Page 54 of Falling Again
“Tell me about it, man,” Anthony deadpanned, hating that he needed to ask for help.
“So, what’s up?” Max got right to the point, which Anthony appreciated.
“Well, it’s two things. I’ll start with the most important.”
“Shoot.” Anthony heard rustling in the background and assumed Max was hunting down a pen.
“There is this whole coffee shop fiasco with Elm River. Nat and I met with their mayor and his wife last week, but they’re asking some questions about our restaurants in town and are looking for answers now. And by now, I mean yesterday.”
To his credit, Max didn’t hesitate. “What kind of questions do they have?”
His shoulders drooped in relief. “I’m having Trudy email you the details. I was going to mention this at our next town council meeting, but no better time than the present.”
“And what’s the other thing you need?” Max asked.
“Uh.” Anthony let out a long sigh and tried not to sound like he was asking for a pound of flesh. “It’s about our anniversary. Nat and me. We hit ten years next month, and I thought we could do a little party.”
Max huffed out a laugh. “And I’m guessing you’d like the diner to help cater? That shouldn’t be a problem, especially once I tell CeCe.”
“Thanks, man. Can you ask her to keep it on the down-low? I’m trying to make this a surprise.”
Anthony could swear he heard Max smile through the phone. “Not a problem. I’m about to head in now, and I’ll ask CeCe and Evan to mock-up some menu ideas. How many people are we talking?”
Anthony almost said half the town, but he knew Natalie wouldn’t want that much attention. She’d be looking for something cozy, intimate. She was looking to celebrate their marriage with their closest family and friends, not use it as a political networking event. “Let’s say thirty, but it might be less.”
“That’s not a problem. I’ll get some menu ideas to you by end of the week. Is that okay?”
Thinking of their no cell phone rule, Anthony nodded. “Yep. That’s perfect.” Downstairs Anthony heard pots and pans clanging, and he knew he needed to investigate. “I’ll have Trudy email you the restaurant requests. Seriously, thanks Max.”
When he hung up, Anthony sat for a moment with the realization of what he’d just done. After a five-minute call with Trudy, he’d delegated to his council members and saved himself from hours of calls and emails. He knew this couldn’t happen all the time, but it was refreshing to know he had the help if he needed it. And Anthony wasn’t too proud to admit he needed a lot of help, starting with his angry wife.
After finger-combing his hair and rinsing with mouthwash, Anthony bounded back to his wife, who looked ready for battle. The smell of coffee greeted him, but so did Natalie’s scowl. She was pissed. “All set,” he said in greeting, placing a hand on her back and leaning in to kiss her cheek. Fortunately she didn’t back off, but she didn’t lean into his touch either.
“Coffee’s ready,” she said through clenched teeth.
Anthony bit back a sigh and slowly turned Natalie to face him. “I’m sorry. It’s not enough, but I want you to know I mean it. We’re finally reconnecting, and I hop at my phone at the first sign of town trouble.”
Natalie slowly raised her gaze to meet his, and he hated the look of defeat on her face. Gone was the carefree woman from thirty minutes ago. In her place was a tired and angry Natalie. “It’s life. We shouldn’t expect to get more than a few hours in our bubble.”
Our bubble—it was certainly the best description. It was as if the world couldn’t find them when they were alone and wrapped around each other. Everything was temporary, but now more than ever Anthony wanted to buy the lake house and find a way to keep their bubble.
“I’m so sorry, Nat. We can keep our bubble. I turned my phone off and buried it in the nightstand. I’m all yours. I promise.” Trailing his hands up and down Natalie’s arms, he felt her muscles tense. Breaking through her defenses would take more than empty promises. But first, coffee.
Anthony stepped back and let his arms fall to his sides. “I’ll get some coffee. How about we take things out to the patio again?” Just as he finished making the offer, a clap of thunder sounded overhead. “Or not.” He grimaced. In all his haste to get the phone calls taken care of, he completely missed what was going on outside.
Natalie shuddered as a flash of lightning cut through the house. The lights flickered, but the power remained on. “I better start breakfast while we still have power,” she said as she pushed past Anthony and turned on the stove. She’d already pulled out eggs and the makings for omelets.
“I’ll make the toast.” They worked quietly side-by-side for ten minutes until breakfast was assembled. Anthony set two places at the kitchen counter and poured a fresh cup of coffee for Natalie. As soon as they were settled with their breakfast, he tried to keep the conversation going. “How’s your ankle feeling?”
With a quick shrug, Natalie pierced her omelet with her fork and watched the cheese ooze onto her plate. “Fine.”
“Fine is good, I guess.” Anthony took a bite of his eggs, but they turned to ash in his mouth. He couldn’t stand the pouting and hurt expression marring Natalie’s face. Letting his fork fall to the plate with a clatter, Anthony shoved back from the counter and began pacing.
“What’s wrong?” Natalie asked, clearly caught off guard by his antics.
Anthony shook his head and brought his hands to his hips. “Everything apparently.” Natalie blinked, but she didn’t interrupt. “I haven’t felt so happy in ages, Nat. When I woke up and felt you around me and remembered last night I—” His voice hitched, and Anthony grimaced as tears formed in his eyes. He hated getting emotional, but now he couldn’t avoid it. “I have been pulled in a million directions, and none of them ever seemed to be toward you. And it has been absolutely gutting me.”
Natalie put her fork down and studied her husband for a moment before leaning closer and offering her hand. Anthony took it hungrily, stepping closer and keeping his eyes fixed on hers. “Anthony?” His name came out as a question, but he wasn’t finished with his tirade. She needed to know how he felt, and he was done being coy and anxious.
