glass and dishware for our picnic.
Jenna had Ben pick up a bottle of champagne on his way back and further instructed him to pick up John. They sound like a herd of elephants as the march up the stairs to Jenna’s apartment door, hot elephants, but loud nonetheless.
JENNA
The look of sheer joy on Elle’s face was worth the work on this place. We’re all sitting on the floor of the shop eating our sandwiches and chips. John and Ben keep babbling on about what a pain it was to pick out paint colors because they’d wanted it to be just right and Elle quietly laughs at them. Colin watches her every move and it makes me worried that he won't be able to let go of what’s happened even though she’s back. I don't want him to smother her and ruin everything they’ve fought for. Ben glances my way during a lull in the conversation and his smile makes my breath catch. He’s so handsome it almost kills me. Without Elle there would be no Ben and I and I am eternally grateful for that day at the coffee shop when she blew into my life.
John pours champagne into our glasses as Elle speaks up. “You guys, I don't know what to say. This is the best surprise ever. I am truly blessed to have you all in my life and to call you friends. When I came here, I had no intention of making any connections with ...well, anyone . I wanted to hide and live out my life quietly alone. Colin,” she looks to him with love pouring from her, “you shocked me, literally, with a handshake and because of that, and you...I now have the two hottest male friends ever.” She winks at the boys. “And of course the sexiest boyfriend.” She giggles. “And Jenna, that stupid list was awesome but it also is the reason I met you, and I’m so glad I did. You are the closest thing I have to a sister anymore,” The hurt in her voice makes my eyes well up. “but I can’t imagine anyone filling that role outside of you. So thank you so, so, sooooo much for just being you guys!” Colin throws a hand up to stop everyone from drinking.
“Before we cheers, I just want to say that although you paid for this shop and the renovations,” We all chuckle. “There is nothing we wouldn't do for you Elle. This was your dream and after everything you’ve been through it seemed like a small thing to do for you.” Everyone nods their head agreeing with his well put words as we raise up our plastic cups and clink them together before downing the contents.
“Now, there’s one more surprise.” Colin states. Four sets of eyes turn to him as he walks behind the counter, pulls out a bag and comes back to us.
“I made Danishes!” Elle squeals with delight and snatches the bag out of his hands causing us all to burst out laughing as Colin stands there staring at her empty handed like she’s lost her mind. She really does have an insane addiction to Danishes.
COLIN
How she’s not a complete disaster I’ll never know. It seems that no one can break her spirit. Even after everything she’s experienced, the abuse, being committed, abducted, her entire family dying, she’s able to love and be loved. She smiles and is caring and kind and grateful. She amazes me more and more each passing day. I can't wait until November’s over and she’s actually single. Knowing that she’s still legally that monsters wife makes my blood boil.
“What are you doing today?” Sweat drips down her chest drawing my eye away from her face to watch the droplet roll further.
“Meeting with Joe, then I need to try to get permits and all that jazz for the shop! I need a name.” She rambles. Her excitement level has been through the roof since showing her the shop.
“Want company?” I ask.
“Colin, you can't babysit me. I’m fine. You have clients to train.” The dagger’s she’s shooting at me should make me run away but I know better. She can’t scare me.
“I’m free until three. Just let me come with.” I plead. The idea of Elle alone in public terrifies me. What
Jenna had Ben pick up a bottle of champagne on his way back and further instructed him to pick up John. They sound like a herd of elephants as the march up the stairs to Jenna’s apartment door, hot elephants, but loud nonetheless.
JENNA
The look of sheer joy on Elle’s face was worth the work on this place. We’re all sitting on the floor of the shop eating our sandwiches and chips. John and Ben keep babbling on about what a pain it was to pick out paint colors because they’d wanted it to be just right and Elle quietly laughs at them. Colin watches her every move and it makes me worried that he won't be able to let go of what’s happened even though she’s back. I don't want him to smother her and ruin everything they’ve fought for. Ben glances my way during a lull in the conversation and his smile makes my breath catch. He’s so handsome it almost kills me. Without Elle there would be no Ben and I and I am eternally grateful for that day at the coffee shop when she blew into my life.
John pours champagne into our glasses as Elle speaks up. “You guys, I don't know what to say. This is the best surprise ever. I am truly blessed to have you all in my life and to call you friends. When I came here, I had no intention of making any connections with ...well, anyone . I wanted to hide and live out my life quietly alone. Colin,” she looks to him with love pouring from her, “you shocked me, literally, with a handshake and because of that, and you...I now have the two hottest male friends ever.” She winks at the boys. “And of course the sexiest boyfriend.” She giggles. “And Jenna, that stupid list was awesome but it also is the reason I met you, and I’m so glad I did. You are the closest thing I have to a sister anymore,” The hurt in her voice makes my eyes well up. “but I can’t imagine anyone filling that role outside of you. So thank you so, so, sooooo much for just being you guys!” Colin throws a hand up to stop everyone from drinking.
“Before we cheers, I just want to say that although you paid for this shop and the renovations,” We all chuckle. “There is nothing we wouldn't do for you Elle. This was your dream and after everything you’ve been through it seemed like a small thing to do for you.” Everyone nods their head agreeing with his well put words as we raise up our plastic cups and clink them together before downing the contents.
“Now, there’s one more surprise.” Colin states. Four sets of eyes turn to him as he walks behind the counter, pulls out a bag and comes back to us.
“I made Danishes!” Elle squeals with delight and snatches the bag out of his hands causing us all to burst out laughing as Colin stands there staring at her empty handed like she’s lost her mind. She really does have an insane addiction to Danishes.
COLIN
How she’s not a complete disaster I’ll never know. It seems that no one can break her spirit. Even after everything she’s experienced, the abuse, being committed, abducted, her entire family dying, she’s able to love and be loved. She smiles and is caring and kind and grateful. She amazes me more and more each passing day. I can't wait until November’s over and she’s actually single. Knowing that she’s still legally that monsters wife makes my blood boil.
“What are you doing today?” Sweat drips down her chest drawing my eye away from her face to watch the droplet roll further.
“Meeting with Joe, then I need to try to get permits and all that jazz for the shop! I need a name.” She rambles. Her excitement level has been through the roof since showing her the shop.
“Want company?” I ask.
“Colin, you can't babysit me. I’m fine. You have clients to train.” The dagger’s she’s shooting at me should make me run away but I know better. She can’t scare me.
“I’m free until three. Just let me come with.” I plead. The idea of Elle alone in public terrifies me. What
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