Page 46 of When Forever Falls Apart

Suddenly, I remember Eva is pregnant, and she’s been radio silent since she left yesterday morning. I quickly grab my phone off the nightstand, only to see a dead screen.Again. The stupid battery no longer holds its recommended charge, so I make a mental note to shop around for a new phone as soon as I can.

“Right… Paris,” I murmur, letting the name roll off my tongue like a bittersweet melody, my voice barely rising above a whisper. “Have you ever thought about going back?”

Elliot’s gaze remains fixed on Margaret Anne, and I watch him with this sudden need to know about his life in the most glamorous city in the world.

“All the time,” he answers with longing in his voice.

“So, what’s keeping you here? Besides our little charade next week.”

“It’s not that simple,” he replies, frustration threading through his tone, like a tightening guitar string. “There’s a certain expectation when you’re working in a high-pressure environment and competing with the best. It’s a lot, both physically and mentally, and, you know, relationships are complicated.”

I lower my eyes to the floor with a sudden tightness in my chest. “And running into old flames. Trust me, I know a thing or two about that,” I say, my heart racing with the truth of it. “It’s why I put off coming back here for as long as I could. I get it, I really do.”

As if I said something wrong, Elliot rises from the edge of the bed. “Finish your soup. Chef’s orders.”

I choose not to push him further. In the two weeks since our paths crossed, I’ve learned that Elliot doesn’t open up if pressured, and the topic of Nicole always strikes a nerve with him. I wish he would open up to me and see we’re alike in so many ways. We’re both running from our past, and just having someone I can confide in makes the journey less lonely.

Unknowingly, my gaze flicks upward to where Elliot is standing. He’s already dressed in a fresh T-shirt and shorts, showered, with his curls wild as usual. I find myself drawn to his lips again, the need to touch them at the edge of my fingertips.

Oh my God, get a grip on your thoughts. Just eat the damn soup.

I gulp down the last remnants of the soup and decide it’s time to get out of bed, only to remember Elliot mentioning my dress is stained with vomit. I close my eyes involuntarily, embarrassed by my erratic behavior the previous night and by the fact that, of all people, it had to be Elliot who was designated as my babysitter.

“Do you mind if I take a quick shower?” I ask. “I’m hoping to wash off last night’s humiliation.”

“Of course,” Elliot replies. “The bathroom is outside the room on your left. Just give the water a few moments to heat up, but other than that, it’s all yours.”

“Thank you,” I say, a wave of gratitude washing over me as I rise from the soft embrace of the sheets. Margaret Anne watches me, tilting her head the way pugs are known for. She follows me to the bathroom, so I bend down to talk to her. “We just met. It would be weird for you to see my lady parts. No offense or anything.”

Elliot shakes his head in amusement. “Not sure she knows what lady parts she’s looking at.”

“Yeah,” I scratch my head, grinning. “But it’s weird having someone watch you shower. I mean, unless, of course, it’s someone you’re sleeping with. Though if someone you’re sleeping with is watching you shower, chances are they’ll join you in the shower, and it’ll lead to shower sex. Honestly, I did it once and never again…”

I’m suddenly aware of my overshare when Elliot gazes at me with a piqued curiosity.

The smirk across his lips says it all.

“Shower sex, huh?”

I press my lips together to keep them shut, but my stupid brain opens them wide to add, “I really didn’t mean to go there with my train of thought. Look, it’s been a while. Like I said, my celibacy isn’t by choice.”

Elliot continues his smug observation. The heat in my cheeks burns like wildfire, and standing here, wearing his clothes, makes this all the more awkward.

“Okay, and there I go again.” I groan at myself. “I’m going to shower now.”

Just as I’m about to close the door, I hear Elliot call my name. I pause.

“Your dress will be dry soon. You don’t have to wear my shirt into town,” Elliot reassures me, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Though, if you’re aiming to stir up some gossip, it just might serve as an entertaining conversation starter.”

A laugh escapes my lips, breaking the tension. “Honestly, I think I have enough drama in my life already. If anyone spots me on this boat, they’ll certainly have their opinions.” I glance at Margaret Anne, who lounges with an air of nonchalance. “Now, please don’t go spreading any rumors. We ladies have to stick together.”

Margaret Anne saunters out of the room, bored by my presence. I suspect she’s heading back home to her owner, who doesn’t lead such a complicated life. Perhaps I’m too much drama for her majesty.

“Geez, someone’s a bit dramatic,” I mutter under my breath, a grin tugging at the corners of my mouth.

“Hey, about last night…” Elliot begins, his tone tentative.

I shake my head, cutting him off before the words can tumble out further. “I really don’t want to talk about it. Look at me, I’m wearing your shirt because I practically covered myself in vomit. Nothing about this screamsI have my life together.”