Page 78 of How to Break My Heart 1

I need to end it before it starts.

But why does it feel so damn wrong?

Aston presses his lips together in a slight grimace. “I hope Billie’s mother recovers.”

With his back toward me, I watch him walk out of the café, never turning around.

My shoulders slump as I bury my head in my hands.

This didn’t need to be so difficult.

It should have been easy.

But as I stand here and think about all the reasons why being friends is the right thing to do, my body arguesevery single point.

It’s only a matter of time before I lose all control and break the rules.

My phone sits beneath the counter where Aston stored his jacket. I reach down to view a message on the screen. It was sent earlier this morning, during the rush, when Maddy was helping out.

Aston

You’re driving me crazy.

It’s four simple words.

I want to smile, laugh, kiss his lips, and tell him the exact same thing.

He is drivingmejust as crazy.

But we’re just friends.

I made sure of it.

And friends don’t go saying things like this.

As much as I want to text him back, I tuck my phone away and remember the fun is over.

Besides, I have a wedding to plan and a best friend to honor.

The reason why I’m not in bed with Aston and standing here miserable instead.

CHAPTER 21

Eva

Billie needed time off while her mother stayed in the hospital under observation.

I manage to open every morning, with Chloe starting later and taking over the afternoon shift.

At least this way, it gives me time to check things off my ever-growing list. Somehow, that list has multiplied, and little things need attention before the wedding, which is only around the corner.

As for Aston, I haven’t heard from him, though I’m not surprised. We ended our fun somewhat amicably, but considering I threw around the friend card, he’s ghosted me and has been anything but a friend.

I briefly asked Maddy if he was still in town, and she replied yes. Apparently, her father insisted Aston spend time with Myles’s father. I assume it was business related, and I didn’t ask any more questions.

All I can do is keep myself busy and ignore the pestering hollow in my chest.

Billie received positive news that her mom was going home this morning. I quickly prepared a care package and some food, sending it to her house so Billie wouldn’t have to stress for therest of the day. There is an amazing pie shop two blocks over, and Billie’s mom loves the chicken potpie.