Page 154 of Perfume Girl

He looked worn down like he’d just finished a long shift at the restaurant. There was no way he’d be commuting to South Beach each day, and the thought that he could be staying somewhere close by until he started his new job sent a shiver of uneasiness up my spine.

“Hey.” He gave a nod of greeting.

“What do you want?”No,you don’t threaten a person and then expect them to be cordial next time you see them.

“Did you sign the realtor forms?”

So much for an apology…

“Over there.” I pointed to the glass-fronted case, now empty because of him.

He walked over to the countertop and picked up the envelope, sliding out the contract. “Thanks for signing these. I’ll get them to the realtor.”

I gave a shrug.

“Okay then, looks like we’re all good, right?” he said.

“That depends on how you define good.”

He showed a hint of remorse. “Are you going out?”

“Yes.”

“You look pretty.”

“Damien, you’ve already proven what kind of man you are. There’s no coming back from that.”

He broke my gaze and looked around. “It was fun while it lasted.”

I gave him a wry smile. “Hope she’s worth it.”

“She’s every man’s dream. And I get to have her.”

“Let’s hope she doesn’t turn into every man’s worst nightmare.”

“You might want to wear something a little less revealing so you’re not mistaken for a whore.”

“Damien, Embry may be able to detect a hurricane but I’ve discovered that I have one inside me. That’s the best thing to come out of this.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I have somewhere to be.”

He shrugged. “It’s over.”

“Is that a statement or a question?”

“Are you going to let it go?”

“There are many things I am letting go of, yes. And there are some things that are worth fighting for. So for me this is a new beginning. ”

And it felt so damn good to say it.

He walked toward the door. “Take care, Raquel.”

I watched him leave and locked the door behind him, exhaling with relief that he was gone.

I walked over to the countertop and picked up the empty envelope that had held the documents to this place, wondering who would purchase my store. The sale would mean I’d have enough money to keep me afloat for a few months but it still made my heart ache.