Page 82 of Only You
Hannah
I sat in the bathtub with my knees to my chest, sobbing. Once again, my heart was broken, but in a different way. I truly loved him, and it hurt worse than ever.
The following morning, I stumbled out of bed. Two hours of sleep, and I could barely function. After downing a cup of coffee, hoping the caffeine would kick in fast, I showered and dressed. My eyes were red and swollen from all the tears, and no amount of concealer could hide the bags.
Just as I approached the shop, Luis pulled in next to me.
“Good morning, darling.” His bright and cheerful voice irritated me.
“Morning.” I unlocked the shop door.
“I came to get some flowers for the art gallery,” he said.
“Okay.”
“Hold on. What’s wrong?” He placed his hand on my shoulder. “He reached up and removed my sunglasses. “Oh, darling. What happened?”
“Alex told me last night that there’s nothing between us, and his plate is full enough.”
“Oh no.” He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into him. “That bastard.”
“Once again, I was blindsided, Luis. It’s my fault. I let it happen.” Tears streamed down my face.
“It’s not your fault, baby doll. The man has issues.”
“I’m done.” I pulled away. “Done!” I gripped the edge of the counter and lowered my head. “I promised myself a fresh start here. Oh my God, Luis. I can’t live in his guesthouse. I can’t see him every day. Being in that house, that bed. It’s all memories of him. What am I going to do?” The tears continued to fall.
“You’re going to hold your head up high. That’s what you’re going to do. You’re a strong woman, Hannah James.”
“You know what the worst part is?”
“What, darling?”
“Lucy and I talked last night. She apologized for her behavior and told me she doesn’t hate me.”
“Listen to me.” He gripped my shoulders. “You have this beautiful shop now and so many friends here. You will get through this. The best way to heal a broken heart is by immersing yourself into something else.”
“What is going on here?” Adalyn walked into the shop.
“Good morning, darling.” Luis smiled. “Your sister had her heart broken last night by Mr. Harbor.”
“Oh, Hannah. What happened? Why didn’t you call me last night?”
“Because I didn’t want to bother you.” I told her everything that happened last night.
“You wouldn’t have bothered me. You know I hate when you don’t come to me when you’re hurting.”
“I was going to tell you later today. Why are you here, anyway?”
“I wanted some flowers for the gallery.”
“Great minds think alike. That’s why I’m here.” Luis smiled.
“Listen to me. Alex is a jerk for saying what he did. But I think there’s more going on with him.”
“Like the fact he’s an asshole?” I said.
“Yeah, that too.” She smiled. “We’ll talk later. I have to get to the gallery. Today is Olivia’s first day back since having the baby. I love you.”