She gives me her number, and I type it into a message, then send her a text so she has mine, too. I’m inordinately pleased by this development, even if it’s coming late and points to my negligence as a landlord.
“See you soon.”
Her expression is soft, and some of that worry I saw so clearly just minutes ago seems lessened.
Maybe that’s wishful thinking. It wouldn’t be the first time my brain tried to write a different story than the evidence pointed to. But tonight, I hope just knowing she isn’t alone helps in some small way.
And I hope this effort atones for how shitty I’ve been to her.
As I wander back home, I pray I can atone for the way I’ve failed her by being so rough the first few times we interacted. And underneath it all, there’s still the knowledge I have so much more to make up for—so many ways I’ve let everyone I love down.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Sam
Isip the juniper latte and hum with satisfaction while the buttery early March sun shines through Corner Coffee’s window.
It’s my first morning off since last Sunday and I am relieved to be sitting in the café watching May work her miracles. It’s busy this weekend, and I’m told it’s partly due to the end of Silver Ridge Resort’s ski season coming up. Apparently, people flock there for the end-of-season parties they’ve started in the last few years, and some spill over into Juniper View for cheaper lodging and even food.
I can’t say I’ve minded the extra tips at the diner. So far, I’m feeling positive about the likelihood I can actually make this life work.
A surge of anger cuts through my admiration of May’s barista skills when I think of all the money I foolishly let Andrew control. He’d convinced me that since we weremarried, we should combine our money. I didn’t disagree with the concept, or at least the idea that we should have some visibility on each other’s finances. Since I was the one bringing less in terms of financial assets to the relationship, I didn’t see how it could be to my detriment.
Naïve girl that I was, I had no clue just how controlling he was, or how poorly everything would end. Like a trusting idiot, I didn’t realize how easily and early the financial abuse began, and with it, so many other methods of control.
“Well if it isn’t Sam, my new favorite Juniper View resident.” Finn flops into a chair at the table next to me.
“Hey, Finn. How are you?” The smile banishing my teeth-grinding thoughts is genuine. I like everyone I’ve met in the Ryan family, and there’s no denying it.
“I’m better now that I’ve found you sitting here.” He winks.
Because of course he does.
“Were you having a bad morning?” It’s hard to imagine this ball of sunshine having a badanything.
He flashes a mischievous grin. “No. But I didn’t get to spot for Grant while he bench-pressed out his rage because he bailed on me.”
I laugh because the face he makes is absurd, though I have to ask, “He has a lot of rage?”
His expression falls. “Actually, no. Considering the way things have gone, I’m amazed he doesn’t have more. He’s actually just… really good.” He rolls his eyes. “It’s honestly annoying sometimes, right? Like, what hope does a guy have if his older brother is an actual saint?”
It’s my turn to roll my eyes. “Oh, come on. Don’t try to tell me you haveanytrouble with the ladies.”
He turns on a full-bore smolder and his voice goes lowand a little husky. “Does that mean I wouldn’t have any trouble with you?”
I blink and absolutely feel my cheeks heat.
From across the room, May barks a laugh. “She iswayoutta your league, Finny!”
He scowls at her and leans back. “I do okay. But that doesn’t really matter when the girl you like won’t give you the time of day.” He shrugs one shoulder. “It’s fine. And I’m happy to see you. Lily told me you saved Poppy last weekend.”
My smile breaks through. “Safe to say Grant saved her and I was ultimately the cause of the drama, but I’m glad it all worked out.”
“That’s not what I heard. Even Grant said you were… what did he say?” He taps his chin dramatically and something in me winds tight. “Heroic, I think.”
I laugh because that’s absolute fiction. “Hewas heroic. I was there to collect my wayward cat.”
He winks again. “Don’t sell yourself short. If an actual war hero saysyouwere heroic, then roll with it.”
