As much as I want to ask her to stay, it would be selfish of me. I have to let her go.
As a farewell, I got up early and headed into town to pick up the donuts she loves from Rachel. If she has to leave, I’m going to send her off with some good food to hold her over.
“Well, you’re in here early this morning.” Rachel beams from behind the counter. No matter the time of day, this woman always smiles.
“I wanted to pick up some treats for Lizzy before she leaves.” I smile in return but even I can tell it’s forced and probably doesn’t make me look the least bit happy.
“Oh, that’s right. She flies home today.” Rachel brushes a strand of her long brown hair behind her ear and sighs. “You doing okay?”
“Not really,” I chuckle. “It’s been so nice having her here. I hate to see her go.”
“I bet. I can’t imagine being that far away from my child.” Her smile returns as she grabs a bag and fills it with the glazed donuts Lizzy loves. It doesn’t take Rachel long to learn her customers' favorites. It’s probably one of the many reasons she’s so successful. “But, hey. You’ve made a lot of friends here now. We’ll have to get together at The Wine Room to distract you. Or Stocks & Stables. Have you been there yet?”
“I haven’t, but all of that sounds lovely.” And she’s right. I do have friends here now. Rachel and I hit it off almost immediately. She’s only a few years younger than me, and we get along great. Our shared interest in cooking and making people happy through food gives us plenty to talk about.
We’ve made plans to get together after Lizzy leaves to throw a tapas party. She’ll make the sweet treats, and I’ll make the savory ones. I’m very much looking forward to it. Throwing dinner parties is one of the things I've missed the most since losing Mark. Once the chalet renovation is complete, I’ll have the perfect place to host larger gatherings. Maybe I can even host local events if I keep some of the larger rooms open for dinner parties.
“What time do you leave for the airport?” she asks.
“Later this evening. Lizzy’s booked on the red-eye. So at least I get most of the day with her.”
“Is Adam going with you guys? I know he’s quite taken with that girl.”
“Yep.” My smile returns. He and Lizzy have become quite close these past few weeks. They even exchanged phone numbers so they can text after she leaves. “That he is. Those two have really created a bond. I think he’s going to miss her almost as much as I am.”
“You’re not by any chance talking about my son, are you?” Rosie’s sweet voice calls from behind me.
“Oh, hi Rosie.” She surprises me when she leans in for a hug. I’m not sure I’m ever going to get used to all these huggers. But it’s starting to grow on me. The comfort and affection—even if small—is a welcomed feeling.
“I am.” I answer after she pulls back from me.
She’s smiling, but there’s a look in her eyes I can’t quite decipher that doesn’t match her smile.
Rosie places her coffee order with Rachel then looks at me with her hands on her hips. “Come sit with me for a minute.”
“Oh, I really should be getting back. This is my last day with Lizzy.”
“Just for a moment. I won’t keep you long.” She doesn’t wait for me to answer. She heads to a table like she expects me to follow without further argument.
I sigh, feeling myself give into her when I know I shouldn’t. A sense of disappointment washes over me as this one simple request reminds me of my own mother. She always has a way of saying things to get me to agree to her. I hate it. And I hate how it makes me feel weak. Right now, Rosie is making me feel weak.
I thank Rachel for my coffee and pastries and follow Rosie to a table by the door.
“I hear the chalet remodel is coming along nicely.”
“It is. Adam has done a fabulous job so far. The first floor is almost complete.”
“Adam is very talented. Leo, my late husband, had been so disappointed when Adam turned down running the ranch to study architecture. But Adam is exactly where he needs to be.”
“Yes, it would have been a shame if he hadn’t embraced his talents.”
Rosie leans forward with her elbows on the table and narrows her eyes. “Listen. I don’t want to take up more of your time than necessary. I’d hate to keep you from your daughter.”
“I appreciate that.” I nod, still not comfortable with where this is going.
Rachel brings Rosie her coffee, and they exchange some pleasantries before Rosie turns her attention back to me. “I’m just gonna spit this out, so bear with me.” She takes a sip of her hot coffee and sighs. “Please don’t break my son’s heart. He’s been hurt enough. He still hasn’t recovered from the pain of all he’s lost in life. But he is healing. However, a healing heart is an easily broken heart. I’d rather die than see him broken again.”
I suck in a breath and drop my head into my hands.Oh, my God, this is exactly what my mother would do.It instantly triggers my anger which in turn triggers my tears. I do not want to cry in front of this woman. Sure, her voice is sweet and laced with nothing but concern. But I get her meaning loud and clear. She thinks I’m no good for Adam. Why does everyone think the worst of me? First his brothers, and now his mother.
