“Would’ve left it unlocked for you, but I think that’s all.”
“No, the door was ajar. It’s fine—I cased the house, and no one was home—, but I found it odd. She good?”
“As good as can be. Could you do me a favour and install more cameras and security around the outside of my place? I had an eerie feeling tonight, and it’s likely nothing, but when it comes to her, I’m not risking a fucking thing.” I glance at the time and worry Clara will pass out before I can get any food into her
“Sounds good. Glad she’s been able to take that stick out of your ass. I’ll be in touch.” He ends the call with a laugh.
Ten
Clara
“Clara, you are a godsend. I told you not to come in today. I know it might’ve been a tough morning.” Debbie smiles, crossing her arms before leaning against the counter.
“Therapy wasn’t as bad as it usually is. We paused this week to focus on the present. Plus, you deserve a vacation more than anyone.” I grin at her before turning back to stock behind the counter.
It’s been a few weeks since that night Burke and I took out the trash. The new girl I’ve been training all week is doing great. Now that I have keyholder responsibilities, I’ve been opening and closing for Debbie, so she can relax without any worries about her business.
Debbie and I work together to close for the night, and soon Burke’s slate-grey Lexus pulls into the parking lot. He doesn’t get out, and I know he understands I need to soak up all the time I can with Debbie. We’ve built a great relationship, and she’s become more than my boss.
“He’s a lucky guy. You always think you’re the one who is, but Clara, you’re the best catch he could have found.”
“Yeah,” I say quietly. My cheeks heat. I covered this topic in therapy, but I still find it hard to believe anyone.
I’ve finally almost come to terms with the fact I couldn’t control anything that happened to me when I was a child, and although I could have left Ryan, it also was a tough situation, especially with my history.
Closing up the box of jams, I shift it back to where it belongs and take off my blue apron. “I’m gonna miss you.” The admission is a big step for me.
Being vulnerable isn’t something I’m comfortable exposing yet, as if you can show your heart and let people break the valves inside.
“I’ll be back before you know it—with presents,” Debbie says, quickly enveloping me in a hug.
I let her go and exhale a deep breath. Together we lock up and exit through the back door to set the alarm and take out the trash.
Once Debbie has made it to her truck, I turn to the Lexus. Burke is striding toward me.
“Have a wonderful vacation. Make sure you call if you have any troubles,” he says to Debbie. Nodding her a goodbye, he links his fingers with mine.
Walking to the car, he opens my door, then circles around to the driver’s side. “Alright, want to drive?”
“Nah, I’ll focus on my licence when she gets back.” I look out the window, and Burke grips my chin to turn me to him.
“Hungry?”
“No, we had dinner together tonight. How was work?”
“It was good. What’s wrong, Dragonfly?” He strokes my face.
I fidget with my shirt and fold my apron in my lap. “Just telling people your feelings. It’s hard for me.”
“Vulnerability is always going to be hard. We open up our darkest parts to people and worry they’ll smash them up. I’m proud of you, Clara. You’ve moved leaps and bounds in healing and working through shit you shouldn’t have had to endure.” Burke always knows what to say, and I hold his hand as he drives us home.
I revel in the comfort. Knowing I have people in my corner makes all the difference in the world. Not enough time has passed to undo the damage from the past, and I’m not sure it ever will, but the support has been appreciated in a way they’ll never know.
“Date night this week? We can do a late dinner since you’ve taken on Debbie’s shifts, but I think it’s needed.”
I smile and wrap my fingers around his hand. “Of course—oooo, could we do a double date? Bailey has a new boyfriend, and it would be super cool if I could experience that.”
“Ryan never… you know what, never mind. Of course we can, Dragonfly.”
