Page 105 of The King Contract
I shrug. “I’m not sure yet.”
That’s the truth. I haven’t figured out what to say to Noah. I’ve rehearsed a thousand speeches, but I know myself. Based on my experience in high-angst situations of the past, I’m likely to either word vomit or go silent.
“Whatever you do, don’t do what wehatein romance stories,” Ellis warns. “Remember your biggest pet peeve ofNormal People?”
I tap the side of the mug, testing the temperature. “I loved that show.”
“As did I, but what was one of the key themes?” she presses.
Remaining silent, I watch the milk swirl to a fluffy broth, inhaling as coffee pours into my mug.
“Miscommunication,” she spits. “If Marianne and Connell hadtalkedabout things properly, they’d have avoided a tonne of heartache.”
“Then there’d be no story,” I reply.
Ellis snatches the carton of milk to return it to the fridge. “Millie Schofield, do not become a Marianne. I forbid it.”
I snap off the hot water and bang the jug on the bench loudly, before pouring it into my mug in a careful pattern. The theme of communication has been present in my life for the past few months. Advice from Mack, working on it with Noah, and now Ellis, demanding it from me. Logically, communicationisthe answer. Iknowthat. But I’m afraid. I’m afraid of what communicating my feelings could lead to.
“We’ve both admitted we can’t keep pretending,” I tell her. “But I don’t know what that means for either of us going forward.”
Ellis rubs my arm and narrows her eyes. It’s her way of comforting me but also being stern. “Be honest with how you feel. Promise me you’ll do that.”
I nod. “I promise.”
Ellis nods. “Good. Now get some more caffeine in you. We have to clean this place up for event number two.”
I sip my coffee as she walks away, and I can’t tell if my nerves in my belly are for my impending photography exhibit or the man I can’t stop thinking about.
42
NOAH
Please don’t cry
There’sno mistaking her when Sofia walks into a room. I catch a glint of gold off her red hair and note her pale skin, the graceful way in which she carries herself towards me.
Callum stands as she arrives. “Hi Sofia, nice to see you.”
She smiles and gives him a kiss on the cheek. “Hello, Callum. Dapper as always.” Her eyes flicker to mine. “Hi, Noah.”
“Hey.”
A rush of tangled emotions dumps over my head. That we’re at the same party, in the Southern hemisphere after months of no contact, is surreal. She looks as stunning as ever, dressed in a tight-fitting, calf-length designer dress, with massive heels. Her red hair cascades in curls over her shoulders and down her back, her signature red lips showing off a gleaming smile.
Sofia bites her bottom lip. “Do you mind if I join you? I won’t stay long, I promise.”
My gaze darts to Callum and he nods. “I’ve got to use the bathroom. Be back in a minute.” He shoots me a look as if warning me to not put my foot in it whilst he’s gone.
“How are you?” Sofia asks, sitting down next to me. She places her champagne flute on the table and clasps her hands.
“Good. How are things back home?”
Sofia shrugs. “Same old.”
“What’re you doing all the way out here?” I nod to the dance floor below us. “A long way to come for a promo.”
She smiles. “I’ve never visited Australia. Too good to pass up.”
