“He kissed me,” Laura replied. “He said he didn't want to take a break. But, I made it clear that was what was happening.”
“Then what?” Elena asked. Laura couldn't read her expression.
“He said okay and left. He just walked off. It was two days ago, and he hasn't called me or anything,” Laura told her. Her throat tightened, and she played with a napkin left on the bar. “Did I do the right thing?”
“Did you do the right thing?” Elena snorted. “You pushed away a great guy you not only thinks you're the bee's knees, but he also doesn't care that you have kids. He actually likes your kids. Not to mention he's got a good job, to put it mildly.”
Laura's mouth dropped open. This was not the reaction she was expecting from her friend.
“And you're telling me that you gave him up because he gets on a plane once in a while?” Elena continued. “There are way, way more dangerous jobs out there that deserve this reaction. The problem is all in your head, Laura.”
Anger flared up in Laura's chest, hot and fierce. She crumpled the napkin and wished she had the power to light it on fire with her mind.
“You know I love you, Laura,” Elena said shaking her head. “But I don't think this was the right move.”
Laura got up, nearly knocking the bar stool over in her fury. She couldn't believe her friend was betraying her like this. She needed support, not criticism.
“Fine. You don't get it either,” Laura spat, grabbing her purse and heading to the door. She threw open the door as hard as she could and stormed outside. She didn't need this. She already felt terrible. The last thing she needed was someone telling her she was wrong.
Tears stung at her eyes as she looked f
or her car. She couldn't remember where she parked.
“Laura! Laura, come back,” Elena called, hurrying out of the restaurant after her. She stood in front of Laura with her hands open. “I'm trying to be a friend, but I'm coming across as a bitch, and I'm sorry. Honestly, I'm sorry, Laura.”
Laura's lower lip shook, and a tear snuck down her face. “He hasn't called me.”
Elena hugged her close. “Oh, honey. I'm so sorry.”
“I think you're right, Elena,” Laura whispered into her friend's shoulder. She was glad Elena hadn't released her from the hug yet. She needed to be held. “I think I screwed up.”
Elena hugged her tighter. “It'll be okay. You'll see. I know he cares about you.”
Laura sniffled. “I'm still terrified I'm going to lose him,” she admitted. “I'm not ready for this, Elena. I don't want to feel all of this.”
“Oh, Laura.” Elena rubbed her back. “Come back inside. I'll buy you a drink.”
“That would be good,” Laura said, letting Elena go and wiping her face. She tried to smile, but it still came out as weepy.
“I'll buy you two drinks,” Elena said, putting her hand on Laura's shoulder and guiding her back inside the empty restaurant. “Then you can tell me how horrible he is, and this time I promise to agree with you and tell you that all men are pigs.”
Laura chuckled and wiped at her face again. “You got any ice cream?”
“I have a whole freezer full,” Elena promised, holding open the door. “Come on.”
Elena held the door for Laura and brought her back to the bar. She hurried around to the serving side and quickly started making up a drink.
“So, I bet he left the toilet seat up, didn't he?” Elena asked. “Men are terrible.”
Laura chuckled and took the drink when Elena handed it to her. “The worst,” she agreed. “The absolute worst.”
Chapter 36
Laura
“Bye, guys! Have fun! Love you!” Laura waved to the kids as the car pulled away. She could see Ivy and Dallas waving back, as well as Grandma and Grandpa. The two kids were off to spend the weekend with their grandparents. Laura had forgotten about it completely until Grandma had called and asked what time to pick them up.
Laura had arranged for the weekend off of parent duty two weeks ago, back when she was still with him. She'd had this fantastic idea to steal him away for a sexy weekend adventure. Then they'd broken up.