Ellie stops picking up her things and spins toward me. “Why are you being so nice to me?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
She gives me a stern look that almost hurts. Is she lumping me in with all the other people who’ve done her wrong throughout her life? I know I didn’t stand up for her as I should have, but could she still be holding that against me?
“Go get dressed. I’ll see if I can scrounge up something from the dining room for your grandpa to eat while we’re gone.”
* * *
It’s a short drive from the inn to Salty Jo’s. It seems much longer than the first time I was searching for it. But knowing Ellie’s about to leave has me wishing it was a few more miles away.
“So, you never said. Why are you back?”
“My mom’s sick. She has Alzheimer’s. It’s pretty progressive. Harry’s been managing to hire caregivers for her until recently. She gets really confused at night. Sundowners, they call it. Anyway… we’re committed to keeping her in her home. He just hasn’t had much luck finding an overnight caregiver. So I’m here until we can figure that out. Neither one of us wants to consider putting her in a nursing home to keep her safe.”
“I’m so sorry,” Ellie says, placing her hand over mine. The warmth that travels from her soft palm soothes my frayed nerves.
Flipping my hand over, I entwine my fingers with hers. It just feels right. “It’s tough watching someone you care about struggle.” Before the weight of my statement settles, I see Salty Jo’s and turn into the parking lot. “I’m going to check on Mom. But don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything. And don’t worry. Your Pops is in good hands.”
“Matt?”
“Yeah?”
“How can I ever repay you?”
A better man would tell her there’s nothing to repay. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt she and her grandpa would’ve done the same for me and my family. It’s just who they are. But my selfishness wins out.
“Go out with me.”
Chapter 19
Ellie
This is crazy. Why have I agreed to this?
I pace in front of the checkout counter at Salty Jo’s, awaiting Matt’s arrival. But I can’t relax. It’s more than the fact I crushed on Matt throughout high school. It’s as if I’m waiting for the other shoe to fall. Like we’re going to walk into wherever he has planned for dinner tonight, and Jenn and all her mean minions will be laughing when he admits this is all a joke.
I hate feeling this way. I’ve come so far since the cowering simp that allowed people to treat me the way they did. But emotional scars can be far more traumatizing than physical ones. It’s an injury that festers. You think you’ve healed, only to fear the wound has reopened when you least expect it.
I stop walking to and fro and lift my chin. Whatever happens, I’ll never allow myself to be humiliated by him or anyone else ever again.
“What’s got you prowling like a cat in heat?” Jo asks. The metaphor makes me frown. I look at my watch and realize Matt’s late. He said our date was at six. And it’s ten after. Refusing to allow myself to think this is a setup, I turn to Jo. “I have a date.” I wipe my sweaty hands along my emerald green sundress and try to steady my breath.
“With who?”
The door chimes. “With me,” Char says.
“What?” I laugh.
“I always wondered about you two.” Jo snickers.
“I’m taking you to the first portion of your date. Then Matt will pick you up afterward.” She grins.
“Hmm. Matt is who,” Jo teases.
Placing my hands on my hips, I face Charlene. “How did you get in on this?”
Char merely shrugs before coming to stand beside me and draping her arm through mine. “He’s a good guy, Ellie. Just enjoy yourself tonight.”
