If We Fall Again

Chapter 15

Elise was busy managing the inventory behind the bar, counting bottles when she noticed Olivia walking in with a group of friends, Jenna among them. Olivia greeted Elise with a smile, but Jenna immediately rolled her eyes at the sight of her.

"Here we go," Elise muttered under her breath before straightening up and walking over to greet them. "Hey, Olivia. Good to see you again. Jenna." She kept her tone polite and professional, ignoring the tension.

Jenna barely acknowledged her, but Olivia stepped in quickly. "We're just grabbing a few drinks. Hope we aren’t bothering you too much."

Elise shook her head. "Not at all. Have fun." She offered a tight smile before heading back to Taylor, who was at the bar.

Taylor had been observing the scene and raised an eyebrow. "What’s up with her?"

Elise shrugged. "She’s... difficult, but I can handle it."

Taylor grinned. "Difficult? I'd call it something else. Just say the word, and I’ll accidentally spill a drink on her or something. Maybe punch her, too."

Elise chuckled. "No need. Let’s not cause a scene."

"A scene? It would be a public service," Taylor joked, giving Elise a playful nudge. The two laughed quietly to themselves before Taylor added, "But seriously, you okay?"

"I’m fine, really," Elise reassured her. "It’s nothing new."

Hours passed, and things had settled down until Olivia came rushing toward Elise, looking panicked. "Jenna’s drunk, and she’s headed to Nate’s office."

Elise immediately tensed. "What?"

"She’s been drinking too much, and now she’s... well, she’s going for it," Olivia stammered, clearly uncomfortable.

Without thinking, Elise hurried toward the office. As she approached, she could hear Jenna’s raised voice. When she walked in, she saw Jenna leaning toward Nate, making suggestive comments, while Nate firmly, but calmly, declined.

"Jenna, stop this," Nate said, frustration evident in his voice. "This isn’t the place or the time."

Jenna, slurring her words, cried out, "You don’t understand, Nate! I’ve liked you since high school! Way before her," she pointed toward Elise. "Why does she get to work with you? She doesn’t deserve you, and I... I could be so much more! I could even be a mother to your son!"

Nate’s face darkened. "Jenna, that’s enough," he ordered, his tone cold and sharp. "Go home."

But Jenna wasn’t listening. She stumbled forward, reaching out to touch Nate again. Olivia hurried over to pull her back, apologizing profusely. "I’m so sorry, Nate. I’ll get her out of here."

As Olivia dragged Jenna out, Jenna’s voice echoed back through the office. "I hate her! I hate you, Elise! You don’t belong here!"

The room fell quiet as the door clicked shut behind them. Elise, standing there awkwardly, bent down to gather the papers that had been scattered during the commotion. She felt Nate’s gaze on her but tried to focus on cleaning up.

Suddenly, their hands brushed as they both reached for the same paper. Elise froze for a second, her breath catching in her throat. She looked up at Nate, and before she could pull away, Nate gently took her hand, holding it firmly.

"Don’t leave."

Elise stared at him, her heart pounding in her chest. "What?"

Nate’s grip tightened slightly as his eyes softened. "Don’t leave me again, Elise."