The last time Harold gave her a ride and introduced her to the pastry chef, they ended up adding each other on social media. Before that, she only had his phone number. Even now, though, they barely talked. She didn’t message him, and he never messaged her. It was just a quiet connection in the background.
She couldn’t figure out how Ethan had gotten the idea that Harold liked her. For some reason, Ethan saw Harold as his rival.
When Isabella called, Harold picked up right away.
“Harold, it’s me. Isabella.”
He gave a quiet hum in response.
“Harold, how are you? Are you feeling any better?”
“I’ve been icing it all afternoon,” Harold said. “The swelling is down a lot, but it’s still bruised. I ran out of ointment at home, so I haven’t been able to put anything on it.”
Without even thinking, Isabella said, “Let me go buy some bruise ointment and bring it over. Just send me your address.”
“It’s not a big deal. I just need a couple days to rest at home. I can’t go out looking like this, though. Ugh. Missing work for two or three days is going to cost me.”
Harold sounded resigned, almost like he was trying to laugh it off.
“Ethan didn’t hold back. He really wanted to ruin my face.”
Hearing that made Isabella feel even worse.
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