“You can.”
“I know that now,” she says. “Because of you.”
I kiss her. “You did that,” I say, “on your own. You’re doing it.”
“I couldn’t do it without you, though.” She kisses me back. “Now, let me get started on something sugary and not at all nutritious.”
“Hmm.” I watch her walk through the bedroom doorway. “Something loaded with cholesterol?”
“Oh, absolutely.”
Tonight, I let her cook. Nothing burns, nothing is a disaster, except the dishes in the sink, and I’m proud. She kisses me freely, and I’m proud. I’ll always be proud. Especially whenshe’s particularly proud of the meal and desserts she’s put together.
CHAPTER 27
Rowan
Itried to visit her every day—both for her and for me. And the only day I couldn’t find her at home, I found her alone, in a church. I knew it would have been too much for me if I didn’t get to see her every day when I went in for my croissant and latte for a week so, I took off early from the restaurant to go see her. Sometimes it was early enough for us to have dinner together, other times I was lucky enough to be able to cook us brunch.
So today, after a week of her well-deserved time off, I’m all but skipping as I make my way to The Black Cat.
I pull open the door and I’m met with someone who isn’t Natalia. Her employee, Rosa, is at the front, working the register, while her other employee, Mitchell, handles the bar and pastries.
Covered in disappointment, I order my usual morning latte and croissant anyway. Rosa hands me my warmed up croissant and steaming latte and after muttering and smiling mythank you, I ask, “Hey, is Natalia here today?”
“She took some extra time off,” Rosa says. “I’m sure if you call, she’ll answer.”
“Of course.” I force a feeble smile. “Thanks, Rosa. Have a good day.”
“You too.”
What she doesn’t know is that she should have been back today, which tells me she isn’t ready. After I found her at the church, we went to her apartment where I made love to her and stayed until she fell asleep in my arms. I had to leave before my shift that night, so I left a note telling her I needed to take care of the restaurant, but I’d see her the next day.
And it’s the next day.
I linger outside the bakery, calling and texting her. The messages deliver but go unread and unanswered. The calls ring and ring before taking me to voicemail. I’d go to her apartment but I can’t get into her building without being given access—whether that be with a key or being buzzed in.
So, I do the next best thing I can think of while my nerves jitter in all four limbs. It’s a helpless sensation that’s suffocating as I walk two blocks over, down Main Street, and arrive at Books and Beans. One of Lana’s employees greets me with a smile and says, “Looking for the boss?”
“I am.”
“I’ll go get her,” they say.
I mutter athank youand sit at a secluded table in the corner, my leg bouncing so violently it hits the bottom of the round table. Instead of relenting, I let it hit and hurt. It’s almost grounding as I look out the window, watching people cross the street and walk up and down the block.
“Rowan?”
I flinch at the sudden sound of my name and my headsnaps in that direction. Lana is coming toward me dressed in her usual jeans and T-shirt, with her hair up in a ponytail that sways at her back.
“Hey, Rowan,” Lana says, folding her arms over her chest. “What’s going on?”
“Have you heard from Natalia?” I ask. “Shit, I’m sorry. Hey, Lana, how are you?”
She chuckles. “Hey, RoRo. Are you okay?”
I nod, rapidly, my hand shaky on my bouncing knee. “Yeah. I’m sorry. I’m just…”
“It’s okay,” Lana says comfortingly. “She texted us this morning, why? What’s wrong?” A worry line appears between her brows.
