Iwas making a cup of coffee in the kitchen when I heard a knock on the sliding door. Glancing over, Annie stepped inside.
“You poor thing.” She hugged me. “I wanted to come over sooner, but Adalyn said to give you some time. How are you?”
“I’m doing okay, Annie.” I smiled, breaking our embrace.
“I brought you some homemade blueberry muffins. Adalyn told me they’re your favorite.”
“Thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”
“I wanted to.” Her lips formed a sympathetic smile. “Nothing mends the heart like homemade goods.”
“Can I make you some coffee?”
“Thank you, but I need to get back to my sweet baby boy. I just wanted to drop off the muffins.”
“How is Noah doing?”
“He’s perfect in every way. I know it’s only been four weeks, but I’m ready to return to the shop. Jerry told me I have to wait at least two more weeks.”
“Well, I think Jerry’s right.” I smiled. “You don’t want to rush things. I can’t wait to meet Noah.”
“You’ll get to tonight. Adalyn and Colin are babysitting while Jerry and I go out to dinner. I need to get back home.” She hugged me one last time before walking out the sliding door.
I took my coffee upstairs, showered, and got dressed. The past couple of days, I secluded myself in the house, trying to stop the ache that fiercely tore through me. Climbing into my car, I drove into town and walked into Rooster’s for an iced coffee.
“Hannah.” Delilah smiled, stepping from behind the counter and hugging me. “Adalyn said you were in town.”
“Hi, Delilah. It’s good to see you.”
“What can I get you?”
“I’ll have a medium iced coffee with a splash of vanilla.”
“Coming right up.” A smile crossed her lips.
I closed my eyes as I took the first sip of coffee. “Thanks, Delilah. I needed this.”
“Thanks for stopping in, Hannah. It’s good to see you again.”
I walked out of Rooster’s and down the street, looking through the windows of the cute little shops. My phone rang, and when I pulled it from my purse, I saw Leon, my boss, was calling. Sighing, I reluctantly answered it.
“Hi, Leon.”
“Hannah, where are you? I know you’re sick, but I need you here!” His commanding voice irritated me. “Your designs aren’t finished, and I needed them yesterday!”
I sat on a bench outside one of the shops, listening to him rant and rave.
“You know what, Leon? I quit.”
“You what?”
“You heard me. I quit. Lose my number because I no longer work for you. And another thing, you can shove your designs up your narcissistic, arrogant ass!” I shouted as I hit the end button.
Immediately, my phone rang again, and it was him. I rejected his call, brought up his number, and blocked him. As I sat there sipping my coffee, my heart beating out of my chest, I felt as if a weight were lifted.
I walked down to the art gallery. When I stepped inside, Adalyn was helping a customer. She looked at me and held up her finger, signaling to give her a moment.
“How are you, my darling.” Luis walked over and hugged me.