“I can’t,” Barbara said miserably.“His flight just left.”
Penny came into the office and hugged her.“He’ll be back on Thursday.That gives you two days to work out what you’ll say to him.”
Barbara buried her head in Penny’s shoulder.And two days for Theo to work out that he’s better off without her.
CHAPTER 17
Theo rubbed the sleep from his eyes and tried to work out what had woken him.He’d arrived home at two o’clock in the morning, blurry-eyed and sleep-deprived after the worst flight of his life.
A loud series of knocks rattled his front door.No one knew he was back, so it couldn’t be Barbara or Ethan.And even if it was either of them, they’d use the doorbell.
Rolling out of bed, he checked his watch and groaned.It was already eight o’clock.
Grabbing a T-shirt, he headed down the hallway and unlocked the door.“Katie?What are you doing here?”
“I was getting some supplies from the general store and I saw your truck.When did you get home?”
“A few hours ago.”
“Oh.Sorry.Did I wake you?”
Katie didn’t look particularly sorry.“Why are you here?”
Instead of answering him, she smiled.“Are you always this grouchy in the morning?”
“Only when I haven’t had much sleep.”
“Well, today’s your lucky day.”A cup of takeout coffee appeared from behind her back.“I was going to take this to Pastor John, but you look more deserving.”
Theo eyed the cup warily.“What did John do to deserve a cup of coffee?”
“He set up all the tables with the hospitality class for the reception.I had a peek before I came here and they look stunning.”
Lifting the cup to his nose, he inhaled the sweet aroma of cinnamon and coffee.
“It’s a double-strength cappuccino with extra froth and no sugar.”
“Thanks, but you still haven’t told me why you’re here.”
“I want to talk to you about Barbara.Sometimes my sister can be so shortsighted that it makes you think she’s not as intelligent as she actually is.”
Theo rubbed his forehead.“I’m sleep-deprived.You lost me at the shortsighted bit.”
“Oh, for goodness’ sake.I thought you were supposed to be a hotshot investigative journalist.”
The conversation with Katie was getting even more challenging.“Barbara and I aren’t dating anymore.”
“I know, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.”
His heart pounded.“Has Barbara told you she wants to see me again?”
“Not in so many words.”
The glimmer of hope growing in his chest was crushed.He slouched against the doorframe, needing a shower more than this conversation with Katie.“Thanks for the coffee, but I have to go.”
“Wait!”Katie’s foot landed between the door and the doorframe.“Ever since you left, Barbara’s been mooching around the inn, staring at the clock more than she should.She likes you more than even she realizes.”
“She made her decision before I went to New York City.”
