Page 38 of Unexpected Love
I nod. “That’s the plan.”
“Oh, great! Did you get your table location?” Her eyes are bright and shining. She is effervescent, the epitome of a sunshine person. And something about her bubbly personality makes me remember themebefore all of the stress of starting a new business happened.
I miss the old me. I want to get back to the fun, happy person I used to be. The me I’d found after my divorce.
Maggie’s face falls, and I realize I’m standing here staring at her and have no idea what she’s talking about.
“You did submit the registration form, right?”
Dread is a hot poker stabbing me right in the gut. “Oh, I still need to register.” And from the look on Maggie’s face, dread and disappointment are the exact right emotions to be having right now.
Her hand lands on my arm, and she gives me a squeeze. Whether it’s in understanding or reassurance, I’m not sure.
“Jules. The deadline to sign up has already passed.” Another squeeze accompanies the gentle look on her face. “But maybe since you’re new to town, they’ll slide you in. It’s not like they have people beating down the doors around here. I’m sure it’s fine.”
We exchange phone numbers, and I leave feeling slightly off-kilter and a little bamboozled by all that is Maggie.
Back at my shop, I call and confirm that yes, I have missed the deadline. But I can still register and pay a late fee, and if there’s a booth available, they will assign one to me.
The rest of the day is an endless loop of kicking my own ass, making plans, and researching other opportunities. Maggie stops by in the early afternoon and is simultaneously sad and angry on my behalf.
“You can’t tell me they don’t make exceptions sometimes,” she huffs. “Whatever. You can join me at my booth. We can sort out payments or whatever later. But you have to be there.”
By the time I arrive at Steve’s house to gather Charlie, I’m emotionally drained.
A glass of wine and a good book to escape into are the only things I can handle. Instead, I’m walking up the drive filled with kid toys, dreading every second of the evening to come. I do not have the energy to handle a toddler.
A tiny tornado crashes into me as I open the door. Little arms wind around my legs. From under a halo of blond curls, a little voice calls, “Hi.”
And despite the fact that I don’t love kids, my heart feels a little lighter. Ever since the first night, when she sees me, she runs to me with arms wide open, reaching for me like maybe I’m her person. It feels like no matter what I do or don’t do, I’m a hero in this little girl’s eyes.
Instead of my wine and a book, I find myself doing a dance party with a toddler. Then it’s bath time, followed by story time. And then sweet Charlie hands me her brush and plops down in front of me.
“You want me to comb your hair?” I ask, holding the brush out like there’s something wrong with it.
“Uh-huh.”
This has been our only fight. Apparently, Charlie only likes for Cal to brush her hair. But tonight, she’s sitting still and letting me do this. Something about the act calms both of us.
“I made a friend today,” I say. “Did you know there’s a festival happening soon? And we get to have fun and meet new people.”
Charlie babbles away like we’re carrying on a true conversation.
“Maybe it’s silly to have so much riding on a single event. But it really feels like this is my opportunity to make a good impression.”
Charlie’s fallen silent. Her head listing as I smooth the brush rhythmically through her hair. Maybe this time to sit and do simple tasks was exactly what I needed to settle my anxiety.
I tuck her in with her fox lovie, bypass that god-awful couch, and head straight to Cal’s bed. It’s huge, the sheets are soft, and the comforter is the exact right weight. I’m wrapped in a cozy nest that smells like Cal. Clean and fresh, like a spring rain with a hint of sandalwood. It’s surprisingly comforting. Intoxicating, almost.
And even though I don’t want to, I wonder what it would be like if he were here with me.
Chapter 16
Cal
Ashriek is payment for my patience. The overhead LED lights flip on, and Jackson and I dissolve into laughter from our hiding spot in the dark dayroom.
Kate, one of the medics, has taken the hit for the earlier stunt she and her partner Leo pulled with my bag on the flagpole. Our taping of the spray nozzle at the kitchen sink as retaliation works like a charm, and she takes the full hit.
