I grabbed another slice of pizza, reassured that she would be okay.I was worried when the church kitchen didn't work out.I wasn't sure there was another option.But Eve came through for us."I can take you grocery shopping."
"I know I've said thanks before, but seriously, you've been so helpful.I know you're doing it for my brother, but I don't know what I'd do without you right now."
"You seem perfectly capable.I'm sure you'd be okay."I was positive she would be, but why not help?That's what friends were for, and I was starting to consider Reina my friend, not just Tom's sister.And that was dangerous.
He'd want me to help her, but I wasn't sure how he'd feel about us living together.But how could I walk away when she was hurting?
She chewed her lip."This sucks, but like you said, maybe it will be a good thing."
"You'll get a new and improved kitchen with better flow, and with the exact appliances you need.Now that you've already been in business, you know exactly what will work for you."
"I've been wanting to do more online orders.But I'd need more refrigerator storage for that."
"Let's get what you need at the store, and you can start baking.Then we'll make some time to design the perfect kitchen."
Her nose wrinkled."Insurance is only going to pay for the kitchen I lost, not one with bigger and better appliances."
"That's where you come in.You just have to pay the difference in price, not the full amount.It's the perfect time to make upgrades."
Her eyes widened."I didn't realize that."
"This isn't my first fire."Thiswasthe first project I was worried about working closely with the shop owner.Because I admired her, and I was having all sorts of confusing feelings about rescuing her last night.I felt close to her in a way I didn't with any other women.And I didn't think it was because of Tom.
There was a knock on the door.
Reina's eyes widened."Is it Maddox?"
"Nah.Too soon for his investigation to be complete.Probably someone wanting to sell me a new roof or windows."I moved toward the front door, seeing the women shop owners from town holding grocery bags.Opening the door, I asked, "What's all this?"
Clara lifted a bag."We brought reinforcements."
I wasn't sure what that entailed, but I opened the door wider."Come in."
The rest of the women filed through while I waited by the door.
Clara stepped inside last."How's she doing?"
"She does better when she focuses on the future, how much better her store will be, and how she can expand online ordering to sell more items in the interim."
Clara's eyes lit up."That’s perfect.We brought ingredients for her to bake.I figured that baking might soothe her.But we brought enough to stock a small bakery, so she could use this for her orders."
"Eve's going to let her use the town hall's kitchen to bake while her shop is closed."
Clara closed her eyes briefly."I was worried that Reina would feel hopeless.We were trying to figure out how we could help her."
"I'm sure Reina appreciates the thought."
"I can sell some of her wares at the Christmas Shop, and Natasha said she'd increase her order at the inn's restaurant.Everyone's rallying around her."
I nodded, pleased."That's what she needs."
Clara gave me a look."You might not know this about Reina yet, but she doesn't like to accept help.I have a feeling she wants to prove to herself that she can do everything on her own."
I frowned."I'm getting that impression."
Clara patted my shoulder."Thanks for offering her a place to stay.That was really nice of you."
"It's what Tom would have wanted me to do."But that was a lie.There's no way Tom would want her anywhere near me if he knew the thoughts I was having about his sister.
