After I Stopped Loving Him novel Chapter 96

“We can watch our shop get renovated together, read scripts, maybe even write one ourselves.”

Isabella nodded, her voice soft. “I’ll get over him. I really will. I’m done loving him. Loving him just hurts too much.”

“Give yourself some time. You’ll get there.”

Laura gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I know you can do it. Come on, let’s not waste another minute being sad over some loser. Let’s eat.”

She stood up and pulled Isabella along to the dining table. Laura went into the kitchen to bring out the dishes she’d made, while Isabella set out the bowls and chopsticks and carried the soup pot over.

Laura grabbed two bottles of beer and held one up. “Want one?”

Isabella shook her head. “No way. I’m not drinking because of him.”

“Alright, we’ll skip it.”

Isabella ladled soup into a bowl for Laura, then served herself. She took a deep breath. “It smells amazing, Laura. You’ve gotten even better at cooking.”

Laura beamed. “I’ve been practicing every chance I get. I look up recipes and just keep trying. If you do it enough, it gets easier.”

Just then, Laura’s phone buzzed with a new social media notification. She glanced at the screen but left the phone on the table without replying.

“Is your editor after you to update?” Isabella asked, knowing that was usually the only time Laura ignored messages.

Laura shook her head. “No, it’s this guy who says he’s a reader. He added me online and messages me almost every day. He’s from Cabinda too. Actually, he was at the beach this weekend.”

“I saw his Twitter. He seems successful, but I’m not sure. I haven’t really asked. We’re not that close.”

Laura smiled. “That’s right. No one else will do it for us.”

Isabella set down her spoon. “It’s not like I want to rely on Ethan, I just can’t stand how he’s used me and played with my feelings. If he’d just left me alone, I never would’ve bothered with him.”

Laura picked up some food and set it on Isabella’s plate. “You’re getting back at him, not relying on him. Still, there’s nothing wrong with using his status to get something out of it. Think of it as payback. No way should he get to use you for free.”

“Let’s stop talking about him. It’s ruining my appetite.”

Isabella finished her soup and scooped herself some rice. Laura’s food really was delicious.

“Laura, your cooking’s so good. Have you ever thought about going into the restaurant business?”

Isabella smiled. She liked cooking too. If Laura ever wanted to start something, she’d be down to invest and partner up.