Chapter 7

“Do you want me to come over and pick you up? You know you can’t drive in this state,” Jess asked, her tone tinged with worry.

I shook my head, even though she couldn’t see me. “No, Jess. I just need a moment to think. Everything feels complicated. I’ll calm down, eat something, and drive myself home.”

“Okay, Miss Carter,” she replied in a mock-formal tone.

I couldn’t help but smile a little. “You don’t even know what happened, Jess.”

“Well, then enlighten me,” she said eagerly. “Spill the tea!”

I sighed and leaned back against the bench. “There was this guy. Bryan. He sat next to me after I stormed out of Dino’s office.”

“Bryan?” she repeated. “And?”

“And… he was nice. Too nice, actually. He tried to talk to me, asked if I was okay, and even said I looked pretty, but I wasn’t in the mood. So, I sort of… snubbed him.”

Jess let out an exaggerated groan. “Eloise! Why are you like this?”

“Like what?” I asked defensively.

“Rude!” she exclaimed. “When was the last time you let someone show you kindness? Or God forbid flirt with you? Actually, better yet, when was the last time you let someone in? Like in in?”

Jess!” I hissed, heat rushing to my face. “Are you seriously asking me that right now?”

“Yes, Eloise, I’m asking!” she replied unapologetically. “When was the last time you had sex? And don’t give me that ‘it’s been a while’ nonsense. Spill.”

I pressed a hand to my forehead, groaning. “I don’t know, okay? A long time. Can we not do this right now?”

“Exactly my point,” Jess said triumphantly. “You’ve built this fortress around yourself. I get it, Dino and your past did a number on you. But come on, Eloise, at some point, you’ve got to let someone in. Let yourself feel good for once.”

“It’s not that simple,” I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes, it is,” she countered. “You’re making it complicated because you’re scared. You’ve been holding onto your past like it’s a shield, and it’s stopping you from moving forward.”

I stayed silent, her words hitting closer to home than I wanted to admit.

I rolled my eyes, though her words stung more than I cared to admit. “It wasn’t the time or place, Jess. I was angry, confused, and overwhelmed. The last thing I needed was some random guy making small talk.”

Jess wasn’t letting up. “Look, I get that Dino threw you off your game, but not everyone is out to hurt you, Eloise. Sometimes, people just want to connect. Maybe Bryan was just a guy who thought you were beautiful and wanted to make your day a little better.”

I stayed silent, guilt gnawing at me.

“And let’s be real,” Jess continued. “When was the last time you were in a relationship? Or dare I say it again, felt someone inside you?”

“Jessica!” I hissed, glancing around as if someone might overhear.

She burst out laughing. “I’m serious, Eloise. You’re wound so tight, I wouldn’t be surprised if you forgot what it’s like to just… feel.”

I groaned, rubbing my temples. “This is not the conversation I need right now.”

“Maybe it’s the one you do need,” she shot back. “Look, I’m not saying jump into bed with Bryan or fall for Dino’s ‘changed man’ routine. But maybe, just maybe, you need to let yourself feel something again. Anything.”

“Look,” she said, her tone softening. “I’m not saying throw yourself at the next guy who smiles at you. But don’t slam the door in someone’s face just because you’re afraid. Life’s too short for that.”

“Maybe you’re right,” I admitted reluctantly.

“Of course I’m right,” she said, her voice lightening. “Now go eat something, calm down, and maybe, just maybe, stop being so damn hard on yourself. And if Bryan happens to cross your path again, maybe try not to scare him off this time.”

“I’ll think about it,” I said, a faint smile tugging at my lips.

“Good. And if you need a push, you know where to find me. Love you, Eloise.”

“Love you too, Jess,” I replied softly.

I spotted a cozy little restaurant nearby, its warm lights spilling onto the sidewalk. My stomach grumbled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten. Without much thought, I headed inside.

The moment I stepped through the door, my eyes caught sight of Bryan sitting in a corner booth, leisurely eating and scrolling through his phone. I froze for a split second, debating whether to turn around and walk right back out. But no, I wasn’t about to let him think I was avoiding him.

Straightening my posture, I walked directly to the counter, pretending not to notice him. My heart pounded as I scanned the menu. “One spaghetti, please. To-go,” I said, my voice clipped but polite.

The server handed me the neatly packaged container in no time. With my order in hand, I turned on my heel and made a beeline for the door, resisting the urge to glance in Bryan’s direction.

Once outside, I hurried to my car, unlocked it, and slipped inside, letting out a long breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.

Placing the food on the passenger seat, I leaned back and closed my eyes for a moment. The memory of Bryan’s earlier words lingered, but I quickly shook it off. I wasn’t in the mood for overthinking.

I tore into the spaghetti right there in the car. The rich, savory sauce and perfectly cooked pasta were enough to momentarily distract me from my tangled thoughts.

After finishing, I wiped my hands, discarded the container in a nearby bin, and started the car. The drive home felt quiet, almost too quiet.

By the time I pulled into my driveway, the day’s events weighed on me heavily. All I wanted was a shower, my bed, and maybe a moment to not feel like the world was spinning out of control. But no, absolutely no, I have a mom.

The moment I stepped through the door, there she was, perched on the couch with a glass of wine in hand, her eyes lighting up like a beacon.

“Eloise!” she called out, setting the glass down and practically leaping to her feet. “How did it go? Tell me everything!”

I sighed, dropping my bag on the floor. “Mom, can we not do this right now? It’s been a long day.”

“Oh, nonsense,” she said, waving her hand dismissively. “You’re my daughter. I have a right to know if my baby nailed her big interview!”

Her enthusiasm was both endearing and exhausting. “It was... fine,” I mumbled, kicking off my shoes.

“Fine?” she repeated, raising an eyebrow. “That doesn’t sound very convincing. Did something happen?”

I hesitated, not sure how much to share. The last thing I needed was for her to go full on protective mom mode and start demanding explanations from the Alessandro family.

“It’s nothing,” I said finally. “Just... work stuff.”

“Work stuff?” she echoed, narrowing her eyes. “Eloise Carter, don’t you dare brush me off. I know when something’s bothering you.”

I groaned, running a hand through my hair. “Mom, please. I’m tired. Can we talk about this later?”

She sighed dramatically, crossing her arms. “Fine. But don’t think you’re off the hook. I’ll give you tonight to rest, but tomorrow, we’re having a chat. Deal?”

“Deal,” I muttered, trudging toward the stairs.

“And don’t forget to eat something!” she called after me. “You look like you’ve been through a tornado.”

I shook my head, a small smile tugging at my lips despite myself. No matter how chaotic my life got, my mom’s relentless energy was a constant I could always count on, even if it was exhausting sometimes.