Pulling into the only other place I get coffee from besides Grind Time, I walk in and get in line. Looking around, my eyes catch on a pair of green eyes already staring at me. The man attached is pretty handsome—in a classic sense, I suppose. Not like I’m looking for an actual relationship, but he’s easy enough on the eyes.
He smiles, and a pair of dimples greets me as I tilt my head in acknowledgment. I’m in no place to entertain flirting today, but that doesn’t mean I’m not thinking about some possibilities to get Arlo out of my head for good.
Yeah, good luck with that.
“Next!” the barista calls, and I jolt before moving forward to put my order in.
While I move over to the side, the green-eyed man continues to stare, and I wipe my face, hoping it’s not because of something on my face instead of interest in me.
Yeah, I need to get out of here quickly because I am in no fit place to even remotely be thinking about a man showing interest in me. Knowing my luck, there’s probably a huge stain on my shirt somewhere that Ididn’t see when I threw some clothes on. Whatever, it’s not like it matters anyway.
“Rina!” I turn to see the barista sliding my coffee my way, and I take it gratefully before heading to the front doors. I feel Dimple’s stare the entire time it takes me to leave, but I don’t look back. Today is not the day to be playing with fire.
Chapter 10
Rina
Three days after delivering a bed to Rosedale, I’m making the drive again to deliver the daybed I finished this week.
I’ve successfully distracted myself from thoughts of the past and Arlo, along with my entire family, as I’ve buried myself in the workshop and worked non-stop.
The good news is that I’m damn near caught up on custom orders. The ostrich act of mine has really helped my business, so I guess that’s a bonus.
I’ll admit I’m worn out, though. Emotionally and physically, I feel close to my breaking point. Again. That’s why after this delivery, I’m taking the entire day off. I’m going to lounge on the couch, watchFriends, and eat all my favorite junk food.
A lazy day is well past due.
Pulling up to Elise Irvine’s house, I’m met with her sheer excitement.
“Good morning, Elise. We ready to install this gorgeous bed?” I ask, as chipper as I can.
“So ready! We’ve kept the whole project from my daughter, so she’s going to freak when she gets home fromschool.”
“Well, that’s adorable. Do you want to show me where the room is first, and then I’ll work on bringing in the pieces and putting the whole thing together?” I ask.
“Sure, follow me.”
She leads me to the most adorable little girls’ room I think I’ve ever seen. A unicorn mural covers the wall, and the rest of the room is a blank slate, ready for the daybed to make everything else work.
“I think I would have died and gone to heaven if this was my room as a kid.”
“Thanks! I can’t wait to see everything come together in here.” Her excitement permeates my worn-out brain, and I jump into action.
It takes me a little over an hour to bring all the pieces in and build it. Installing is easy, but since I’m only one person, I usually break the larger pieces down to manageable sizes so I can carry them on my own. Eventually, I’ll need to hire some helpers for deliveries. But today, I got it done.
“Oh my gosh, this is incredible,” Elise’s awed voice sounds from the doorway.
“I’m so glad you like it! Will you send me pictures after you add all the decorations? I would love to see the finished product.”
“Oh, absolutely! Thank you so much again, Rina. This is more than I could have ever imagined.” She abruptly gives me a hug, and I pull away slightly before hugging her back. This stranger’s comfort almost breaks me, but I hold strong. Instead, leaning into the hug, I try to hold back my emotions. A client sure as hell doesn’t need to see me break down. And I’m nothing if not the queen of shoving emotions down.
“Well, I’m glad you like it! I hope your daughter loves it, and call if you need anything else.”
She walks me out, and I wave as I drive away.
Driving through the downtown area of Rosedale, I see the coffee shop and take a detour. If I go to Grind Time, I’ll have to talk to everyone. If I go to this coffee shop, I can just enjoy my solitude while being surrounded by people. A contradiction, but I don’t think I want to be alone at the moment.
Sipping my black coffee, I look around and people-watch. I wonder if anyone else feels like their world is crashing down around them. If anyone is so exhausted by their past that they just need a damn break.
