“About Riley’s wedding. I think it’s best that you don’t come.”
“Right.” He slowly nodded as he tucked his hands into his pants pockets. “Maybe all this is for the best anyway.”
“What is?” I asked.
“That we don’t see each other anymore. I’m only here for two years. As soon as my fellowship ends, I’m returning to New York.”
“Seriously?” I narrowed my eyes at him. “Was that your plan all along?”
“Yep. I can’t stay here in California.”
“You’re such an asshole.” I shook my head.
“I know I am, Ella. I’m sorry.” He turned and walked out of my office.
I cupped my face to try and stop the tears that wanted to emerge. Since I didn’t have any more surgeries scheduled, I decided to take the rest of the day off and head to the dance studio.
“Hi, Ella,” Ari grinned.
“Hi, Ari. Is a room open?”
“Yeah. Room two is free for a couple of hours.”
“Thanks. Is my mom teaching a class?”
“Yeah. She’s in room six.”
“Thanks.” I smiled.
After changing into my leotard and pointe shoes, I turned on some music and danced across the floor, escaping my misery and entering a world of peace. The door opened, and my mom stood there and watched me with a smile. Willow entered and danced beside me until the music stopped. My mom clapped, and my sister hugged me.
“Why aren’t you at the hospital?” Willow asked.
“It was slow, so I decided to take the rest of the day off.”
“I’m happy you did. That was fun.” She grinned.
“Willow, sweetheart. Can you give your sister and me a moment?”
“Sure, Mom. I’ll see you later, Ella.”
“What’s wrong, sweet girl?” My mom walked over and cupped my chin.
“Graham and I won’t be seeing each other anymore.”
“What? Why? I thought you were bringing him to Riley’s wedding.”
“It’s not working out.”
“What did he do?”
“He thinks lying to me is no big deal. He told me today that after his two-year fellowship is up, he’s moving back to New York. That was his plan all along, Mom.” Tears streamed down my face. “He was just using me.”
She let out a sigh. “Come here.” She wrapped her arms around me.
“We got into this huge fight last night about him lying to me about living in California as a child.”
“What did he say?”
