Page 65 of The Sweet Part
“Sophie is my heart.”
She sighs. “Sometimes talking to you is like talking to a wall.”
“You didn’t hear him. He was really pushing to get Sophie into show business, talking about agents and stuff. I wouldn’t put it past him to go directly to her over my protests.”
“But he didn’t do that, did he?”
“Because I ended it. And that’s the way it’s going to stay. This back-and-forth isn’t good for anyone, especially Sophie.”
“I thought you kept her out of it.”
“I did, but then he showed up unannounced yesterday with his big movie news, holding a pizza. She was thrilled to see him again.”
“She’s a smart cookie.” She squeezes my arm. “I wish you were too.”
“I’m as smart as you are.”
“Not about the important things.” She turns to go.
“Men aren’t the answer to everything!”
She turns back. “Of course not. But letting the right man into your life can be a wonderful thing. May, you light up when you talk about Mason, and you glow after you’ve seen him.” She pauses. “Rick would’ve wanted you to be happy.”
My throat closes with emotion.
She kisses my cheek and sails out the door.
I lean against the counter. Love is just too hard. I thought I was ready, but there’s too much unknown about the future. Too much risk.
I sink to the floor and cover my face with my hands, letting the tears fall.
13
An hour later, I close my laptop in shock. I call Alice right away. As soon as she answers, I say, “Someone booked the inn for the entire Valentine’s Day weekend! I had zero customers, and now I have a full house! Hello? Are you still there?” Valentine’s Day is this weekend, and I was so depressed I didn’t have a single room booked. I can’t believe it.
“Sorry, I’m just shocked,” she says. “Who would book the whole inn?”
“Someone who wants privacy. Maybe they’re a celebrity or something. I don’t know. I just got an email from an assistant.”
“That’s great!”
“I know! I can’t believe it! I’ve been so worried about recouping costs and getting some cash flow going. There’s always unexpected expenses, and I really didn’t want to use too much of the life insurance money.”
“Huge congrats!”
We say a quick goodbye since I have so much to do. Everything has to be perfect.
I do a little happy dance and get to work gathering linens to make up the guest rooms.
I step into the first room and stop. The urge to share my good news with Mason is so strong I nearly pull my phone out and call him. But I can’t. I lost that right when I pushed him away. I had good reason, but still. I have to live with that decision.
My happiness over the booking dims. I push on, getting the first bed ready.
Once I finish getting the inn ready, I flop on the couch, exhausted. It was pure adrenaline keeping me going. I haven’t been sleeping well lately. I miss Mason. The house is quiet for once. Sophie’s at a friend’s house for a playdate.
The doorbell rings, and I jackknife upright, my heart pounding. I look down at myself in my laundry-day clothes. Oh, who cares? It’s not going to be Mason. That’s over now.
I answer the door and instantly tense. It’s Madison, Mason’s mom. I swear if she tells me to stay away from Mason again, I’m going to lose it. I’m already barely hanging on, waiting for these awful feelings of longing and loss to pass. I’m not sure if they ever will.
