19

ELISE

“Elise?”

“I think we should talk,” I said quietly.

There was a distinct pause there that told me he caught on to what I wanted to talk about. “What do you mean? We’re already talking.” His voice went an octave higher.

“Brandon, it’s like—”

“Don’t do this to me, Elise. Please,” he pushed in, voice stricken.

My heart thudded in surprise. That was too fast a reaction for someone I think was just acting. Did he not want to break up?

Who was going to break up with whom? I thought it was going to be you? argued the voice in my head, which again sounded like Alia’s voice.

I know! Shut up and stop distracting me.

“Brandon, this isn’t working out. I can’t do this any—”

Then he jerked around. “I have to go. We have guests for brunch and everything is busy around here but I missed you so much I can’t not call. I miss hearing your voice, baby.”

“What? Wait—”

“I love you. I’ll be there when I can. Please, baby. Don’t do this.”

What? No time even for a breakup? Alia-voice was dripping with sa