; this is a good thing, right?”

“Right,” I tell her with a smile. “I will show you with flying colors, I promise.”

“Ok…ok,” she says before she takes in another gulp of wine, “though, I should warn you, Nate has got first dibs on kicking your ass if you don’t.”

lean over to kiss her, but I know she won’t be comfortable again until this meeting with Amanda is over. Hopefully, with the answers I need.

Elijah

When I arrive at the same bar as yesterday, ready to meet with Amanda, I take out my phone to send Ellie a quick text. She’s been on edge since our dinner. I get it, she’s been nothing but let down in the past so she’s expecting the worst to try and protect herself. She’s right, this is a good thing; I can finally show her that no other woman is going to even tempt me away from her. I would never cheat, for many reasons, but mainly because she means so much to me already.

How’s my girl? X

I pace for a moment or two while I wait for her response. Truth be told, I’m on edge just as much as she is. I’ve been waiting for this moment for years, the whole time questioning everything about myself. What did I do to make someone who supposedly loved me just throw me away without even bothering to meet me face to face?

I’m ok, but I’m staying with Nate tonight. He’s promised to make me dinner. X

Good, I’m glad you’re not on your own. Trust me, baby. X

I do…I’m learning to. I hope she gives you what you need. X

Honestly? Me too. See you tomorrow. X

With that, I put my phone away, stand up straight, and prepare to march into battle, or so it feels like anyway. I spot her as soon as I walk in, wearing a little black dress that no doubt cost a small fortune. She regularly shops at Harrods and other designer boutiques, and I shudder to think what her clothing budget is. Being an only daughter to a billionaire has certainly allowed her to live a life that others can’t even imagine.

“Elijah,” she beams as she stands to offer me her cheek, which I dutifully kiss.

“Amanda,” I reply in greeting before we take our seats.

“Have you eaten, darling?” she asks, and I inwardly tut over the affectionate name she calls me. “You look tired, Elijah.”

“I admit, I didn’t sleep at all well last night. You turning up with my sister and the promise of answers had me tossing and turning all night.”

“Oh, darling-“

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