Page 70 of No Going Back
Was that what she was doing? Settling?
“It seemed like he was really trying though. He told me how he felt like being a grandpa would give him another chance at enjoying fatherhood. He talked about how guilty he felt over not being a part of his son’s life.” She shook her head, disappointed all over again. “One night he literally poured his heart out to me and I thought—”
She thought they’d turned a corner. And maybe they did.
Just not the one she wanted.
“I think maybe he only opens up to me when it fills his needs.” Saying it out loud was like a knife to her already upset gut, twisting until the urge to throw up was almost unbearable.
Janie smoothed back Dianna’s hair, the gesture similar to a mother comforting a child. “I’ve been there, and sometimes you just have to walk away before they make you think you’re losing your mind.”
The timer on one of the ovens dinged, signaling it was finished preheating. Dianna glanced toward the appliance. “Did you already start the ovens?”
“Of course I did. I told you I came to help.” Janie gave her a wry smile. “If you need me to help move a body later I’m available for that as well.”
Dianna smiled, rolling her eyes a little. “I would never ask you to do that for me.”
Janie moved toward the refrigerator, pulling out the first tray of cinnamon rolls and setting them on the counter to finish rising. “You know what they say. Friends help you move but real friends help you move bodies.”
Dianna snorted out a hiccupy laugh, falling in beside her ‘real’ friend as they prepped for the day together. Monday mornings were usually light anyway, but with an added set of hands the process was smooth as butter. By the time the doors opened, everything was organized and ready, keeping Dianna’s stress level as low as it could be, all things considered. The rest of the morning flew by with Janie helping her at the register, filling orders, making coffees, and passing out cake orders. By the time the afternoon lull arrived she was feeling a little better. Maybe not great, but at least not overwhelmed.
“I’m going to go get started on prepping for tomorrow.” Janie pointed at the register. “You got this?”
Her tone carried more than a hint of sarcasm.
Dianna took a bite of the angel food cake they’d been snacking on all day, leaning against the counter. “I think I can handle it.”
Janie shot her a grin. “I never doubted you for a second.” She bumped her way through the swinging door and into the back room, leaving Dianna on her own behind the counter.
She scanned the contents of the cases, reorganizing the bits and pieces remaining into one single display before clearing away the stray crumbs and swipes of frosting in the other. She was crouched behind the counter, working on the bottom shelf when the bell on the door dinged, bringing her to her feet.
And face-to-face with Griffin.
Griffin and the biggest, most beautiful bouquet of flowers she’d ever seen.
He moved to the counter, setting down the collection of roses and lilies. “How’s it going?”
Dianna struggled to look away from the flowers, but managed to bring her eyes to his. “Okay.”
“Not too sad?” He reached out to slide a loose bit of hair behind one ear, his fingers trailing down her neck.
Dianna leaned into his touch, an immeasurable amount of relief sagging her shoulders. “I’m a little sad.” She smiled. “But it’s getting better.”
“Better enough that you don’t want this?” He pulled a small box from his pocket and slid it across the counter. She glanced down at it, her heart squeezing.
“What’s this?” She picked it up and lifted the lid to reveal a necklace with a tiny bird charm dangling from the delicate chain.
“I wanted a squirrel, but they didn’t have any so I had to settle for a bird.” He reached out to take it, slipping the necklace free before unlatching the chain. “I’m sure Snickerdoodle will understand.” He leaned across the counter, securing it around her neck.
Dianna rested her fingertips on the charm, swallowing at the lump that was back in her throat. Maybe Griffin wasn’t ever going to be completely open with his feelings, but that was okay. As long as he kept trying, that would be enough. As long as they talked when things really mattered and he showed up for her, she could be patient.
Everything could be fi—
“Are we doing cherry something tomorrow?” Janie pushed in from the kitchen, looking down at the list in her hand. “Because there’s a whole lotta cherry pie filling—” She froze as her eyes landed on Griffin, her jaw going slack.
Griffin stared back at her and tension twisted the air. He tipped his head in greeting. “Janie.”
Janie crossed her arms, lip curling as she shook her head. “I knew it was going to be you.”
