“Of course.”
“This might be for the best. You’ve only known him for a short amount of time. He’s been through a lot. It sounds like he needs a bit of time to work through some things before he gets into a long relationship.”
Addie frowned. “I wish I could be there for him while he works through it. I wish I could help him.”
“Sometimes people need to figure stuff out on their own.” Jules suddenly coughed, and when she brought her hand up to her mouth, her fingers were shaking.
“Jules, are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Just a cough.”
Addie studied the older woman, suddenly noticing how pale she looked.
Jules lifted a hand to her forehead and massaged her temple.
“Do you have a headache?” Addie asked.
“Yes, it comes and goes.”
“Are you sick?”
Jules lowered her hand and smiled, but it looked forced. “I’m okay. In fact, I feel better than I have in a long time.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because I’m sitting here, in this beautiful small town, talking to you. I’m happy.”
Addie tilted her head. “That’s great, but if you’re sick—”
“I’m fine. Really.”
Addie wanted to push. She’d become so fond of Jules these last few months, and she wanted her to be okay. But now that she thought about it, she barely knew anything about the woman. They always spoke abouther.
God, she was the worst. Yes, Jules asked a lot of questions, but Addie should have asked more questions back. “I’m sorry, I should know this already, but do you have family close by?”
“Oh, my husband and I divorced a long time ago, and he’s since passed. But even before he died, he was a narcissist, so no tears shed there. And I have one daughter who I don’t see nearly enough of.”
One side of Addie’s mouth lifted. “She’s lucky to have you.”
“No,I’mthe lucky one.” She coughed again.
This time, Addie reached over and placed her hand on Jules’s arm. “You should go home and rest.”
“Yes, I might do that. But I’ve actually got an appointment in twenty minutes.” She checked her watch. “I should get going. Thank you for the visit. Again, I’m sorry about Noah, but I’m glad that you’re safe. Do you want me to walk you to your car?”
She shook her head. “I’m in the parking lot and the deputy’s car is right there.”
“Okay. Keep safe, dear.” She climbed out of the booth but pulled Addie into a hug before she left.
Addie hugged her back, loving that she’d developed such a good friendship with the older woman. She’d learned quickly that very little matched a big bear hug from Jules.
The second she left, Addie’s mind went back to Noah. A part of her had expected—well, hoped and prayed—that he’d call in the last three days. Had he not because it was too hard for him? He needed to cut as much contact as possible?
She shook her head. She needed to stop. She was being selfish in trying to keep him. If he needed space to heal from his trauma, then she needed to give him that space.
Pain cut through her chest at the thought. All she wanted to do was help him. It was all she’deverwanted.
With a small sigh, she rose from the table.
