Page 132 of Heart of Stone

“You’re not in the military anymore. Speak what’s on your mind, Hale.”

His lips tightened into a thin line, as if he were concentrating on selecting the right words. He looked pointedly at me.

“Miss Cole is a lovely young woman. Don’t let her beyourregret.”

****

I had deliberately packed my schedule, so that I had more than enough reasons to deny Alexander’s multiple requests for me to accompany him to Boston. Because of that, the next couple of days went by quick. I worked out my remaining shifts at Wally’s, went to my gynecologist appointment, and caught up on lost gym time. Keeping busy allowed me not to dwell on the fact that I felt unexpectedly lost without Alexander.

I didn’t like that I missed him and the time apart made be realize that we needed separation more often. I had become entirely too familiar with his presence. With that it mind, I didn’t answer his calls, and kept all communication to strictly texting. I knew that just the sound of his voice would cause me to fold.

By the time I arrived home Thursday evening, I realized that Alexander and I would have to negotiate some sort of compromise. If we continued the way we were going, I would end up with very little time alone, especially come Monday when I started the job at Turning Stone. I had never agreed to give up every night and weekend for him, despite his original wishes. Yet somehow, I ended up doing exactly that.

I went to the fridge to see what I could use to throw together a quick dinner for myself. Settling on a green salad with various fixings, I pulled out the ingredients that I would need. I went to work on slicing up chicken into thin strips and contemplated how I should approach the subject of maintaining my personal space with Alexander.

Boundaries. We need to establish some boundaries.

The sound of my phone vibrating on the counter tore me away from my thoughts. Setting the knife down, I picked up the phone to see that there was an incoming text from Allyson.

Today

6:34 PM, Allyson:My flight is delayed. What’s up with the weather in NY?

I looked out the window at the storm that was getting worse by the minute. Wind slashed at the windows and the rain appeared to be going sideways.

6:36 PM, Me:Tail end of a hurricane that moved north.

6:40 PM, Allyson:I’ll be lucky to get in by late Friday at this point.

6:41 PM, Me:Stuck in Paris. Gee, I feel so bad for you…

6:43 PM, Allyson:Ha-ha. Not funny. I’m miserable. It’s nearly 2AM and I’m holed up in an airport indefinitely.

I paused in my texting to glance at the clock. I had forgotten about the time difference.

6:45 PM, Me:Sorry, that sucks.

6:50 PM, Allyson:Can you reschedule our spa day? Maybe for Saturday if you’re free?

Alexander planned on taking his boat out on Saturday, but by the looks of the weather forecast, that wasn’t going to happen.

This is my chance at creating a little space.

It took me about a half of a second to make the decision.

6:53 PM, Me:Saturday it is. I’ll change the reservation.

6:55 PM, Allyson:Great! Hopefully I’ll be home by then. I’ll text if there’s another delay.

I looked up the number for the Mandarin. It was no trouble switching our reservation to Saturday. However, I knew that rescheduling with Alexander would not go off quite as easy and I dreaded the conversation.

I went back to preparing dinner, and layered arugula with sliced chicken, walnuts, and feta cheese. I was about to pour a balsamic over the top, when a knock at the door interrupted me.

My stomach grumbled in annoyance over the second disruption as I went to answer it. I peered through the peek hole to see who it was, but there wasn’t anyone on the other side of the door.

That’s weird.

I opened the door anyway and found that there was a flower delivery on the floor in front of the threshold. Unsure as to whether the flowers were for me or for Allyson, I picked up the beautiful arrangement of blue delphiniums and baby’s breath and brought them to the kitchen. Placing the bouquet on the counter, I removed the envelope from the vase. The card was addressed to me.

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