Page 79 of How to Break My Heart

She shrugs. “Hasn’t felt like it lately. He’s been in a mood.”

It piques my interest. I pretend to be fixing the condiment box in the middle of the table when I say, “Oh yeah? That sucks. I haven’t spoken to him. I guess he’s busy with work.”

“Well, he should be helping you.”

“Honestly, Maddy. It’s fine.”

“Do you want me to talk to him?” she questions, tilting her head to wait for my answer. “I don’t know what Dad is dragging him to these days, but he promised me he would help you.”

The last thing I want is for Aston to feel obligated to spend time with me.

“Look, I better get ready to drive to the city.” I push my chair out, standing up. “Send me all the details. I’ll drop the jewelry and shoes off tomorrow. Now go home and sort out your work stuff. Deal?”

“Deal.” She smiles.

I have this love-hate relationship with Manhattan.

Every time I drive in to visit, it feels entirely brand-new, like a place I’ve yet to discover and explore. There are so many emotions when you stand on the sidewalk and glance at the tall buildings surrounding you. It makes you feel alive, like you could conquer the world.

Then, some moron honks his horn, almost giving me a heart attack, while a homeless guy takes a piss right in front of me.Yep! It’s a love-hate relationship, all right.

I park my car in the garage close to the stores where I need to pick up the items for Maddy. Usually, I’d take the train intothe city to avoid the chaos, but given that I have to leave when it gets dark, I thought it would be best to drive back home.

The first stop is some fancy shoe store. Maddy’s mom suggested the place because they do custom pieces. Finding the place and picking up the shoes wouldn’t have taken me so long if the sales assistant hadn’t rudely questioned me about the order, which involved a call to Maddy. I had to place her on speaker, and by the end of the encounter, I was annoyed.

I’m trying to take some stress off Maddy, not add to it because of some rude salesperson. It was all veryPretty Womanminus me being dressed like a hooker.

Next, I walk a block over to the jewelry store. The store is all white with gold chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Very extravagant but expected of a jewelry store of this caliber in Manhattan.

There are rows of display cabinets housing expensive pieces, and a few customers are trying on some necklaces. According to what I overhear, one man appears to be picking out an engagement ring with his soon-to-be sister-in-law. I try not to stare too long, but the flirtatious behavior between them is such a red flag.

The sales assistant quickly serves me and brings the order from the back. Since the bill is already finalized, I thank her and decide to have a quick bite to eat before driving back. Given the value of the shoes and jewelry, I’m way too nervous to wander the streets.

As I walk toward the exit, the security guard politely opens the door for me. I step out onto the street, only for my attention to immediately fall onto Aston leaning against a sleek black Mercedes with his arms crossed.

He’s dressed in a tuxedo, looking so damn handsome with a devilish grin on his face. His usually curly hair is slicked back into a more formal style. The corners of my mouth curve upward as I take steps toward him with a fluttering stomach.

“Wow! So now you’re stalking me James Bond style?” I tease with my gaze fixed on his.“I’m assuming Maddy told you I was here.”

“I’ve come to ask you for a favor…” he begins, taking a step closer. I inhale his aftershave, the scent as intoxicating as ever. “I have a charity event tonight, and my companion is unwell. Since you’re myfriend, as you so kindly put it, I’d like for you to please be my plus-one.”

“Your companion?” I question, poking my tongue into my cheek. “You mean date?”

A smirk lingers on his lips. “Friendsdon’t get jealous.”

The burning sensation in my chest makes it difficult to breathe, let alone say anything. I hate that Imisshim. How can I miss someone I barely spend time with?

“I haven’t spoken to you for a week, but you’re already dating?”

Aston reaches out to grab my bags and places them inside the car without even asking me. “No, Everleigh. Viviana was supposed to attend this charity event as my companion, but she caught some stomach virus and is unable to make it.”

“Viviana…” I trail off, lowering my gaze to avoid his eyes.

In the middle of Fifth Avenue, the beat of my heart is the only thing I can hear. Not the traffic, not the sounds of people chattering as they walk past me. It’s just my stupid heart and the feelings it’s begun to catch.

Aston’s finger connects with the base of my chin. Then, slowly, he lifts my head so our eyes meet. “It’s not what you think.”

“What do I think, Aston?”