Page 53 of Lavender and Honey

I couldn't help but let out a soft laugh, feeling the lingering blush from earlier still warming my cheeks. "It's just yarn and paint, Soren. Nothing magical about it."

"Ah, but it's what you do with the yarn and paint that counts." His hazel eyes held mine, reflecting a sincerity that echoed the sentiments of our elderly visitor.

We talked then, about trivial things at first— the latest shipment of watercolors, the new designs I was considering for the store's window display. But as the conversation meandered, it edged closer to personal territory, touching on tomorrow, on future possibilities.

"If you find yourself getting bored tomorrow," Soren began, his tone casual but inviting, "you should come by the house. We'd all like to see you anytime you've got a spare moment." The offer hung between us, a bridge to cross or a path to retreat from. The idea of spending time at their house— an embodiment of warmth and acceptance— was both daunting and alluring.

"Maybe I will," I found myself saying, surprised at the eagerness in my own voice. It was a small step, perhaps, but one that felt significant as I watched Soren push off from the counter, ready to leave but carrying with him a promise of something new.

"Great," he said, his smile genuine as he headed towards the exit. "We'll be looking forward to it, Lydia." The bell chimed again in his wake, leaving me alone with a swirl of emotions and the ghost of an invitation that tasted suspiciously like hope.

Chapter Thirty-Three

The morning sunlight poured through the translucent curtains in my modest kitchen, its golden beams dancing softly over the worn countertops. I held a lukewarm cup of coffee between my hands, its gentle heat barely warming my skin, while my eyes remained glued to my phone. There, Soren’s number lay silently on my call list— untouched, its possibilities unanswered.

I had been weighing his offer more than I cared to admit. I was comfortably ensconced in my solitude, wasn’t I? Yet the thought of Elias stirred a contrasting warmth: his inviting smile, his effortless candor.

With a heavy sigh, I lowered my coffee and shifted my attention to a task that brought clarity— cleaning. It was my antidote to the tumult of thoughts, a way to anchor my restless mind with the simple act of organizing. I collected the abandoned laundry from the neglected corner of my room, tossing the soft garments into the humming washing machine.Then, I wandered into the kitchen, scrubbing the counters with a vigor fueled by more than mere necessity. The rhythmic motion of cleaning, each stroke mimicking the steady beat of my heartbeat, was a comforting constant in my chaotic thoughts.

As I methodically wiped down the table, my phone vibrated with the unexpectedness of a new message. My breath hitched, and for a moment, I hesitated before picking it up.

Soren: Hey. Doing anything today? Feel like coming over like I suggested yesterday?

I stared at the message, my thumb hovering uncertainly above the screen. Before I could drown in overthinking, another buzz broke the silence. This time, it was Elias.

Elias: Trying a new bread recipe today. Might burn the kitchen down. Also making some new jams— blackberry-mint and honey-peach. If you’re around, you should come over to taste-test.

A small smile began to tug at my lips, warming me from the inside. Elias had an uncanny ability to make everyday moments feel effortlessly delightful. His message was a soothing balm compared to the tightly coiled anxiety that the thought of Soren invariably stirred within me.

Instinctively, I tapped out a playful reply to Elias first:Sounds dangerous. Should I bring a fire extinguisher?

Almost immediately, his response chimed in.

Elias: Please do. Also, if I set off the smoke alarm, I’m blaming you for distracting me.

I shook my head, a knowing smile lingering long after his words faded from the screen. Elias was a safe harbor— the familiar in a sea of uncertainty. Yet, my eyes gravitated back to Soren’s message, anchoring me in a pause.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, I began to type a response:Maybe. Let me think about it.

Setting my phone aside, I picked up the broom once more and resumed my cleaning, the soft swish of its bristles mingling with my swirling thoughts. I did want to spend more time with them all, but at the same time it feels like I am in a whole different world when I do. I shook my head getting rid of the thoughts as I completed my sweeping, and my phone buzzed again.

Soren:Fair enough. No pressure. But you should come and enjoy the night of relaxing and us catering to your every need.

I shook my head at this, my lips stretching into a grin. As I wrestled with the pros and cons of going tonight, another message arrived— one more from Elias.

Elias: Also, if you do come, you can taste test ALL the new products… I have more than just preserves. I have a new tea blend I just finished.

A quiet laugh escaped me as I shook my head in amusement:So you’re bribing me with carbs and tea now?

Elias: Absolutely. Whatever it takes.

Before I could let self-doubt reclaim its hold, I quickly texted back:Fine. You and Soren win. I can see you two were in cahoots today. See you soon.

I set my phone aside and draped my coat over my arm, the promise of fresh bread and sweet jam beckoning me onward. By the time I reached the front door, the persistent buzz of my phone startled me once more. With a moment of hesitation, I checked it.

Soren: I saw your message to Elias. Yes… we are both willing to play like this to get to see your pretty face again. See you soon.

I snorted, but my smile grew. I was going to enjoy the day at their home. I knew Lucian and Finn may also be there so that was going to be a plus.

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