“Never say never.”
Chime.
At last, a reasonable excuse to put an end to this awkward conversation.“I need to get this.”
Mia nodded.“Just remember what I said.”
After Mia slipped out the door, Abby picked up her phone.She wasn’t expecting to hear from anyone.She’d already told her mother she was home safe and sound.
When she glanced at her phone, she was surprised to see Brad’s name on the screen.
Brad:Just checking to see that you made it home safely.
Abby:Home safe and sound.
Brad:That’s good to hear.The next time you’re in Chicago, we have a date to get deep dish pizza.
A date?She reread the message over and over again.She assured herself that he didn’t mean an actual date.It had to be an offhand comment, nothing more.
Abby:I’ll be in touch soon to go over details for the wedding shower.
Brad:Shower?Why would I care about that?It’s for the women.
Abby:It used to be.Now it’s a combined event.
Brad:You mean us guys have to go to the bridal shower?
She could already imagine him with a distinct frown.A little smile tugged on the corners of her lips.
Abby:I told you it’s a wedding shower.Note the word wedding instead of bridal.
Knock-knock.
“Come in.”Abby glanced up from her phone.
Mia poked her head in.“Thought you’d want to know that your mother just stopped in.”
“Thanks.I’ll be right out.”
Brad:When is this shower?
Abby:The end of next month.Gotta go!
She slipped her phone into her pocket.She glanced up at the computer monitor with all of the emails that she’d missed.There were a couple of bills that needed to be paid, but other than that, there was nothing urgent.
It looked like the coffeeshop was able to function in her absence.In one way, it felt good.In another way, it didn’t feel so good.She shut down the computer and made her way to the front of the shop.
She immediately spotted her mother standing in line for coffee.Feeling extra good after her weekend off and extra generous, she made her mother’s favorite coffee: medium roast, extra cream, and two packs of sweetener.She carried it around the counter to her mother.
“Here you go.”Abby held out the hot coffee.
Her mother looked at her and arched a brow.“Why do you have that look on your face?”
What look?She honestly didn’t know what her mother was talking about.“I don’t have a look.”
“You do.You were smiling.It was like this dreamy look.”And then her mother’s eyes widened.“Are you in love?”
The question came out much louder than Abby would have preferred.Heads turned in their direction just as the heat of embarrassment swirled in her chest before rushing to her face.
