Page 39 of Everlasting Promises

“That’s nice.” She pauses and I slide my key into the ignition and start the engine. “And … uh … have you made a new friend, too?”

I shrug. I don’t know what Ben and I are building, but I’m uncomfortable with the way he infiltrated my dream. We connected in a way I haven’t connected with anyone before. Our common experience with devastating loss and grief created a bond I wasn’t expecting. My already mangled heart broke for him and the loss he experienced at a young age. “I’ve gotta go, Mom. I’m gonna be late.”

She draws her mouth into a tight line. “Okay, sweetheart. Have a great day. See you tomorrow.”

“Thanks. You too.” I reverse out of my driveway and pull onto the street, keeping my face averted. She knows me too well, and I’m sure my face reveals the guilt I feel over last night’s dream.

Rationally, I know that after six years, nobody would think badly of me if I moved on with my life, but my heart won’t let go.I promised my heart, body, and soul to Wyatt to keep forever. It was a promise I took seriously, and until recently, thought I’d have no problem keeping. However, a certain gray-eyed man with a kind heart has caught my attention—and he’s starting to get under my skin.

I have no problem with him spending time with Ev, but I clearly need to put some boundaries in place.

18

HOPE

I unlock the back door,turn off the alarm, and turn on the recessed ceiling lights, creating pretty reflections on the gold trim decorating the mirrors and walls. Then I turn on the matching gold pendant lights, stow my purse in my locker in the lunchroom, and head to the front of the salon.

Taking a long drink of my coffee, I log into the computer and check the bookings for the day. We’re all booked back-to-back, which is not unusual for us, and it’s exactly what I need today, so I’m thankful. I need to stay busy so I can keep my mind from the dream I had last night … and Ben.

Frowning, I walk down the short hallway to the laundry room to swap out the towels in the washer and dryer, loading another pile of dark teal towels that match the paint on the salon walls. Picking up the first dry towel, I fold it in half twice, then stack it on the shelf. I continue the mindless work, trying to sort through my muddled thoughts.

His understanding of my loss made so much more sense after he told me about his best friend, Tahlia. At any age, it wouldhave been horrific to witness a friend convulsing and then to find out they had terminal brain cancer, but at eighteen? I shake my head in disbelief. I can’t fathom what it was like to watch her deteriorate and pass away. An experience like that isn’t something you quickly forget, especially since they seemed as close as two friends could be.

I wonder if they were ever tempted to take their friendship to another level?Stop it! You’re not supposed to be thinking about him. I sigh and run my hands through the front of my hair and grasp a handful at the roots. His playful gaze flashes in my mind, sending heat pooling between my thighs and flooding up my neck. Shit!

Shaking the thoughts from my head, I turn on the sound system and choose a playlist for the day. Scanning the selections, I settle on the Patrick Droney mix. His raspy voice sounds over the speakers as I ensure we have enough cash in the drawer.

“Morning!” Sophie calls as she heads toward the lunchroom.

“Morning,” I call back.

She comes back out, carrying a pile of freshly folded towels, and places them on each cart, ready to be used. She then adds the dark teal capes we use to protect our clients’ clothes. Once she’s stocked the carts, she restocks the towels at the basins, and then she comes over to me.

“How was your weekend?”

I drop my head and lick my lips while my stomach free falls. “It was okay. How was yours?”

She tilts her head to the side, then focuses on the computer, clicking the mouse to wake it up. “You okay?”

“Yeah. Why?”

She lifts her eyes to my face and studies me. “You look tired.”

“Oh.” An awkward chuckle escapes my lips. “Had trouble sleeping last night.”

The back door slams shut, and Lucy and Savannah chat as they walk through to the lunchroom.

“Any reason?” She asks the question like it’s no big deal if I answer or not, but I know the girls here worry about me. I glance away from her and swallow past my confession. I’d really like to get someone’s take on my dream and if they consider it cheating, but it’s so personal. She lays her hand on my forearm, concern filling her eyes. “You can talk to me.”

Lucy and Savannah join us and immediately pick up on the mood. “What’s going on?” Lucy asks.

Sophie shifts her gaze to her. “I was just asking Hope why she had trouble sleeping.”

Lucy and Savannah move closer. “Are you okay, hon?” Savannah asks.

It’s such a private thing … but perhaps they can give me some perspective. I feel like such a dirty cheater, but maybe it’s natural for something like that to happen. It’s not like they’ve experienced loss like I have, but I desperately need to talk to someone … to get this burden of guilt off my chest.

“You know this is a safe space, right?” Lucy reminds me.

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