Read Online Never Say Goodbye by Bethan Cooper - Free Book Online Page A

his life ambitions and his already building business with his father. He tells me about how he wants to find love with someone who will feel the same feelings and opinions as him. Someone that wants to be romantic and feel love with him. Throughout this part of the conversation my cheeks are flushed with a pinky glow and I’m sure he notices. I’m so embarrassing. We talk about family, friends, and each other. I feel a connection with Luke, like I’ve known him my whole life, not four days. Just as we order dessert, Luke's phone rings. He excuses himself and goes outside. I sit and think about love and how it could happen to me, and why no demons have harassed my head about it today. Maybe it’s just meant to be. As my thoughts wandered, my phone buzzes. A text from a number I didn’t know.
    *U R so stupid, he is clearly on the phone 2 me . *
    There is only one person who that could be from, so where the fuck is she? She is here somewhere. She has to be. She's watching us. I started to look around to see if I could see anything, but my seat was in a really awkward place to see anyone else. I lean over and looked towards the front door but there was nothing. I started playing with my napkin again. I don ’t know what it is about her that scares me, but it does. It terrifies me. As my anxiety comes rushing back, my phone buzzes again.
    * It’s all about me, Ella. Not u so just go away and let us love each other*
    All of a sudden, I feel anger. I wanted to get to her and explain that I wasn ’t scared of her. He was on a date with me, not her, so I need to ask why. I don’t want this. I need to run, get home. But at the same time, I don’t want to leave Luke here with that crazy stupid ex of his. No, fuck this; I’m going to stay. She isn’t going to scare me away.
       Not again. I grab my bag from the seat next to me and get $50 out of my purse. I guess I am paying for dinner. I had no idea what the check came to but it’s all the money I have until my next job comes along. I run to the door and I can see Luke laughing and joking through the glass. I turn to a waitress.
       “Hi, I was sitting at the table over there, I have left some money, and we don’t need our desserts now, thank you though.” She looked at me puzzled. “Sorry, miss, but weren't you with Luke? I'll put your desserts in a take-away box.”
       “Yes, and okay, if it isn't a problem?” I answer, distracted.
       “You don’t need to pay, honey.” She smiles at me.
       “Oh, why not?” I look at her puzzled.
       “This is Luke’s parents’ restaurant, go get your money sweetie.” I walk back over to the table and pick up the $50 I had just chucked on it.  It’s his families’ restaurant? Why the secret? I go to open the door and waved goodbye to the very informative waitress. As she hands me our desserts, I slip her $10 and she winks at me as I leave.
Luke’s still talking when I go over to join him. His back is facing me. He steps forward, away from me, and I step back. If he doesn’t want me listening then maybe I shouldn’t. I lean my back against the red brick wall and prop my right leg up against it. He turns and sees me, smiling a sweet shy smile that makes my knees weak. He wraps up his call quickly and walks over to me. I can’t help but watch his body. It really is defined.
       “Finish dessert without me?” He asks with his head tilted to one side like an inquisitive little puppy dog.
       “No.” I say quietly holding up the bag and I roll my eyes. He smiles softly at me and mouths 'Yum.'
       “Um, Sarah texted me.” His eyes open wide and he looks at me with a frown upon his face.
       “How?” He asks. “I mean, she shouldn’t even have your number, Ella.”
       “I don’t know. See?” I show him my phone and his mouth turns into a frown again.
       “Are you sure this is Sarah?” He asks.
Well,