Page 84 of Captive

“And I appreciate that. Really I do.”

She huffed in an exaggerated manner before walking away. My thoughts immediately drifted to Nikolai, the hot feeling remaining only morphing into desire. How stupid of me. I had to get over this and find a way of enjoying my life all over again.

Growling, I set my mind on performing my tasks, even managing to hum for a few minutes while doing so.

I was so damn pathetic.

Within a few minutes, dinner customers started to arrive, and I was kept busy. As darkness fell, the same oppressive feelings rolled into my system. I hated the darkness as much as the loneliness.

But I plodded on, refusing to look out the window for the umpteenth time.

When the customers finally started to weed out, I almost had a panic attack. I’d need to walk out by myself to the parking lot. At least the owner allowed me to park in front given my ordeal. There was always a light overhead.

I grabbed a stack of plates, heading into the back. As soon as I’d gotten them into the sink, I burst into tears.

Within seconds, I felt Becky’s gentle touch, placing her hands on my shoulders. “Honey, you’re going to need to talk about whatever is going on. It’s eating you alive inside.”

“I just can’t right now.”

“There will always be other men. You gotta let him go, that is unless you can’t.” There was something different about her voice.

I turned around, wiping my eyes before looking at her. “No, you’re right. I need to. It was just a few days, but I miss him. That’s all I’m going to say.”

“That’s all you need to say. Any kind of grieving takes time.” She squeezed my arm before walking out into the dining room.

I shrank against the sink, my body shaking. I was a freaking out over a man I barely knew.

And one you loved.

And the one who said he loved you.

Yeah, right. That was just one big fantasy. It was time for me to grow the hell up. Sniffling, I took several deep breaths then wiped my hands on my apron. Maybe tonight I’d finally get a good night’s sleep.

“Um, Chloe. There’s someone here to see you.”

I jerked my head up, shifting my eyes back and forth. “Someone?”

“Yeah, a pretty handsome guy.” A sly smile crossed her face.

A rush of emotions swirled through me. “A man?”

She grinned from ear to ear. “Come on. Take off that apron.”

Shaking, I managed to do what she suggested, yanking my hairpin at the last minute and fluffing my hair. “Do I look okay? I mean at least presentable?”

Laughing, she shooed me toward the door. “Absolutely, honey. You’re one gorgeous girl. Now, go. Go! At least now you can tell him about your secret.”

“My secret?”

She nodded, her eyes twinkling.

I tried not to rush, my heart racing. After taking a deep breath, I managed to walk out the door instead of float.Please. Please.Please.After easing around the counter and taking two steps, I froze. “Travis. What are you doing here?”

When he turned around, I could see anguish in his eyes although he tried to mask it with a smile. “Hi.” He walked closer.

“Is something wrong?” My throat started to close.

“Um, I thought we could go somewhere and talk. Would that be okay? I have some… news.”