Bridget finishes what she’s doing and approaches the counter where I’m working, slapping her palms against the surface. “Are you okay?” she demands. “You seem…off.”
I bite back a sigh, giving her a tight smile. “It’s been a rough week.” I drop my eyes back to the screen, but Bridget’s staring a hole into my head, and it’s distracting.I shoot her an exasperated look. “What?”
She scrunches her mouth to the side. “Braxton hasn’t been in this week,” she observes. “In fact, I don’t think I’ve seen him since before Thanksgiving.”
“They’re short-staffed at the station,” I say weakly, carefully averting her stare. It’s not a lie, but it’s not the whole truth, either.
Movement has me looking up, eyes widening as Bridget approaches like I’m a wild animal; extra slowly with her hands up, palms out. I squint at her. “What are you doing?”
She smiles gamely. “I’m going to hug you.”
I screw my face up, knowing it’ll be game over if she touches me. “Please don’t.”
“It’s happening,” Bridget sing-songs, creeping closer, her hands swaying up and down. She looks like someone getting close to a nervous horse, and I’m kind of surprised she’s not saying, “Easy, girl, eaaasy.”
“I don’t need a hug,” I grumble in one last-ditch attempt, but then Bridget’s arms are around me, and she’s squeezing me so tight, my ribs creak.
“You need a hug,” she whispers in my ear. “You don’t need to tell me what’s going on, but you need a hug.”
“I don’t,” I croak, but it’s too late. I can feel myself getting choked up, my throat tight, and my eyes burning. I slam them shut, trying to stop the overflow, but Bridget won’t let me go, resting her temple against mine as she holds me.
“It’s okay, Gracie,” she whispers. “Whatever’s wrong, it’s okay.”
Just like that, the dam breaks, a painful sob bursting free. It’s followed by another, and then another, until tears are streaking unchecked down my face and I’m shaking in her arms.
I don’t know how long we stand there, Bridget gently swaying me from side to side, but I’m so damn relieved no customers walk in to witness my meltdown.
My breath shudders out of me, the tears finally slowing. I pull away, scrubbing my face on my sleeve, feeling drained. My eyes are swollen, and my nose is running, but I admit hoarsely, “I think I needed that.”
Bridget watches me, a divot in her brows. “Why don’t we shut up early and get a coffee?”
“Maryann—” I start.
“Would be the first to tell us to do it,” Bridget says firmly. “This shop is her baby, but she loves us more, and you know it. But you’re welcome to message her and check.”
I huff out a wet sound. “No way. I’m not raining on her parade with my problems, and you know she’ll ask.” I check the clock. Realizing we only have thirty minutes left before closing, I sigh. “Fine. Let’s do it. But you’re explaining if someone complains and Maryann asks questions.”
“That’s fine.” Bridget stares at me, mouth twitching. “Do you want to go fix”—she swirls a finger around my face—“that?”
I playfully glower at her. “I thought you were supposed to be making me feel better.”
She laughs, backing away quickly. “I never said that. I said we needed coffee.” She goes still, tilting her head. “You know what? Screw coffee. Let’s go get wine.”
“Make it tequila, and you have a deal.”
Her mouth drops open. “Oh, he has fucked up, hasn’t he?”
I’m not surprised she has guessed it’s about Braxton, especially when she noticed he’s been MIA. Still, I mime zipping my lips, telling her, “Not saying a word until I’ve had at least two shots.”
“Well, get a move on then. I’m ready for the drama.” She spins on her heel, heading out back to get her purse. “And tequila is the perfect drink to start plotting petty revenge!”
I shake my head, a soft sound of amusement escaping. “How do you know we need petty revenge?”
Her head pops back around the door. “Girl, if thatcrying jag doesn’t scream out for the pettiest of petty revenges, I don’t know what does.”
“Here you go, ladies.”Randi sets down two beers before scooping up the empty shot glasses. “Let me know if you need anything else.”
“We’ll grab some food in a little bit,” Bridget tells her.
