The Ex

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

I mask my shock with a closed-mouth smile. Ignoring the voice in my head warning me that this is a horrible idea, I shrug my shoulder and say, "of course we can." We can be the type of pals who keep their distance and never speak unless forced to at social gatherings. That is the only type of friendship Ethan and I could ever have. That is the only type of friendship I could endure.

Completely oblivious to my inner thoughts, he exhales a long breath and he returns my smile. "We can start this friendship by getting a coffee to wash down all these delicious cakes," he gestures to the now-empty board in front of us.

Evidently, we have a different definition of friendship. Do I want to prolong this emotional torture? No. Was the vulnerability in Ethan's eyes having me reconsider? Yes.

I swallow my apprehension and go against my instinct, "sure, coffee sounds great." The smile that lights up his devastatingly handsome face has my heart pounding harder. The last time I saw that smile was long before we fell apart. Ignoring my heart-wrenching memories, I motion to the table and ask, "what's your vote?"

"I know you've already settled on chocolate but I also really liked the red velvet." My incredulous look has him adding, "oh come on, don't act like you hadn't decided on chocolate before you even tried the cake."

Ignoring his remark and the unsettling fact that he still knows me too well, I roll my eyes at him. His grin widens in response.

"I know Sophie wants four tiers so it can alternate between chocolate and red velvet so they get the best of both flavors. I'm thinking a cream cheese frosting would be amazing."

"Sounds perfect," he agrees.

I can't help the thought that crosses my mind; this would have been our choice had we actually made it down the aisle. I watch as his smile falls when he makes the same realization. Clearing his throat, he breaks the uncomfortable silence. "We just compromised without a fight, this is a rare occurrence."

I plaster a fake grin on my face and decide to postpone my forthcoming meltdown, "I guess this is what happens when we're friends."

"I guess so," he responds with an equally fake smile.

Our silent appraisal of one another is interrupted by the ringing of Ethan's cell. He reaches for it and glances at the screen, "I'm sorry, I have to take this."

I think about how many times I've heard him say that; how many times I thought nothing of it when in reality, there had always been something.

"No problem, I'll tell Betty what we settled on." Collecting my bag, I make my way to the counter and allow Ethan some privacy. His business no longer involves me. I ignore the ache in my chest that this recognition causes; convey our decision to Betty and thank her.

"Anytime Charlotte. Besides, I expect to see you for your cake tasting very soon."

I pause and look at her with wide eyes.

"Tell Paul I said that it was about time he popped the question," she continues with a wink.

Of course, she had been referring to Paul and not the man that just walked out of the shop. "Will do," I respond with a half-hearted smile. Although the news of our break hasn't reached her, I can't bring myself to tell her the truth. After sharing goodbyes and promises to catch up, I welcome the noise of the busy street as I step onto the sidewalk.

Spotting Ethan on the curb, I take a moment and observe his broad shoulders, lean waist, and long legs. His clean-cut looks and dark navy suit is a reminder that he does the buttoned-up businessman look very well. Although his stance is casual, the tension in his wide shoulders is anything but.

"I'm sorry but something has come up," Ethan states the second I reach him. The hard tone in his voice throws me off. Despite his attempt to remain impassive, his tight lips and clenched jaw radiate anger.

"Is everything okay?" I state in concern.

"It will be," he signals a taxi and it stops directly before him. "I guess I'll see you around." Without a backward glance, he opens the door and seats himself in the back.

"I guess so. Goodb-" He slams the door before I get the chance to finish my sentence. Standing wide-eyed on the side of the road, I watch him leave for a second time with my heart in his grasp.

The realization that I will never get it back almost kills me.

Thank you for reading The Ex: Chapter thirteen!
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