The Ex

Chapter 34

"So what...it's fine." I said reassuring myself more than grace.
"Yeah...it's not like he knew we were here or we were talking about him."
"Exactly."
"But amber?"
"What?"
"He saw me. I locked eyes with him."
"Are you serious?" I cursed under my breath.
"Did he do anything?"
"No, but he knows I'm with you."
"Is that why you were ignoring me? Is that why? Is that what you were watching?"
"Yeah...sorry..."
"So he's been here a few minutes why?"
"I dont know."
"What was he doing?"
"I dont know. He was dressed all casual and not businessey. He went to the other side of the restaurant and I can't see him..."
"Let's just get the check and leave anyway...we weren't getting dessert right?"
"I'm full. And don't need it anyway."
"Oh shut up." I said. Our waiter came by a few minutes later and gave us the check. We split it since we couldn't decide and got up. Putting our jackets on and heading for the door. Grace was close behind and, surprisingly, we both were pretty normal. We walked past the area where he was and headed for the front doors.
"Have a nice day!"
"Thanks you too! I said. Stopping in front of the doors so I could get my keys out.
I grabbed them and reached for the doors. But it was already open. I stumbled knowing exactly what happened. My gut knew it.
"Who are you here with?" He asked. He looked behind me seeing grace.
"I'm here picking up my brother. He's the cashier."
"Cmon Amber I told you I need to be back by 3." Grace said covering for me.
"I know..." I looked back at her signaling we were leaving. I walked forward and nearly fell into him. He came closer. He was right there. Oh my goodness he was right there. His hands caressing my cheek.
"God I miss you..." He whispered. I swallowed again.
"Cmon..." Grace grabbed my arm and led me out. Ryan followed.
"Hey! Stop!" His voice wasn't yelling but it was raised.
"Amber! Please!" My feet stopped. Grace kept going.
"Hey..." He said catching up to me. He held onto my shoulder lightly.
"Amber what's wrong? Please...I'll fix it, I'll buy it, I'll sell it, I'll do anything."
"I told you already Ryan. I wasn't ready. This is going to fast. I didn't want to go all the way with you yet. I like you Ryan. Your amazing, and as much as I hate to admit it, I miss you too. But I can't do this now. I can't. I need time away."
"More what? Time?"
"It hasn't been a day yet. Please. This will help and we can figure it out later."
"I love you. You can't just...put it away like that." Thoughts of him and his Ex having this same conversation.
"I understand that. And there is something here. But you didn't listen. I wanted things slower. Here isn't the time for this. I have to go its 2:50." I looked at him very intently as I walked away to grace. But when I got in the seat I broke down again. Crying. And he seen it too. He walked to his car without his brother.