My chest tightens, making it hard to breathe."I need to explain.He thinks..."The words catch in my throat as the image of his blank stare replays in my mind."He thinks I betrayed him."
Carmen's hand lands on my shoulder, steady despite everything."Easy.I'm sure Jeremy will explain to him that what he saw isn't what he thinks."
But I barely hear her.My eyes keep scanning the crowd, hoping for a glimpse of him, dreading not finding one.The bouquet he dropped catches my attention – such a beautiful declaration of love now scattered across the pavement, some petals already trampled by passing feet.The sight makes my heart crack.
"Alisha!"Amanda's voice cuts through my spiral.She's standing in the doorway of the store, gesturing urgently for me to come back.I take one last, desperate look down the street, my shoulders dropping in defeat as I realize he's truly gone.
Walking back to Amanda feels like moving through water, each step heavy with regret.Her face mirrors the ache in my chest.
"You saw what happened?"
She bites her lip and nods.The sympathy in her eyes breaks the last of my control, and tears spill down my cheeks.Amanda wraps me in a fierce hug, her embrace both comfort and anchor.
"Don't worry," she whispers against my hair."When he comes back, you'll have time to explain, and he'll understand.Cole loves you."
I pull back, running trembling hands through my hair.God, I hope you're right.But the memory of his eyes – those warm blue eyes turned to ice – makes doubt curl cold and heavy in my stomach.
"Alisha?"
I turn to find Carmen holding the fallen bouquet, carefully gathered from the sidewalk.The flowers seem dimmer now, their beauty muted by circumstance.
"I'm genuinely sorry," she says, her voice thick with regret."I never intended to cause trouble for you."She extends the bouquet, and I take it mechanically, my fingers brushing against the soft petals.
The stunning arrangement now feels like evidence of everything I might have just lost.
"I need to explain."The words come out shaky but determined as I stride into the store, laying the bouquet on the counter with trembling hands.I grab the store phone, punching in Cole's number from memory.Each ring echoes in my ear like a countdown.
"Fuck!"The curse slips out when his voicemail picks up.I close my eyes, trying to steady my voice."Please call me back.I promise, things are not what they seem.I love you."
The words feel inadequate, but they're all I have.I end the call, releasing a long breath that does nothing to ease the tightness in my chest.The bell above the door chimes, and my head snaps up, hope flaring – but it's just customers, a young couple holding hands and browsing.
Amanda and I greet them automatically, years of retail experience taking over while my mind races with thoughts of Cole.The contrast between their obvious happiness and my current turmoil makes my throat tight.
"Why don't you go to the back and place the flowers in a vase?"Amanda suggests softly, her eyes full of understanding."I'll handle the customers."
I nod gratefully, gathering the bouquet and retreating to the kitchen.My hands shake as I pull a crystal vase from the cabinet – the nice one we usually save for special occasions.The irony isn't lost on me.
Carmen follows me in, her heels clicking against the tile floor."I'll try to call Jeremy."She digs through her designer bag, pulling out her phone.The hope that flares in my chest dies quickly when she lowers the device with a grimace.
"Sorry, he turned off his phone."
I turn back to the flowers, my fingers trailing over the velvety petals of a deep red rose.Each bloom was chosen with such care, such intention.Please, Cole, come back and let me explain.
The hours that follow are torture.Every chime of the door makes my heart jump.Every phone call that isn't from Cole chips away at my hope.By closing time, my nerves are frayed raw.
Amanda and I walk to our cars in silence, the parking lot already dark with evening shadows.The weight of Cole's silence sits heavy on my shoulders.Where is he?Is he alone, or is Jeremy with him?
A tap on my shoulder pulls me from my thoughts.
"Is Samantha home?"Amanda asks.
"Yeah, she texted me."
"Well, then I'm coming with you."Her tone brooks no argument.
"That's sweet, Amanda, but—"
"No buts."She cuts me off with fierce determination."You need a friend, and I'm your friend.So let's go.We are going to order a delicious pizza that we can devour as we wait for Cole to return."
