Chapter Fourteen

Saying goodbye to them both, Stephen turned and joined his friend outside.

Ella breathed an enormous sigh of relief. Wanting to ensure her well-being, Stephen showed kindness.

Her rudeness and sharp manner were so unlike her. However, their friendship was forever changed. She knew it was silly, but she could never trust him not to hurt her again. It wasn’t so much their engagement had broken up; it was how it had ended and that everyone knew in town. She didn’t want to be pitied. Even if they try for some sort of friendship now, Ava just wouldn’t allow it.

Ella was pleased and stupidly angry that Nick remained unaware of the presence of his mysterious woman.

Swinging around to her friend, Ella found Em leaning against the counter, looking at her. Waiting.

“Well, safe for another day.” Ella rushed out.

“Yes! But is that really what you want?” Em questioned

“Why wouldn’t I? I don’t want anyone to find out.”

Emily reasoned, “Maybe deep down, babe, you do. There must have been something b