“I appreciate your concern, but I don’t think we should talk about him behind his back. He likes his privacy.”
She leans across and pats my hand. “Of course. It’s just that he’s been through a lot. He comes with baggage and I know you’ve had your own problems recently—”
“Kit’s past is his own business,” I say firmly. “As is mine.”
“Alright, dear. I’m just looking out for you now your mother isn’t around.” She delves back into her purse and pulls out some notes. “How is Susan, by the way? Still enjoying Florida?”
She’s been a friend of my parents since before I was born and I know she’s just looking out for my well-being, so I bite back what I really want to say. I ring up her purchase while giving her an update on Mom and Dad.
Unfortunately her words continue swirling in my thoughts and dull the brightness of my afternoon.
Assoonasthecoffee shop is closed for the day, I hightail it over to the general store.
Georgia is at the shelves of cereal restocking Cheerios. Her face lights up when she sees me.
“Hey, hon. I didn’t expect to see you this afternoon. No hot date planned with your man?”
“He’s not my man.” The words leave my mouth unbidden. They also feel like a lie. “And I wish everyone would stop being so interested in my love life.”
“Oh!” She places her hand on her hips. “Where’s my happy Felix disappeared to and who is this stranger in his place?”
I sigh. “Sorry, Georgia, I didn’t mean to snap.”
She steps closer and puts a hand on my arm. “What’s wrong, honey?”
I look around the store. There’s someone on the far side, but no one close enough to overhear our conversation. The last thing I want is more gossip. I lower my voice anyway. “Mrs. Hendricks stopped by earlier. She said some stuff about Kit and his past. Stuff she found online.”
“You know her, Felix. She likes to be in everyone’s business. And Kit’s a bit of a celebrity, so it’s not surprising she looked him up. I’m sure half the town will be doing their own research. You know how it is.”
“I know. It’s just she said some stuff.”
“What kind of stuff?” she asks, eyes filled with concern.
I don’t want to recount the details of Kit’s past, although I’m sure Georgia will find out anyway if she doesn’t know already. “The point she was making is that I should be careful. He’s got a history—”
“You knew that, and we all have a history, hon.”
“It’s a lot to take on.” I hate that Mrs. Hendrick’s words have gotten to me, but I can help wondering if there’s some truth to what she’s saying.
“And you don’t want to get hurt?”
That’s it in a nutshell. I nod. “Am I making a mistake? I didn’t expect to feel the way I do, but is it too soon? You warned me not to get into a rebound thing. What if that’s what this is?”
“Look, Felix,” she says gently, taking my hands in hers. “It’s natural to have doubts and fears in a new relationship. But you’ve got to trust your own judgment and follow your heart. I know I warned you off, but I can see how good the two of you are together. You care about Kit, don’t you?”
“More than anything.”
“Then focus on that. Focus on how he makes you feel. You’re both adults, and I’m sure you’ll manage any challenges that come your way. And I’m always here for you if things don’t work out. I guess what I’m saying is you don’t know if you don’t try.”
She squeezes my hands and I feel some of the weight lifted from my shoulders.
I kiss her cheek. “You always say exactly the right thing. Plus, I’m probably over-thinking things. I don’t even know how long he plans to stay in town. He could be gone tomorrow for all I know.”
I don’t actually think that. Kit would have mentioned it if he had any intention of leaving so soon, but he also hasn’t said anything about staying long-term either. He may leave after he’s written his book, and he’s been making great progress lately. Suddenly, my happiness at him finding his writing groove again diminishes.
“One day a time, hon,” she says.
After completing my shopping, I leave the store, but as I navigate the winding country road, I find myself deep in thought, trying to puzzle out whether Kit and I truly want the same things.
