Robert offered them a menu, but Michael waved it away. “I’m not having lunch.”Marley’s eyebrows shot up. As the waiter left the table, she said, “I thought you wanted to have lunch.”
“No, I said I wanted to talk to you.”
“Okay, talk.” Marley reached for his hand, but he drew it away and put it in his lap.
“Uh, Marley, I have something to tell you.” He cleared his throat, and this time he stared at some point right behind her left shoulder.
Marley’s heart thumped. “What is it, Michael? What’s wrong?” Was he ill? Had he lost his job?
He stared at a burned spot on the rustic table as if it had come to life and was about to bite him. “I..I’ve met someone.”
Marley cocked her head. “Who did you meet?”
His voice was so low she had a hard time hearing him. “Her name is Heather.”
Everything clicked. He wouldn’t hold hands with her. He wouldn’t look at her. Cold more intense than anything outside settled into her veins and almost took her breath away, but she clung to the hope that she was wrong. “I..I don’t understand.”
His eyes briefly met hers before they slid away. “Yes, you do. I’m sorry, Marley, but I can’t marry you after all.”
Getting dumped is never any fun! I'm wondering how she will react.
ReplyDeleteNot a nice way to start Christmas. Congratulations on your new release.
ReplyDeleteGreat sample Elaine- made my heart go out to her! Like the cover, too.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you showed Marley's physical reactions and her growing awareness of what she was being told. Great scene.
ReplyDeleteWell... Better than a text, right? That sucks. I hope she finds someone who appreciates her.
ReplyDeleteOh, that was just cruel. You'd think he would have told her in private, so everyone wouldn't see her shock and pain. What a jerk. Great writing, though!
ReplyDeleteGreat sample. I felt bad for Marley to be dumped in public.
ReplyDeleteOoh, not good. :(
ReplyDeleteBut, but, but, what a thing to say near Christmas, and maybe near their wedding date. I'm sorry, Marley! Good sample, Elaine!
ReplyDelete