3
Braxton
Three things run through my mind as I pull into the Coffee Loft’s crowded parking lot: First, how are this many people sitting in a coffee shop at 10 a.m. on a workday? Sure, yesterday was a holiday, but today certainly isn’t. Second, I hope Kirsten’s sister is flexible and willing to at least entertain the plans I have in mind; I’ll make this one killer caboose if she hires me.
But the third thing is triggered at the sight of a Lincoln Town Car in the lot. A decorative wrap covers the entire backside. A bloody heart with the wordLovelybeside it.
“What in the world?” I mumble, positioning my work truck so I can back into one of the only spacesleft.
A call comes in and since I’m here a few minutes early and I don’t feel like getting out of the truck yet, I tap the connected dash screen and take the call. It’s from Beau. Probably making sure I plan to play nice with his girlfriend’s sister. Just nottoonice.
“What’s up?” I ask.
“You on your way?”
“Already here,” I announce, ducking my head to better view the space I’m working with. To the left of the main shop, the first restored train car acts as an overflow for the busy establishment. My job is to restore the interior of the newly delivered train car waiting on the opposite side—a classic 1966 caboose. She’s a beauty.
Last week, I did a walk-through of the new addition so I could measure the place, draft up some plans, and have my newest employee—who’s also my college-aged niece—create a digital tour incorporating those plans. Maggie hadn’t been there, but her lead manager welcomed me with a complimentary cappuccino that, come to think of it, explains the busy parking lot.
In her description, Maggie stated she’d like this one to match the interior of the first train car; I have a different idea. A better one.
“You know what we talked about,” Beau says in his big brother tone.
“Yeah,” I say. “Hands off the Maggen-dise—I mean…merchandise.”
“Haha,” Beau says. “Just keep things professional, okay?”
“Sure, I will. Despite the fact that your girlfriend wants to set me up with her,” I add.
Beau clears his throat. “Kirsten doesn’t want to see her sister alone, which is understandable, but I don’t think she realizes how it might affect our relationship if you end up…” He trails off there.
I roll my eyes. “If I end upwhat?Not falling head-over-heels in love after the first date like some sort of sap?”
Silence.
“You know what,” I continue, because I’ve had a diatribe on the subject running through my mind all week. “I may or may not even like Maggie, Beau. But to know that Kirsten has more faith in me than you do stings, okay? I’m agoodguy.”
“I never said you’re not a good guy. You are. You’re agreatguy, in fact. I just…you don’t…”
I sense the weight of the words he’s dancing around. “I don’t commit to anyone. Is that what you’re going to say? Like the commitment Luke made to Meg? Or are you talking about the one Liam made to Gabrielle? Or how about we talk about the commitment yourwifemade to you?”
“Now you’re crossing a line,” Beau warns.
I shake my head. “I’m stating the facts. Just because I’m cautious doesn’t mean I don’t want what Mom and Dad have.Obviously,I want that.” I sense the deception in my own words and work to cover it by adding, “Who doesn’t?”
The fact is, Idowant what they have, but not if I’m more likely than not to end up divorced and wrecked like my brothers. Of course, in Luke’s marriage,hedid the wrecking.
Beyond that, I’ve seen the same thing happen to my friendsover the years. So yeah, I’m hesitant to pursue a committed relationship. Plus, I don’t evenwantto date Kirsten’s sister.
Only that feels like a lie, too. Kirsten’s shown me pictures of Maggie Modella; she’s beautiful. Seems to be a real go-getter, too; buying a franchise of her own and making additions with the extra train cars. I love that type of drive and confidence in a woman.
Perhaps I’m just suffering a case of wanting what I can’t have. Beau made Maggie off-limits, and that probably just made her all the more desirable. Not that it matters. I haven’t found anyone I want to risk giving my heart to; I doubt this woman will be any different.
“Don’t worry that pretty head of yours, Beau. I won’t flirt with your precious girlfriend’s little sister, okay?”
“Thanks, man. But don’t…don’t be rude or anything. Just, you know, treat her like a potential client, nothing more.”
I roll my eyes a second time. “I’m hanging up now.” I don’t let him say another word.
