Forever Yours Read Free Page A

agencies in town. Use one of them, okay?”
    If he was trying to hide his disappointment, he wasn’t doing a very good job. “Okay. But, um. If you aren’t busy, do you think we could…”
    He left the rest of his statement unspoken. She wanted to scream at him. He always did that. He always left things unsaid and she’d say them for him and he somehow thought that counted. It didn’t count. Unspoken words didn’t count. Not anymore.
    “What?” She refused to even consider budging until he said what he meant.
    “Talk. About us. How things ended. Where we go from here.”
    “I’m at work.”
    “Maybe I can steal you away for an early lunch? Or a coffee break?”
    She wanted to refuse him. She should refuse him. But if she didn’t settle this now, she was never going to get anything done.
    “There’s a new coffee shop right up the street. Let me just grab my things and close up.”
    She left him standing by the door as she retrieved her purse from her desk drawer. She dropped her phone in her bag, slid into her coat, and swallowed her dread.
    She didn’t say anything as they left the warmth of her office. She locked the door behind them and tucked her keys in her pocket. Again, she was not wearing the right shoes, and her ankles immediately reminded her of just how inappropriate it was to wear heels in winter.
    John matched her rushed stride. “A lot has changed since I left. Some of the places I loved are gone. Like that old café on Charles Street, it’s a shoe store now.”
    “Yes, I know.”
    “But the town still feels the same, like nothing has changed at all. It’s strange. Like living in some alternate universe.”
    She smiled slightly, but didn’t respond. Nothing that came to her mind was nice. Maybe if he hadn’t left, he would have been here when the café had closed and the shoe store opened. Maybe if he hadn’t left, he wouldn’t feel so strange being here now. Silence fell between them as they walked. His discomfort was as obvious as her anger.
    He cleared his throat. “It’s great that Suzanna and Steven are finally having a baby, huh?”
    She smiled a genuine smile for the first time since he’d suddenly appeared back in her life. “Yes. It’s wonderful.”
    He reached for the coffee shop door and held it open for her. She felt dread find her again once they were inside. Her gaze settled on several familiar faces, and they all froze as John moved to her side.
    Oh, the gossip that this is going to start. She looked at John and was certain the same thought crossed his mind.
    Becky Charles rushed up to the former couple. “Oh, my. If it isn’t Doctor John Howard. How are you?”
    “I’m good, Becky. You?”
    “Just great. Never thought I’d see you two together again.”
    “We’re just having coffee,” Meg clarified.
    Becky smiled like she’d just gotten the greatest news ever. “Well, it’s the perfect day for a hot cup of coffee.”
    “Indeed. Have a good day, Becky.” Meg moved around the woman and effectively dismissed her.
    John chuckled. “The entire town will hear about this before we even leave.” He stopped when Meg shot him a displeased glance.
    She rattled off her order to the barista and reached into her purse.
    “I’m buying,” John announced.
    Meg wanted to protest, but Becky was staring at them, so Meg smiled and thanked him instead. He ordered what he always had ordered at coffee shops—a large black coffee—then he dumped two creams and a packet of sugar in it while she waited for her mocha.
    When they each had their drink, they settled into a table in the corner and Meg did her best to ignore Becky.
    John took a few minutes to situate and look around before he finally seemed to work up the courage speak. “I’ve wanted to apologize to you. For a long time. I just…I guess I was too much of a coward. But I am so sorry. For the way I left.”
    Meg focused on the foam cup in her hand, turned it slightly, turned it back, and turned it again.
    “I