Chapter 108: Just a Slip

ELLIE

My phone buzzed, and I opened the message with Anna's name on the screen. She was apologizing for the thousandth time that week and insisting that I go to the bar for our weekly meeting.

I put my phone in my purse and grabbed my keys before leaving my apartment. After what she had pulled in her apartment, I decided it was best to take a break from her, from everyone, actually. That included the men she was trying to set me up with.

So, that's what I did during the week: I only spoke to Anna when necessary, tried to avoid Jorrick, and turned down Anthony's invitation for a date. I didn't want to go out with anyone; I just needed some time, especially after that conversation with Ethan.

And even though it was painful to hear him repeat the same story about how he could never give me what he thinks I want, I think I finally understood that his decision has nothing to do with me.

From the beginning, I knew Ethan had his own traumas, and he made it clear that he couldn't offer me