Page 90 of More Than Words
We fell into an uneasy silence.
“I saw the book tree in the shop window,” he said after a few minutes, quieter now.“It looks really cool.”
“Thanks.”I’d worked on the book tree over a few days and was really happy with how it’d turned out.“I’ve been wanting to do one for years,” I said.“I just never had enough time to get all my decorating doneanddo the tree.”I trailed off, because he and Quinn, and their extra help, was the reason I had enough time this year.
“Well, it looks great.Perfect for your shop.”
I nodded and grabbed a coat.“The holiday season is coming fast.”
Ethan chuckled a little.“Don’t rush it.It’s only the middle of November.”
I shrugged and tried not to smile.It was too easy to fall into a natural rhythm with him.“After Halloween, it’s all Christmas.All the time.”
“I am releasing a winter lager next week, does that count?”
I gave him a soft smile.“It does.”
Another silence.Longer this time.
He picked up a coat and cleared his throat.“Business is good?”
I nodded.“Steady, which is good.I think the book tree helps.”
“I’m sure it does.”He smiled and looked like he might say something more.“You’re really good at that stuff.Inviting people in.”
His eyes met mine, and for a second, it feltnormalagain.The way things used to be.
I hated how much I missed that easiness between us.
He shifted and took a step closer.“Delaney, look?—”
“It’s fine,” I cut in quickly, forcing my attention back to the box.“We’re neighbors.It doesn’t have to be weird.”
“It does feel weird, doesn’t it?”
“It doesn’t have to,” I said too fast.“We’re just volunteering here, Ethan.Let’s just…let’s just get this done.”
He didn’t speak for a beat and then finally nodded slowly.“Okay.Let’s just do this.”
I hated how distant I sounded.How cold and unfeeling I was being.The truth was, I hadtoomany feelings.Working so close to him was torture.I just needed to get through it and get away before I forgot how he’d hurt me and I let myself feel anything more.
We sorted without talking for a few more minutes.The silence between us built until it was almost too much.
“The kids’ jackets either look brand-new, like they were outgrown before they were worn, or they look a little too well-loved.There doesn’t seem to be much in between.”
“I can tell you from experience,” Ethan said, “there is no in-between when it comes to kids’ clothes.Half the winter jackets I’ve bought for Quinn over the years were returned before she ever got to wear them.”
I gave him a tight smile.
“I saw her the other day,” I offered finally.“She came into the shop.”
“She told me.”
That surprised me, although I wasn’t sure why.“I told her to come by whenever.I hope that’s okay.”
“Of course.Why wouldn’t it be?”
There were so many things I wanted to say, but I needed to protect myself.The wound was still too raw.Instead, I nodded.“Okay, good.”
