Chapter 34: Coffee and Unwelcome Surprises

ELLIE

Todd was still on my couch when I got up the next morning. I had already showered and dressed in my workout clothes when I stood in front of the couch. I nudged him, trying to wake him up. He grumbled and shifted, opening one eye.

"El?"

"You need to get up, I'm heading out," his eyes roamed over my body, assessing. Then he sat up and stretched.

"Are you going to the gym?" he asked, yawning.

"Yes."

"Are you walking?"

"Maybe, why?"

"Can I join you?"

"Aren't you hungover?" I crossed my arms over my chest, skeptical.

"Nothing a shower won't fix."

"I can't wait."

"I promise it'll only take five minutes." "Move on without resentment, Ellie, don't forget," I sighed.

"Then hurry up."

On the way to the gym, I managed to have enough conversation with Todd to find out that he had returned to the country because he became responsible for exporting wines from his family's winery