When Love Breaks Read Online Free Page B

despite you being a giant douchebag today, Elora has agreed to come back and work here. I’m not sure how much extra they offered her, but I’m sure it was well worth it. I know it was worth the groveling I had to do on your behalf to get her. And, you’ll apologize and be nice to her, damn it,” he says, while taking his plate out of the microwave. He begins to eat while staring at me and smirking.
    “What?” I snap.
    “If you’re so independent, why don’t you heat up your own dinner?” He raises his eyebrows in anticipation of my response.
    “You know I can’t reach the microwave.”
    “I know. That just proves my point. You need her, Logan. And, to top it off, I need her.” My brow furrows, and an odd sensation creeps in. “To keep cooking meals like this,” he says, then he takes a bite, thoroughly enjoying his dinner, and the fact that he’s right.
    “Fine. Whatever. I’ll just eat cereal.” I roll toward the cabinet to grab a box.
    “Dude, shut up. I was just messing with you. I’ll do it for you.”
    And, that last, little, five-word sentence, is the crux of my problem.
    I hate my life.

ELORA
    I reach for the doorbell, then I remember my scolding from yesterday. Instead, I grasp the knob, twist, and push. The door creaks slightly as I open it.
    “Hello? It’s me, Elora,” I say, as I step inside. There’s no response, but soon I hear him rolling down the hallway.
    “Morning,” he says, his voice is monotone, and his expression, as always, is hard to read.
    “Morning,” I say, keeping my voice void of any emotion. “Eggs again today?” I take off my coat, lay it over a nearby chair, and walk to the fridge. I’m trying hard to ignore my instant urge to leave.
    “Yes, please.”
    Yes, please? Well, that’s something.
    “Fried?” He nods, and I nod in return.
    In silence, I begin to make his breakfast, when I notice he’s not reading the paper, as he usually does. He’s sighing a bit and looks fidgety. What’s he up to? Suddenly, he turns his chair to face me.
    “I’m sorry about yesterday…being gruff with you and asking you to leave, I mean. It wasn’t very nice of me, and…I apologize.” His sincere eyes meet mine, and it occurs to me, that this is the first time he’s ever spoken to me in a normal tone of voice. I nod my head slightly.
    “Thank you. Apology accepted. Shall we start over?” I walk over to him and extend my hand. “Hi. I’m Elora,” I say with a genuine smile. He smirks slightly.
    He has a great smirk.
    “Logan,” he simply says as he shakes my hand.
    “It’s very nice to meet you, Logan. If there’s anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask.
    His face turns sullen, and he nods gravely.
    Did I say something wrong?
    Slowly, he turns back to the table and picks up the paper.

    After setting his breakfast in front of him, I begin the kitchen clean up.
    “This is good,” he says without prompting, and I’m taken by surprise.
    “Uh, thank you. I hope I put the right amount of pepper on it this time.”
    “Yes, it’s fine. Thank you.” He opens his mouth, as if to say more, but closes it again without another word.
    Looking for a topic of conversation, I open the pantry.
    “You know, you’re getting low on some of your groceries. Does Michael do the shopping?”
    “Who else would do it?” he says, sarcastically, then seems to recover his manners. “He has been, but he hates it and rarely finds the time.”
    “I could do it for you,” I say without thinking. “I mean, I am doing most of the cooking anyway. I could go, if it would help.”
    He thinks for a moment.
    “I guess that’d be fine. When do you want to go?”
    “I’ll go after my shift here. I’ll wait until your brother gets home and—”
    “No, do it during the day,” he says in a rush, as he interrupts me. “I can manage without you for an hour or so.”
    “I’m not sure I’m supposed to—”
    “It’s fine,” he interrupts again. “I’ll be