'Hello, Parker!' Ryleigh tapped on Parker's shoulder.

Slightly startled, he replied, 'Oh hey, Ryleigh!'

'Well, let's go. I booked us a table at a restaurant across the street. I'll treat you to lunch.' Ryleigh informed with a smile.

'What? I thought we were just going to sit here.'

'No way. I've already got us a table at a nice restaurant.' Ryleigh grinned widely.

'You don't have to. I'll pay.' Parker furrowed his eyebrows and argued. To him, it was ungentlemanly to let the girl pay.

'Whatever. Either way we've got to get there first so let's go!' Ryleigh prompted, dragging him by the arm out of the kitchen. He smiled at her touch and didn't fight her.

'Alright alright!' He chuckled and followed her out.

The restaurant Ryleigh booked was just down the street so they arrived there within a short walk. 'Good morning. Table for two?' The waiter asked as they entered.

'I have a reservation. Winters.' Ryleigh replied.

'Oh. Ms. Winters. Please.' He walked ahead, leading them to a table by the window that was actually quite romantic being away from the rest of the crowd. The slow music playing in the background only added to the ambience.

After seeing the menu, Ryleigh decided on a Carbonara pasta while Parker chose their signature beef burger.

'Alright. What is it that you want to tell me?' Ryleigh asked eagerly.

'It's about my future.' Parker spoke anxiously.

'Alright.'

Taking a deep breath, he said, 'Ryleigh, remember Mr. Crenshaw?'

'Bald Brit from my Dad's wedding right?' Ryleigh replied, unsure to why Mr. Crenshaw had anything to do with Parker.

'He runs an IT company in London. That day, I told him all about my passion for computer science and whatnot. He really liked me. Two days ago, he offered me a job at his office in London.' Parker paused to look at Ryleigh.

'What...why...but you haven't graduated college.' Ryleigh stuttered.

'Mr. Crenshaw also happens to have connections to people in Imperial College London. He told me that I could do my last year of college there while taking a part time job in his office. And he would sponsor everything too. When I graduate, he'll give me a full time job.' Parker explained.

'You're leaving.' Ryleigh's eyes shifted to the side and became glazed with a glassy layer of tears.

'Ryleigh, no...' Parker's voice became tender at the sight of her.

'Why?' Ryleigh asked, trying to keep her tears from falling.

'Ry, I need certainty and security for the future. I can't just work in a bakery for the rest of my life. Mr. Crenshaw is offering me a better education and a high-paid job.' Parker voiced out.

'But...' Ryleigh couldn't even imagine what the bakery would be like without Parker.

'But...' Parker's tone became serious and low. 'If I know that there is something worth being here for,I won't go.'

'What?' Ryleigh asked in confusion.

He reached out to hold both of Ryleigh's hands and said, 'Ry, I love you. I've loved you since the day you came here. The way you added your own touch to everything, the way you defied Mr. Dudley's orders, the way you smiled ever so brightly at everyone. You're so loveable and deserving of affection. I want to know if I can be the one to give it. If it's possible for us...'

Ryleigh's eyes widened at his sudden profession of love for her. She wasn't sure. She didn't know how to feel. 'I...you...you already have someone in mind. You told me the other day about finding the one and that you've found yours.'

Parker shook his head. 'I was talking about you. I've set my mind on you. I want to be with you.'

'What...' Ryleigh gasped. He loved her. He truly did. And yet some part of her couldn't bring her self to move on from Michael.

'If you feel that we are possible, even in the slightest, I'll stay. I'll stay and I'll prove myself worthy of you everyday. But if not, it would be kinder if you let me go. Make your choice.' Parker hated to give her an ultimatum but for his own sake, he had to.

'I don't know...' Ryleigh said frankly.

'Ryleigh, please. This just as much affects my future as it does yours.' Parker pleaded for an answer.

'I...I...' Ryleigh bit her lower lip and continued, 'I...I can't. I'm sorry. I can't move on so fast.' Ryleigh said as solemn tears fell down her cheeks. She didn't want to lose him. But her pride got the better of her.

Parker was crestfallen. His expression was a mix of dejection, sorrow and hopelessness. 'Okay.' He tried to muster a smile. 'My contract with Dudley's is coming up in September anyway. Would you let me go earlier?'

'Y...ye...yes.' Her voice was croaky. It took ounce of strength in him to stop himself from embracing her and comforting her. It was a jab to his heart each time he saw her cry but what was the point? She wasn't his.

'Goodbye then. Thank you for everything. I wish you well.' He let go of her hands and got up. Hesitating for awhile, he leaned down to kiss her on the cheek before walking out. When his lips landed on her cheeks, tears of grief and guilt spilt from her eyes. The warmth of his lips was enough to make this even tougher and more difficult than it has to be but not enough to make her put aside her ego and ask him to stay.

As he left, her heartache grew stronger, more intense. The tears burst forth like water from a dam, spilling down her face. She didn't care who saw. She just broke down. Burying her face in her hands, she sobbed and sobbed. Why couldn't she let him in? In less than a week, he would be 3000 miles away from her; In less than a week, he would be gone forever.