Continental Breakfast by Ella Dominguez Read Free Book Online Page B

me.
    “Why wouldn’t I? I told you I would stay the rest of the week. Do you not want me here? Are you really so eager to be rid of me?” I ask, hurt by his words and expression.
    “God, no .  After they way you left yesterday, I just assumed that…”
    Amelie’s face blanches at me and Mr. Pettifor’s uncomfortable exchange and she quickly excuses herself to the restroom.
    “I see,” I say, standing and grabbing a small box to pack my things. I guess he and Amelie really will do fine without me.
    “Ms. Darcy , wait…”
    “I’ve finished writing up some things for doll face, er, I mean Amelie…” I stutter and Mr. Pettifor smiles slightly at my euphemism.
    “You don’t have to leave right now. Please, I would like you to finish out the week,” he interjects. “I only took Ms. Davidson to be fitted for clothing because it seemed to me she couldn’t afford anything nice. If I had known you would be here today… I was just trying to be kind to her, that’s all. Please don’t read into this,” he says frantically as I pack my belongings.
    I ignore his impassioned plea and grab the last of my things.
    “Mr. Pettifor, I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have served you. You’ve taught me so much,” I say, turning to face him and tearing up. I grip my box of mementos tightly for support.
    “Please, please, Bella…”
    “I… I…” I almost say the words that I’ ve been denying for so long. Maybe if I say them, he’ll let me go. “I love you,” I whisper against my better judgment and I get the response I expected – a frightened look, followed by indifference.
    “I see,” he quietly responds without emotion.
    “Yes, now you do see why exactly it is that I must quit. Farewell, Xander, I’ll miss everything about you.” I say his name for the first time ever and tears run down my cheeks.
    I push past him to leave, glancing back at him one last time, hoping against hope that he’ll stop me or call out to me, but he doesn’t. He remains standing lifeless and staring into the distance, and agonizingly silent.
     
     

Chapter 8
    It’s been three months since my wretched and tearful goodbye to Mr. Pettifor. I long for his touch. I miss the sound of his voice. I yearn for continental breakfasts with him.
    I’m only half-heartedly filing medical records when I hear my new manager’s voice behind me.
    “Ms. Darcy, you’re doing this all wrong. Where are your thoughts today? Records older than two months get filed over here, remember?” she says sternly.
    “Y es, Ms. McFarland,” I respond, staring down at the ruby ring on my middle finger.
    She retreats, leaving me to my thoughts again. The terrified look on his face when I uttered those desperate words to him will haunt me forever, as will his emerald green eyes. I had been doing so well at pushing him out of my mind until I saw him on the news at some charity ball. He looked so dapper and charismatic in his dark grey tailored suit, although it was a little disconcerting that Amelie wasn’t on his arm. He entered my dreams again after that.
    I’ve been meaning to text Amelie back. It’s terribly rude of me to leave her hanging, but I can’t bear the thought of having to hear about how well things are going between her and my CEO.
    I’ve started taking some refresher courses at the community college in preparation of attending medical school next fall. It’s all still tentative as I gather the remaining references and letters of recommendation to send in with my application. I can’t seem to bring myself to ask Mr. Pettifor for another letter, even knowing how much his recommendation would mean to my acceptance into the program. A recommendation from someone so prominent would significantly increase my chances of being approved. I’ll just have to find another way.
    My heart just isn’t into my work today. I get permission to leave early, feigning illness, and take