Dancing On The Edge Of A Knife

45. Fine

Ester was okay. She thought she was okay.

He was just a man. They come and go. He was nothing special. Even if it felt like he was. And even if he made her feel special.

Their relationship lasted for like a weekend before he got tired. And they didn't even see each other during that weekend.

She didn't need him. No man was worth all that heart ache, Ester kept telling herself. And certainly not a man like Devon Stone. So, she was fine.

She knew all those things but yet she could do nothing against her feelings. Nothing against the tears that kept falling. Nothing against that pain in her chest and her sick stomach. Nothing!

Ester knew after almost a week of shutting everybody and everything out, she had to get going. Which is why she agreed to meet Martha and Alejandro's mother at the bride's saloon tonight. Sierra was picking her up in ten minutes and she was already wishing she didn't agree.

She had no idea if Devon was coming but hoped he wasn't. And if he was, she had no idea what she would do. But one thing was clear: she would not let him get to her.

He had caused enough damage for a lifetime and so Ester figured ignoring him all the way could work.

That was, of course, only until she stood in front of the bride saloon after she passed his Bentley. Her heart started aching again, as if someone would repeatedly squish it. Ester froze and Sierra realized her friend wasn't coming with her as she held up the door.

"Ester, what's wrong?" She asked with concern before letting go of the doorknob and walking back to stand right in front of Ester.
"N-nothing. I just-" What was she going to do? If Ester ran away now, Sierra would definitely get suspicious. Besides, if Devon knew she was coming but Ester wouldn't step in, he'd think he was getting to her.

But if she would go inside, he would see that she didn't care whether he was absent or not. But on the other hand, would Ester be able to act nonchalantly about his presence?

Well, she was about to find out now. Because Martha had spotted the two through the window and opened the door to invite them in.

"Nice to see you two." The tall woman smiled down at her daughter and Ester before hugging both of them. Ester put on a smile but felt sick to her stomach. Her and Sierra followed Martha inside the saloon. That was the first time Ester met Alejandro's mother, who immediately stood up upon noticing the newcomers.

"Sylvia, may I introduce you to Ester. Sierra's best friend and one I certainly approve of." Martha watched her mother in law hug the young girl with a genuine smile.

"Hello, dear. How are you today?" Sylvia asked her.
"I'm fine. How are you?" The two women started small talk as they slowly settled down on the round table that overpowered the room.

Sierra sat down next to Ester and dared a glance at Devon. Ester had yet to greet him or even look at him, Sierra noticed with a small frown. They were getting better at hiding it, she thought.

"Good morning. It appears you are complete?" A woman's voice interrupted their little banter and Ester looked up to see a blonde woman stand at the other side of the table. She seemed to be part of the service.

"Yes, we are." Martha nodded her head and the woman put on a smile and crossed her hands behind her back.

"Very well. Today we are trying out different sorts of cakes, pies, cupcakes, whatever you want to have at your wedding. I will be your waitress in a way. The first cake you will be trying is called a lemon raspberry fraisier." The woman nodded right before walking out of the room to get the sample.