“Yesterday was insane here, we had a last-minute qualifier for the tournament next month. Trying to drum up more interest.”
“Oh.” My expression must’ve fallen because his eyes narrowed.
Then suddenly he lifted a finger as if he remembered something. “Oh! But I had to leave because our cake lady fell through and I had to taste some new flavors from a new cake person.”
“Right,” I said, wondering if he made up that lie on the spot, realizing his brother had lied to me or if that was actually true. This was the guy who wanted to trick a therapist to get out of therapy, after all. He obviously had no moral compass. I looked over my shoulder to see if Elijah had shown up and was feeding him lines. He hadn’t. “Cakes are serious business.”
“You’re telling me,” he said.
I handed him back the wrap, not feeling up to boxing anymore.
“You don’t want to hit a bag?” he asked. “The speed bag is fun. I can show you how.”
“No, I think I’m good.” I walked back toward the door.
“I’ll let Eli know you came by,” he said.
“No need,” I said. “Tell Tara I say hi though.”
“Will do.”
I left the gym and headed toward my car. But instead of getting in and going home, like I had planned to do after fleeing the gym, I picked up my pace and passed my car. I settled into a steady jog. This area of Clovis was called Old Town. It was made up of family-owned restaurants, used bookstores, boutique clothing shops, small music stores, and antique shops. The storefronts looked as if they were out of an old western, with faux second-story balconies and even some posts where horses used to be tied before cars took over.
I jogged, trying to release all the tension in my neck and shoulders. I was still sore from the boxing I’d done two days ago and from the Mom lifting I did at home and from the stress of trying to find a couple of new servers. I had four more interviews this afternoon. And I needed to call the chef and make sure the kitchen was running smoothly. I didn’t want any drama to sneak up on me there. In my call with Raya that morning, she hadn’t mentioned any problems, but I needed to double-check.
By the time I’d circled several city blocks and was back to my car, my neck and shoulders felt just as tense as when I started the run.
“Did you work out today?” The voice startled me as I was reaching for my car’s door handle, the back of my neck and hairline damp with sweat. Elijah’s face still caught me off guard sometimes. He really was a beautiful man—all dark features and sharp angles.
“Um, what? No. Yes. I’m leaving.”
“You okay?”
“Fine,” I said.
“I had a meeting with my dad this morning.”
“Okay,” I said, and opened my car door. “See you for therapy.” I climbed into my car, shut the door, and pressed the start button. My heart was beating fast as I watched him watching me through the front windshield.
I wanted to roll my window down and scream, “Might want to clue your brother in on the lie you decide to go with next time!” I didn’t do that. I didn’t care. I couldn’t care. I just put my car in reverse and drove away. He, like everyone else, could just think I was boring and cold. At this point, I agreed with them.
CHAPTER 17
I couldn’t believe this was our third therapy session. That I’d been here in Clovis taking care of my mom for a month now. In some ways she seemed to be doing better. She moved a little easier, when she wanted to. She seemed to be in a little less pain. But in other ways she seemed exactly the same. I still had to do everything for her, and it was never good enough. I was used to the second part of that equation.
My phone buzzed as I headed toward the office building.
What time did you say the interviews were again tomorrow?Raya’s text asked.
I had told her on our morning phone call but should’ve written it down in a text too.One at two and one at three thirty, I quickly typed back.
And if I hire them, you’ll work them into next week’s schedule?
Yes, and tell Presley. She’s anxious to have the help.
Presley is a whiner.
She’s the best server we have. Treat her well.
