That Summer

Chapter 7

“Elizabeth, what’s going on?” Niall asked, joining the conversation.

I sighed. “It’s our new waiter.”

“What about him? Do you not like him?” Louis asked confused.

“He’s my ex.”

“What the bloody hell is he doing here?!” Niall practically shouted.

“He’s attending school here in the fall and is just getting settled and used to things.”

“I can wait a little longer for food. Let’s go find somewhere else to eat.” Niall said standing up.

“Niall, its fine. Sit back down.”

Shawn walked back to the table with the bread. “Here’s your bread, sir.”

Niall glared at him. I kicked him under that table. “Ow!” He shouted, startling Shawn.

“Thank you,” Harry said. “That will be all.”

“What was that for?!” Niall complained when Shawn was gone.

“You were glaring at him!”

“I don’t like him!”

“You don’t know him!”

“He hurt you!”

I took a deep breath before responding. “Niall, there is no need to be rude. It’s not easy for him either.”

He sighed. “I’m sorry, you’re right.”

“I love that you care so much.” I smiled. “That’s why I chose you over Harold.” I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

“Hey! I care just as much as he does, if not more!” Harry whined.

“Oh shush.”

After we ate, I went to the bathroom and when I came out Shawn was waiting for me. “Elizabeth.” He said grabbing my arm.

“Shit!” I yelled quietly. “Don’t scare me like that!” I said hitting him.

“Sorry.” He said dropping my arm.

“What do you want?”

“I just wanted to talk.”

“What do we have to talk about?” I was slightly irritated.

“Why is it that you get to be happy and I’m miserable as fuck?” He looked me in the eyes. I saw a mixture of anger and sadness.

“It’s your choice to be miserable. I have something to keep me preoccupied and happy. You just need to do that same.”

“I want to move on but now I just see your face everywhere I go. How am I supposed to distract myself? Huh?!” He screamed.

“Ignore it. Pretend you don’t know me. I don’t know! I’m sorry you can’t let go!” I yelled back.

“Fuck, Liz! I hate this! I can’t just let go as easily as you. We were together for two fucking years! I love you!”

“What do you want me to do, Shawn? You’re asking me to throw my dreams away to make you happy!” Tears formed in my eyes.

“I’m not asking you to do that!”

“Yes you are!” I was still yelling. “If you really loved me you would see that and let me go.” I shoved past him and walked back over to where Niall, Louis, and Harry were waiting for me.

“Ready to go?” Louis asked.

“Yeah, let’s go.” I said walking toward the door.

“He cornered you, didn’t he?” Harry whispered into my ear as we walked into the hotel.