As Elise sat in the cozy corner of the coffee shop, she sipped her drink and tried to focus on Olivia’s words. The conversation had shifted from casual chatter to the inevitable topic—whether to sell the house or not. Elise was still on the fence, overthinking every detail.
“I know it’s a tough decision,” Olivia said, her tone gentle. “I do have a potential buyer, but honestly, Elise, you should take your time. You’ve been through a lot, and there’s no rush.”
Elise nodded, her mind still swirling with uncertainty. “I don’t know, Liv. It’s just... every time I think I’m ready, something holds me back. It’s like selling the house means closing a chapter I’m not ready to close.”
Olivia smiled warmly. “I get that. Just know that whatever you decide, I’ll be here for you.”
Before Elise could respond, the small bell above the door jingled, signaling a new customer. When she glanced up, her heart skipped a beat. Andrew walked in, looking effortlessly cool, though his illness was evident in his frame. His clothes fit well, but the toll of the cancer was visible—his once muscular build was noticeably thinner.
Their eyes met for a brief second before Elise quickly looked away. Olivia, noticing Andrew, waved and greeted him, “Hey, Andrew! Come join us!”
Elise sighed internally, her annoyance bubbling up at the thought of having to deal with him. Olivia had no idea about their history, but Andrew clearly hadn’t changed. His signature smirk spread across his face as he made his way to their table.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Elise Morgan,” Andrew teased as he pulled out a chair. “You’ve changed.”
Elise narrowed her eyes, refusing to take the bait. “Nice to see you too, Andrew.”
Olivia’s phone buzzed, and she excused herself to take the call outside, leaving Elise and Andrew alone. Elise mentally braced herself for the conversation she knew was coming.
Andrew leaned back in his chair, casually scanning the room before locking eyes with Elise again. “So, you’re really back in town, huh? I heard a lot of things changed while I was away.”
“Not much, really,” Elise replied curtly, already regretting not leaving when Olivia did.
Andrew’s smug grin grew. “You’ve changed though. I remember when we dated—you were so into me back then. Couldn’t get enough of my lips or my eyes.”
Elise’s hands balled into fists under the table. “Oh, please. Don’t flatter yourself, Andrew.”
He laughed, clearly enjoying getting under her skin. “Still the same old Elise, easily irritated. I kind of missed it.”
Elise’s jaw clenched. “You know, I’m really trying not to hate you right now. But you’re making it difficult.”
Andrew chuckled, unphased. “Relax. I’m just messing with you. Besides, I’m sure Nate’s filled you in on my many flaws, right?”
Elise’s irritation momentarily softened as she recalled Nate telling her about Andrew’s refusal to go through with chemotherapy. The memory tugged at her heart, reminding her of how fragile life could be. Despite Andrew’s arrogance, she couldn’t bring herself to truly hate him.
“Yeah, he told me,” Elise admitted quietly, her tone softening. “He’s worried about you, you know.”
Andrew’s expression briefly flickered with something she couldn’t quite place before the smirk returned. “He worries too much.”
Before the conversation could continue, Olivia re-entered the shop, looking slightly frazzled. “Sorry about that, I have to run,” she said, grabbing her things. “Elise, we’ll catch up soon?”
YOU ARE READING
If We Fall Again
Romansa30-year old Elise is back in her old hometown. Her father just died and she's trying to navigate her new life between arranging her father's stuff, getting a new job and meeting her ex high school boyfriend. Elise Morgan is here and she may fall ag...
