osales

seventh

ching designs for a potential client. Before dedicating my

old pho

a mutual friend of mine and

ng? When are you coming bac

I'm doing well. Not sure when I'

come on! Next week is my birthday! You have to c

eing Holden, or at least dealing with his ghost. I wasn't ready for that

she replied, a hint of resignation in her tone. "Take

otification popped up. It was

er voice sounding a bit too overly enthusia

ice came through, a forced nonchalance in his tone. "El

id flatly, "wh

ut you, and it's getting a little awkward." He paused, then added, "I know things ended a b

She's not backing down, is she?" I recogniz

't be so immature. Your little vacation

to her. She'll listen to you. She always listens." It was Olivia, clearly try

ating me like the w

coming back. And please, stop passing

Olivia's end. "Ella? Wha

ppy birthday." I

Burks

l disco

d across the room. "She's not coming back, Hold

hand, my knuckles turning white. Ella's name sof

eally hurt. She even took the ring off. Honestly, you

m the sofa and crushing my cigarette into

Who was she to judge me?

aid, placing a hand on my shoulder. "She's just

!" I bellowed. "None of you are allowe

you don't look so good," Olivia said softly. "Your stomach is a

t me right w

ored my drinking, preventing my

ce she left, I hadn't been able to sleep or eat p

nature. I missed her unwave

fused to

or behind me. The cold night w

mething like this. Her silence, her refusal to respond, stuck in my throat like

her contact in my ph

ack. You'll regret