Colorful (H.S) | ✔️

33

Ellie's P.O.V

I feel sick to my stomach. How did I manage to get myself in this situation? How was I so naive?

Out of all my fears, none of them were cheating.

I guess it isn't cheating because we aren't exclusive. But, it's still very wrong. He brings me to a party, abandons me, then goes and fucks another girl? Is it because I haven't given into him? Because I can't please him like the other girls?

I thought he would be the type to talk to me first. I thought communication was the foundation of our relationship.

I pull up my leggings and adjust my sports bra. My necklace dangles from my neck. I grab my key card and water bottle and head outside. 

Jogging is one of the best stress relievers. 

I exit the lobby and plug my headphones into my phone. Once the air hits my face, I feel slightly better. 

Gosh, I miss Drew. Things used to be so easy with him. Of course, this was before I found out he's my best friend's soulmate. 

I jog down the busy avenue, looking like an idiot among the slow-paced people. It's not my fault I don't know where the nearest running trail is. 

As if I'm not already mentally hurting, I collide into a stranger. 

"Oof, I'm so sorry," I huff. 

The man laughs heartily. "It's my fault. Texting and walking," he points to his phone. I take a moment to look at him.

The handsome stranger is wearing a suit. He carries a small work briefcase. He has a slight shadow on his face, but it adds to his youthfulness somehow. Although I can't see it, I know he has a pair of rock hard abs. He seems overall toned and fit. 

"I'm Zach." He reaches out his hand. I grab it and firmly shake.

"I'm Ellie!" I chirp. My sudden enthusiasm shocks me, but I play it off. 

He grins. "So Ellie, would you mind if I take you out for a cup of coffee?"

"Uh..." I'm taken aback by his sudden offer. "Why not."

"I know this cute cafe that's walking distance." He points in a direction. I nod and follow him.

We quickly arrive and I stare in awe at the cafe. It's very cute indeed, mainly filled with teenagers doing homework or hanging with friends. 

"So, do you jog often?" He asks after placing his order. I nod, focusing less on him and more on my surroundings. "Well, the street is no place to do it. I can show you the perfect trails. I'm a jogger myself."

"Oh wow, I'd love that actually."

He seems a little amused. "You're American. Any reason for coming to England?" 

"Oh. Right." I forget I'm the one with an accent here. "Well, I'm working here, but only for a month."

"Hell yeah! Where?" He genuinely seems interested.

"I'm a personal assistant. For legal reasons, I can't name my employer." I half-joke. He chuckles and dismisses the topic. "What do you do?"

"I'm a lawyer. Work at a firm nearby." He checks his watch and frowns.

"Oh, are you late? I'm sorry for keeping you."

He smiles sheepishly. "I've really got to run. Any chance I can get your number?"

"You'll see me around. Just look for the crazy woman jogging in the streets," I tease, getting up and leaving before he can stop me. 

For the first time in days, I feel happy. It's nice to make a friend, especially one who isn't friends with Harry.