Annie stood motionless facing Josh across the counter in her shop. With the customers gone and her employees having left for the day, the room was quiet enough to hear a pin drop and Josh’s expression not only showed nervousness but apprehension and puzzlement. She’d caught him off guard.
They knew each other so well; this shouldn’t be so hard.
After a few grueling seconds, Josh broke eye contact and the awkward silence when he glanced down at his shoes, hands stuffed in the pockets of his jeans.
“Sorry for showing up unexpectedly at closing time like this but Brian sent me to take care of the bill for the cake. He had to work today.
Annie smiled because she knew exactly why he was there; her plan had worked beautifully. Now to keep him from turning and running as fast and as far as he could.
“I’m glad you’re here.”
Josh jerked his head, looking straight at her in surprise.
“You are?”
“Yeah, I am. It’s really good to see you Josh.”
More than he knew.
“Okay, wait…did I come into the wrong shop?”
Hands on his hips now, he glanced around in confusion.
Annie laughed.
“Trust me, you’re in the right place, and really, I am glad to see you. You look great by the way.”
No time like the present to pour out her heart.
Deep breath.
“Josh, since you’re here, I have some things I really need to say before I lose my nerve so could you listen for a minute?”
“Okay…”
He stood completely still, never moving his hands from his hips or changing the expression on his face.
“I’m sorry.”
She exhaled, realizing this was going to be harder than she had imagined. Now she knew no amount of practice could have made this easier. Josh however took her pause as an okay for him to speak but she
quickly held up a hand, silencing him.
“No please, I need to do this, and I need you to hear all of it.”
Annie heaved yet another deep breath and forged ahead.
“I have so many things to say I’m not sure where to start.”
She twisted her fingers where they lay on the countertop.
“Josh, I was wrong about so many things while we were together. The awful way I acted toward you and the horrible things I said, it was a mistake. You didn’t deserve to be treated that way. I was selfish and never once took your feelings into consideration. I took you for granted and I was very wrong.”
She almost laughed when his expression clearly turned to shock. He remained quiet so she continued.
“I was so focused on my business that I lost focus on us and everything that was important to you. I criticized you for the long hours you were putting in at the job you loved, but I was doing the same thing. Josh, you are an amazing detective, and I am so proud of everything you’ve overcome and accomplished. I know I said a lot of awful things and I’m just so deeply sorry.”
As a single tear escaped down her cheek, Annie closed her eyes and let out a deep breath, disappointed at how ridiculous he probably thought it all sounded by the horrified look on his face.
