This dinner has been the hardest dinner Ellie Nash has ever sat through. The sushi was good, the ginger just as spicy as she liked it. She nibbled a California roll, listening to Craig go on about his life in Hollywood. He was touring with Fall out Boy and sometimes Hey Monday. He was telling her that Cassadee Pope was really cool—and reminded him of her.
"Oh yeah?" Ellie stabbed at the rice with her chopsticks. She could never use them right. She and Sean used to laugh at the people who took this so seriously, so perfect. They'd both agreed they would rather eat pizza. Her stomach rolled, the food threatening to come back up but she held it in place.
"It's great." Craig's hazel eyes fixed on her. "You know, seeing you again."
"Yes." Yvette, Craig's newest love agreed. She was tall and a model. Her figure was perfect. It made Ellie feel dumpy in her simple outfit. She smiled weakly at the happy couple. "Craig's talked so much about you. I couldn't wait to meet you." She leaned over, and Ellie couldn't help watching as their lips met in a resounding kiss. She felt sick, closed her eyes.
This was too much. "Well, thanks for dinner." Ellie said. She wanted to excuse herself. She had to get away. "I should go."
"But--" Craig rose, too. "I thought you were staying?"
"No...she just got back. I'd only be in the way." Ellie nodded once. "It's—it's OK." She assured Craig. She knew what he must be thinking, that Ellie was crazy. Something was wrong. "You two should have time alone. It was really great to meet you." She flashed Yvette an empty smile and hurriedly left the apartment.
Starting to walk down the hall in a constant nightmare, Ellie heard Craig call her. Like a moth drawn to that proverbial flame she turned. She knew she would never have him. He'd never be hers, not like he'd been Ashley's, Manny's and most recently? Yvette's. They probably slept together. Ellie could picture it, though she didn't want to. She could picture Craig watching Yvette get ready for bed, watching her every movement with those beautiful hazel eyes.
"I just have to face my feelings for you will never be requited." Ellie said honestly. She saw the look on Craig's face. It was a look she couldn't place. "Ellie--" There was a moment of pause. Craig looked...worn. "I had—I had a great time today."
Ellie studied him once more and nodded. She left, her heart breaking again. She slammed her fist into the nearby wall, feeling stupid and foolish. Why couldn't she place Craig Manning out of her mind? Why?