Friends to Lovers (Heart of Hope 6)

He set the Chinese food on the table and opened the container. The scent of the food, normally something I loved, sent a wave of nausea through me. I covered my nose.

“Are you okay?” he asked, as he set the plates he got from my cupboard on the table.

I nodded. “Yeah, uh…just all of a sudden I don’t feel great.”

He frowned. “Are you sick?”

I pressed my hand to my forehead. “I don’t think so. You go ahead and eat. I’m going to grab a glass of water.”

“Are you sure?”

I nodded. “I just need a minute.” I got a glass and turned on the tap. “Did your afternoon go okay?”

“The best part was up here with you.”

I smiled as I took a sip of the water. “A little afternoon delight as a pick-me-up?” I brought the glass to the table.

After a few deep breaths, my stomach settled and I served myself some lo mein. I figured the stress of this situation with Cyrus was getting to me.

“Something like that.” He smiled, but there was still a strain in his expression. I guess our situation was getting to him too.

We ate in silence for a moment, but eventually I couldn’t take it. “Cy? Is something wrong? Or is there something you need to tell me?”

He sighed. “Actually, yes.”

My stomach clenched and I hoped I could keep my dinner down.

His eyes stared at me intently, and my fears worsened. “I hate to do this especially after the stunt I pulled today.”

I swallowed, and inwardly prepared myself for him to end the benefits feature of our friendship.

“You know that I’m taking the week of Thanksgiving with my mom,” he started.

“Yes.” Good God, I wish he’d just spit it out.

“I met with Jude when I got back to the office. With my being gone a lot we were reviewing cases, overall business health, and such.”

“Is everything alright with the business?” I took a drink of water to keep myself from demanding he get to the point.

“Yes. It’s great actually. Good enough that we can probably bring on another person.”

“That’s great.” I smiled even though I knew that wasn’t the point of this discussion.

“The thing is, Petal, it means I can spend more time with my mother.”

I felt guilty over the jealousy that flared. Fortunately, I was a good enough person not to express that bit. “Oh, that’s wonderful for both of you.”

He looked down for a moment before returning his gaze to mine, and I knew the punch line was coming. “What that means is that I’m going to return to Chicago and work remotely. Maybe even set up an office there.”

It took all my strength to smile. “Franchising already.”

He smiled, but it was sad. “It’s not necessarily forever. I just want to be there for her treatment, you know.”

“Yes, of course Cy. I understand. I think it’s wonderful that you can do that.” I reached out and put my hand over his, hoping he couldn’t see how my heart was breaking. I knew the chances were good that he was moving back to stay. Especially if they opened another office.

He turned his hand over and clasped it with mine. I had a flash back to earlier in the day when he’d held my hands as he made love…no…had sex with me.

“I’m going to miss you, Petal.”