Beyond the Glitters
mil
nd excitement of the event still lingered. The success of our second locati
a keen interest in the operations of the bookstore, offering advice and even brainstorming ideas for
upcoming book signing, Alex's phone buzzed. He
asked, noticing the
end," he said, putting the phone
ising an eyebrow. "
at all. It's just Vanessa. We've been frie
bering the name. "The one wh
e casual. "She heard about the books
smiling. "Maybe we should invit
t I sensed a slight h
days, I noticed he seemed distracted. He was more absorbed in his work and less engaged
-
ay at the bookstore, Claire walked in. She lo
she exclaimed, giving me a hug. "
iling. "It's been a lot of w
ser. "So, how are things with Alex? I
ed the usual enthusiasm. "But he's been a bit d
er brows knitting togethe
ed an old friend, Vanessa. They've been t
ul look on her face. "I've heard of he
ears," I said. "I trust Alex, but I c
ou should talk to him. It might be nothing, but
-
c with Alex. We were having dinner, and I wa
, "can we talk
setting his fork down.
closely. "I know she's an old friend, but it seems l
ir. "I didn't want to worry you, Emily.
an?" I asked, m
searching mine. "It didn't end well. We remained fr
but I pushed it aside. "Why
Our relationship is in the past. But seeing her text brought ba
te your honesty. But I want us to be open with each other
ing. "You're right. I'm sorry for keeping
relief. "And for the record, I'm not wor
his arms. "And I promise, there's nothing betw
-
ed more at ease, and our relationship felt stronger. However, a f
s Van
t was both intimidating and intriguing. She int
you," she said, her smile genuine.
a," I replied, shaking her hand. "
alking about," she said, looking around apprecia
ded. "It's been a lot of hard work, but
her eyes meeting mine. "A
ntentions. "Thank you, Va
charming and friendly, but there was an undercurrent of something else.
him know about her visit. He sounde
explained. "She probably wanted t
ill feeling uneasy
apprehension. "There's nothing to be conce
king a deep breath.
arm. "I love you, Emily. We'
-
that Vanessa's visit was more than just a friendly
bout her," Claire said. "Just be ca
d, determined t
rom an unknown number. It was a picture of Alex and Vanessa from th
eeded to talk to Alex about this, but I also didn't want to ove
here, working on his laptop. I show
this?" I asked,
ing serious. "I have no idea. This is from ye
, feeling a mix of
e'll figure it out. Don't let this come between us, Emily
alm my racing heart. "I love you
," he promised, kissing
-
to focus on our relationship and not let outside influences affect us.
unexpected news. "Emily, I did some digging," she said
eeling a mix of d
's been talking about you behind your back. I think s
"But why? What
got over him, and now that he's happy w
I won't let her. Alex and
mined. "But you need to confront her. Let
-
Vanessa and asked her to meet me at a café the next day.
nessa, I need to know why you're t
ckly composed herself. "I don't
mi
voice firm. "I know you sent th
over him, Emily. Seeing him so happy with you brought back
ciate your honesty, Vanessa. But Alex and I are happy
re right. I've been acting out of se
-
onting Vanessa had been difficult, but necessary. W
said, hugging me. "You handled
a weight lift off my shoulders
said, kissing me.
-
ion of the bookstore was a success, and our relationship grew even stronger.
uld handle anything that came our way. Our love w