Page 6 of All Inn Thyme
A knock at my door startles me and makes my heart clench for a moment. I wonder if I’ll ever truly shake the feeling of looking over my shoulder—hopefully someday. I know I will probably always be on edge in some ways, but it has gotten a little easier to relax, especially here at the inn. It helps that we got far away, but some days, it still doesn’t seem far enough.
I unlock the door to find Preston holding two plates and I motion for him to come in.
“I come bearing dessert,” he says. “I saw you didn’t have any. So, when I got seconds, I thought I’d bring you firsts.”
Preston has been a good friend to me and everyone else here at the inn. He’s like a walking hug. He’s my friend and I’m thankful for him, and as much as I wish I had feelings for him, they’re just not there. I haven’t been able to imagine finding a new partner anyway. He’s also been good for me, helping me remember that not all men are scary and bad. He’s one of the few people I’ve allowed myself to open up to.
“That does sound good. Come on in. Do you want some tea?” I head to the tiny kitchen and turn the kettle back on.
He hesitates then says, “I’m not much of a tea guy, but sure.” He sets down the plates on my coffee table and looks around, taking in my small space.
“I’ve never been up here. I didn’t imagine it would look like this.”
“Like what?”
“It’s beautiful, like out of a magazine. Did you do all this yourself?” He runs his hand over the quilt on the back of the couch.
“I did,” I say as I wait for the water to boil. “Mostly thrifting and DIY projects. I like to make things.”
“I could see that downstairs when I first walked in and saw your… collection. What are you growing?” His eyes roam around the plants I have set up.
“Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, kale, lettuce, beets, cauliflower, zucchini, and squash. You have to start some of the seeds inside under a grow light during the cold months. Then you plant them outside when it’s safe, after the last frost for our zone.” I realize I’m excited-rambling. “Sorry, I get excited about it all and everyone around here is probably tired of hearing me talk about dirt and seeds.” I grin at him.
“That makes sense. So they’re only in here temporarily then,” he says, looking relieved at the jungle in my loft. “You’re really into this.”
I pour water over the tea bag in his mug and set it down on a coaster in front of him.
“Gardening has been such a good outlet for me. There’s just something about having my hands in the dirt. It’s kind of like new beginnings.”
Preston knows a little about my past and how Kase and I got to the inn. Evan and I told him some of the story last fall just to make sure we were being careful. I would never want anyone here to be put in jeopardy over helping me. Preston is like the protective older brother to everyone here, and I have no reason not to fully trust him.
He pushes my tiramisu closer to me and picks up his plate. “You really light up when you talk about your gardening. You deserve to harvest great things.”
I know Preston had feelings for me when we first met, but I just didn’t feel the same. I know he has to feel that, too, because there’s just no chemistry between us like that. It’s like Evan and me. We rib each other and are like family. This is why I think there’s something wrong with me, like I’m damaged. I’m meant to be an old lady who drinks tea and gardens. This is it for me at twenty-six. I’m meant to raise my son and be alone, and I think I’m okay with that.
“Thanks. It feels good to have a purpose and something to get out of bed for that is exciting every day. Anyway, enough about me. What about you? How’s it going getting moved up here from Boston?”
“It’s slow,” he admits, then takes a bite of his tiramisu. “I’m grateful to be able to stay here while I make the transition.”
“Why so slow?”I ask, then take a sip of my tea.
“I need to find an office assistant, and I need help getting my new practice up and going. Know anyone who would be interested in a job?”
I think back to when I first met Bradley. I was the office manager at a dental office, helping with all the billing and staffing. I loved that job, and they were good to me there. I even brought Kase to work with me for a while when I came off maternity leave, letting him sleep in his bouncy chair while I worked. I couldn’t leave him at home because of Bradley’s temper, and eventually, things got so tense at home that I had to quit my job.
I consider Preston’s offer. Opening up the can of worms of my past could potentially give up our location and safety. I love our life now. Sure, cleaning rooms isn’t glamorous, but I’m happy. This past year has been healing for me, being able to create new routines, and I love working with everyone here. Plus, Kase is always nearby so I know he’s safe, and that’s what matters the most.
Preston helped Evan save the inn last year when the bank was trying to take it, and he helped Allie in her custody fight with her ex. He has been good to everyone here, and I’d help him out if I could.
“Off the top of my head, no.”
“Well, if you do hear of anyone, let me know. I really could use the help making this transition go smoother.”
“I sure will.” I take another bite.
He presses again, “Have you decided to take me up on my offer of helping you figure out your legal stuff with your ex?”
I know I need to face my past and find a way to get a divorce so that I can become truly free. The thought of doing that and facing Bradley again is just terrifying and exhausting. It’s taken me a year to learn to relax and heal as best I can, and I still feel like I have a long way to go. I don’t regret leaving like we did, but now I have to make sure there aren’t any legal ramifications. Eventually I will have to face that.
