Page 30 of Finding Home
I never drink when I’m on the clock.
But I’m losing my mind.
It turns out whiskey isn’t enough to numb the past or the present.
CHAPTER 10
WHAT, LIKE IT’S HARD?
Blair
“He’s my boss’s brother, Kodi,” I groan.
“He’s yourfriend’sbrother. Start rewording that because she really sounds like a good friend to you so far.”
That’s exactly why I didn’t wait a week to call Kodi and tell her what happened yesterday. I need her voice of reason. Even if she can be a little out there sometimes.
After excusing myself to the bathroom, I overheard Lily stand up for me with her brother. Something I didn’t expect was that she and my grumpy neighbor are blood-related. It was the words he said to her that rang in my ear and had all night while I tossed and turned in bed.
She’s not fucking from here.
The old me would have run back to San Francisco so fast.
The person I’m trying to become only wants to work harder to prove I’m here to stay.
I didn’t uproot my entire life to be treated like this.
“It doesn’t matter who he is. He was a total jerk. It sort of takes away how pretty he is.” I shrug.
“At least you’re finally admitting he’s pretty.” She laughs.
“Don’t even start.”
She giggles to herself. “I’m just saying.”
“I just don’t understand what makes him think he can act like that. He went on and on about how he owns the street and it’s irritating him that I’m there. How was I supposed to know that? Nan is the one who sold me the house. I didn’t actively seek it out.” I pace my small space, growing frustrated with every word out of my mouth. “And in my defense, I didn’t even know his name, let alone last name, to figure out he owned all of this.”
“Youown the house, Blair,” Kodi reminds me. “So, he can’t kick you out or run you out of town.”
I scoff. “Trust me, I’m not planning on going anywhere.”
I’m not letting the short incident with him take away from the best day I had at the bakery. I went back into Batter Up with my head held high because a bad attitude can’t break me. I’ve already hit rock bottom in my life and felt completely broken in the cruelest way once before by a man. I won’t let this man, who I barely know, bring me down to that dark place.
I spent the rest of my shift putting together an apple crumb cake. My first attempt was a success. It actually came out better than I could have expected. Lily even said she might put it on the weekly specials next week.
“Now,” I tell Kodi, “no more negative shit. Tell me whatyouhave planned today?”
“I have a consultation about twenty miles outside of the city for an indoor rustic design. Let me tell you, I amreallyenjoying the farmhouse style so many people have been looking for. It’s a challenge for me which I like.”
“That sounds amazing. You’re so good at what you do. Even if it is a challenge, it’s one you will nail.”
“Thank you.” I can feel her pride through the phone. “What about you? What are you doing since you’re off today?”
“You’re never going to believe me when I tell you,” I say with a wide smile that I’m sure she can feel through my tone.
“I’m scared.”
“I’m going to the General Store to buy a power washer.”
