Page 69 of Say You'll Stay

My next call is to Beau, but he doesn’t answer. I try a few more times, and nothing. So, I text him, “Call me. It’s important.”

After waiting a few minutes and getting nothing back, I’m so confused. How could he ghost me like this? Firing me, and then not answering or texting back? Did I read him wrong?

Maybe everything he did for me, he would have done for a friend, too. Beau is passionate about his friends and his family, so would everything he did for me be out of the realm of what he’d do for anyone? Am I just anyone to him?

I hope not. Because that feels an awful lot like being no one to him.

Everything else aside, he is a professional COO. Why in the hell wouldn’t he fire me to my face like a grown-up? Is it too much to ask to have the dignity of an in-person firing? Instead, I get my boss doing his dirty work. It’s cowardly, which is nothing like Beau. He’s like me— he prefers to face things head on.

So, what in the hell happened?

Am I just too much drama for him to handle? Dad’s stuff was too much for him? Maybe. He got very upset when he spoke about his father’s heart attack. If this brought that trauma back for him, I guess it’s possible he can’t handle being around me…but lots of people have heart attacks. He can’t avoid them all. No. That doesn’t track. What about me is so unbearable that he can’t speak to me? What is wrong with me?

Oh, screw this. Two can play this game. He wants to ignore me? Fine. I can ignore him, too.

Not that he’ll even notice, since he’s ignoring me.

-

30

BEAU

On the drive to the office, I realize just how tired I am. I’d gotten back home just last night and slept in my own bed, which was nice. But sleeping in it without Elsie feels wrong. We had only a few hours together in my bed, but they were magical. I have never slept so soundly as I did next to her.

That should have been my first clue that I have fallen for her.

Her wit, her brilliant mind, her sense of humor, all of it would have been enough for me to launch into a crush to last the ages. But that wrapped in a stunning package is enough to drive a man to a chapel. Those factors had done the trick of hooking me, but then I saw how she was with her estranged mother.

No matter their history, she was kind and loving and gentle. Whatever had driven them apart in the past was nothing when it came to what was important. Elsie kept Beth calm and as composed as she could, while trying to communicate with the medical staff. The ire I’d seen her eyes at the mention of her parents had been replaced by an undying affection for them. She didn’t let bitterness stand in the way of being a good person, and I respect the hell out of her for that.

Too many people in estranged relationships would have just sent their mother’s calls to voicemail. I try not to judge— every situation is different—and some people have good cause not to be in contact with their family. But I was glad to see Elsie was able to get past the past and focus on what was important.

I hope she can do the same with me.

Things between us didn’t start in a conventional sense. But that doesn’t mean they started wrong. And now… now. I sigh. Nothing will feel right until she is back in Somerset Harbor. I’m happy she is spending time with her parents. Perhaps this will heal the rift between them. But with her gone, food doesn’t taste as good. The sky is less blue. The town is colder.

I need Elsie back. I have to tell her how I feel. If she’s ready to hear it.

I don’t know how she will react. She might be upset or run away. She might think I’m joking, and that would be worse than an outright rejection. Or, she might say it back. And that is the thought that makes the other reactions worth the risk.

Downtown parking is always at a premium during tourist season, so getting a spot in front of our building can be tricky. One of the nice things about living here is all the exotic cars that come through because of the tourists. When people come to a summer town, they like to live it up. So, it’s not unusual to see Rolls Royce, Bugatti Veyron, or other expensive and exotic cars.

But today is the first time I’ve ever parked next to a Mercedes 300SL Gullwing.

I take a minute to fully appreciate the beauty of the car. They are rare, though I’m not sure how many exist. Certainly few in this condition. It’s either incredibly well-restored or has been treated like a baby for six decades. Perfect, every detail. I get chills just looking at this silver piece of art. I love my Aston, but she does not have the same appeal as a vintage car.

Who the hell is driving this thing around for vacation? Lucky bastard. Whoever they are, I hope they treat her well.

I jog up the stairs, and while heading for my office, I poke my head into my assistant’s. “Good morning, Shelly. No calls until ten. I didn’t sleep much.”

But she has the oddest look on her face. “Um, sure. No problem.”

“Everything alright?”

“Everything is great.”

“Coffee. Lots of coffee, please.”