Begin Again novel Chapter 35

"You look amazing! Love the hair!" Gibby gushed when Eden sat down.

"Thank you," she smiled demurely.

She was still unsure about the angled lob, but Franco and Cassandra had assured her she looks great. She would have preferred to have had some say when it comes to the length though. But, she liked what the hairstylist had done with the colour. Franco had decided to go with warm hues but kept her roots dark for an ombre effect, and layered the blunt chop with soft medium curls.

Admittedly, the new style was the most daring Eden had ever gone. She just hoped she wouldn't regret ever meeting Franco when the maintenance became too much.

"If we can please get started, I need to return to Aiden," Eden said, feeling self-conscious under the other woman's scrutiny.

"Of course, but would you like something to drink or to eat perhaps?" Gibby asked.

Eden looked through the menu card and settled for a slice of tiramisu and a chai latte.

"Great choice, I'll have the same. But I really should stay away from sugar," Gibby said, and Eden wondered why. She looked amazing for her age and had the height to hide the extra weight, not that she could see any.

A waitress appeared at their side to take their order. Gibby added a few optional extras.

"It's for Aiden," she said when they were alone again.

"Thanks, but you don't have to do that," Eden murmured. She could see right through her; she's trying to bribe her way into changing her mind.

She wouldn't fall for it.

"Why did you ask me here?" Eden asked as she took in the rustic, Scandi decor. But it was the music that gave the place its charming ambience.

They'd played two of her favourite indie, folksy songs since she sat down.

Rise Coffee Shop was her vibe. She could see herself going broke over their chai lattes while she worked on her book, loosely based on her son's fascination with the moon. Since her freelance work was slow, she'd decided to try her hand at writing.

She's a damn good illustrator; she knew that. But writing was daunting, terrifying. Still, she planned to see her little project through till the end. Not because she wanted to get rich from the book. Hell, she didn't even think it was good enough to hit bookstores. But she planned to print out at least one copy when it's finished to have as a keepsake for Aiden.

"Mr Anderson feels terrible about yesterday," Gibby said, drawing her attention back to the reason for her presence there.

"Which part?" Eden demanded as she leaned forward and cradled her chin in her hands, her elbows planted firmly on the table.

"Eh?" Gibby scratched her chin, clearly taken aback by her question.

"Which part does Mr Anderson feel terrible about? Because there was a lot he said and did that was uncalled for."

"I'm sorry," Gibby said, holding her gaze.

"See, that's where you're wrong," Eden shook her head. "You shouldn't be apologising for Liam. You didn't do anything wrong."