Page 30 of Sawyer
“And you will soon learn that I won't accept it,” he banters back.Seems like this is an argument that neither of us will win.
“I need to go get Noah.I’m cooking stew on Wednesday night if you want to come for dinner when you come back…” I hold my breath as I offer him another meal.Another date of sorts.I tell myself it’s to start paying him back for the tires, but that’s another lie.I like having him around.
“I’ll be there at six.”There’s no hesitation.His grin is wide as he steps forward, putting his lips to my forehead, leaving no question that he feels for me in a way beyond the professional.I hold my breath, as his kiss is so gentle I can barely feel it, before he steps back.Our hands still hold each other and reach out between us until we reluctantly let go, and he walks back down the street to his office, and I get in my car.
I let go of the breath I didn’t know I was holding and say a quick prayer to heaven to give me the strength I need to enjoy spending time with a man like Sawyer.Hoping the fear I have from my past doesn’t hold me back from something that could be amazing.
14
Annabelle
Isit at the table at Marie’s Place while Victoria makes us a coffee, ready for our weekly catch-up.My cell vibrates just as I grab it.When I see a text from Sawyer, I smile.
How are those tires doing?
All still on.They make the car go faster.I’m like a Formula One driver.I get to school a whole twenty seconds earlier now.How’s the city?
I send the message before I stress a little that he may not like my humor.But I watch with bated breath as the bubbles dance with his reply.
It’s fine.I've been working on the files for Gertie’s.I have some ideas I want to talk to you about.
And I also look forward to seeing you.
I smile.I haven’t talked to a man like this before.I don’t want to sound too eager, but I really want to see him too.
I’m looking forward to seeing you too.Six on Wednesday?
Six on Wednesday.Can’t wait.
“Here, one coffee for you and tea for me.”Victoria slides the steaming cup across the table.
“Thanks, it’s been a day.”I put my cell back into my bag, trying to contain my grin, the texting with Sawyer just now making me feel young and carefree, even though I’m far from it.
“I have no idea how you wrangle fifteen kids in a classroom.”She shakes her head at me, and I chuckle.
“The kids were very rowdy today because we did pottery.Actually, I’m pretty sure I still have clay stuck in my hair somewhere.”I touch my hair and feel the small piece that I’ll have to wash out tonight.Victoria and I meet at least every month or so to talk business and chitchat, although we talk often.Late-night phone calls are our main method of communication, given how busy we both are.
“So catch me up.What’s been happening?”
We’re settled in, my boys both happy outside, milking the cow and playing with the goats she has here.
“Well, the lavender yield is still looking good, and I’ve actually tried something a little different.”
“Love it.What?”Her excitement over building businesses and trying new things is palpable.
“You can get different types of lavender, and for the most part, all varieties grow best in summer, but I’ve found some that bloom early summer and some that bloom later summer into early fall, meaning that the growth will be available a little longer, allowing me to pick and dry the flowers more consistently, and we’ll have fresh blooms for more of the year.”I smile, proud of myself and how much I’m learning about flora.
“That’s brilliant.You know, if they’re different varieties, we could expand and offer different lines of soap.”
My brow furrows as I think about it.“Like English Lavender for early summer, and then French Lavender for late summer into fall?”
“It gives us the opportunity to provide new and different products without the need for us to invest in new scents, different plants, or additional materials.We keep everything the same, just offer two types of lavender and, therefore, two different types of soaps.”
I love that idea.
“I mean, they’ll smell similar.But maybe we can add in some lavender seeds in one, so that will give a soft exfoliant effect.”
Victoria sits up and claps in excitement at my idea.
