I have not even stopped at home yet. Instead, I hiked up to this special place. After falling apart outside Oopsie Daisies, I texted my college roommate. She invited me to join her on a women’s retreat an hour away in Buena Vista, the kind that features log cabins, unlimited herbal tea, early morning yoga, and absolutely no cell service. It was the best thing I could have done for myself.
The strong scent of pine cuts through the cold air. Itighten my coat around me and draw in a long breath. The world from up here looks peaceful and vast.
I close my eyes, meditating to the screech of eagles circling above when I hear footsteps crunching through the snow behind me.
Then a voice speaks my name.
I jolt and open my eyes, my heart lurching. “You,” I whisper, unable to hide the surprise.
Griffin stands before me, his brow furrowed, his expression caught somewhere between relief and something I can’t identify.
“You came back,” he says softly.
I push to my feet, hoping he can’t hear the frantic thrum in my chest. I nod, finding my voice. “How did you find me here?”
“Desiree spotted you driving into town and texted me. I tried your place then the café. When you weren’t there, I thought I’d check your usual escape spot.”
“But why areyouhere? You live in Denver.”
He closes the last few feet between us. “Hello, Ruby,” he says when he reaches me, as if he’s been practicing a speech, and wants to start over from the beginning.
I swallow. “Hello, Griffin.”
He’s looking at me like I’m something he never thought he’d get close to again. Something he wants. But I am not biting. Not yet. I wait.
“Have you stopped by Oopsie Daisies?” he asks.
“No,” I say, simply, and turn away. Why would I? The place is shut down.
“Maybe you should.”
There is something in his tone, something careful and deliberate.
I face him once more. “What for? To see the place cleared out? No, thank you.”
His eyes are soft. “Haven’t you spoken with Desiree?” he asks.
I shake my head. “I’ve been off the grid. No phone.”
He nods, as if that confirms a dozen things for him.
“Ruby, a lot has happened since you left.” He takes a breath, steps closer. “I messed up, badly. Again”
I cross my arms, not sure I’m ready for this. I’ve spent two weeks finding equilibrium. I don’t want it evaporating in two minutes.
Interpreting my body language, he says, “Please, let me try to explain.”
I gesture for him to go on.
“When I saw that padlock and realized you were gone, I panicked. I called my brother, and yeah, he reminded me I’m the idiot who told Clara’s lawyer to have the place locked up unless he heard otherwise.” He rubs the back of his neck. “I never meant for you to walk into that. Scout’s honor.”
My heart pinches, but I stay quiet.
“So I did the only thing I could think to do.” He exhales. “I asked for help from the local community.”
My eyebrows shoot up. Griffin asking for help is like spotting a unicorn at the grocery store.
“After knocking me down a rung or two, Desiree came by,” he continues. “Apparently, her drama club needs a place to rehearse. The library and theatercouldn’t commit to regular use of their space. We agreed to divide the shop and split the rent with them.”
