Page 10 of Courage of the Mountain
“Bullshit. Are you at the store? I’m on my way over.”
Before she can confirm, I’m out the door and speeding my way toward Between the Covers. No way in hell I’m leaving her alone. Not now, not ever again.
5
LILY
Islump against the wall and sigh in defeat. Water is bursting in a seemingly never-ending fountain from a pipe tucked away in the hallway, next to the bathrooms of Between the Covers. My clothes are soaked, my shoes are ruined, and my spirit is utterly crushed.
How did this happen? What did I do wrong?
About ten minutes ago, a horrendous banging echoed through the otherwise silent building. The sound rang out once, twice, three times, followed by a rushing noise, as if a train was speeding by. There was no mistaking it or explaining the noise away… It came from the store. I was expecting an intruder or maybe another note. Instead, I was greeted by water flooding my store.
I should have insisted on getting the insurance information from the Fosters during our last call. As it is, I have no idea how to even begin filing a claim. I certainly don’t have the money to pay out of pocket. Even though Marsha offered to cover anything I needed in the meantime, I’m sure she wasn’t expecting a flood.
But all of that, while still an urgent issue, will need to wait. Right now, I still have an active geyser in my bookstore that I’m hoping Heath knows how to fix.
“Fuck,” I groan as I lean my head against the wall. I let it rest there for a moment before thumping it against the hard surface a few times. I hate that I had to call him, but I had no other choice. It’s harder than I thought to have to depend on another person.
I try to stand up, but my feet slip and I fall flat on my face. Rolling over onto my back, I let the water pool around me. I don’t even care that it’s likely gross and getting debris tangled in my hair. Nothing seems to matter anymore. Maybe if I stay here long enough, the water will consume me completely.
Before my thoughts can travel any further down that path, someone pounds on the front door. I yelp, then scramble to my feet, catching myself on a table when I start to fall. Shuffling my way to the front, I see the familiar silhouette of Heath. I’m equal parts relieved that he’s here and embarrassed at needing his help.
I unlock the door and step aside, letting him get a good look at the absolute disaster zone. My head tips down in shame, and I don’t know if I can handle his disappointment. I’m so out of my element, stretched thin in every single way, and now I somehow fucked up the plumbing. My dream of owning Between the Covers will be over before it really even began.
“Hey, look at me,” Heath says in a calm voice. When I don’t make a move, he rests his hands on my shoulders and squeezes lightly. “What happened, Lily?”
“I can’t get the water to stop,” I admit, still not meeting his gaze.
Heath nods and then presses his lips to my forehead. Or maybe I’m just delusional. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to shut the main water valve.”Of course. I should have known to do that. I suck at running this store, and maybe it’s time I admitted defeat.
A few moments later, I hear a grunt and a screeching noise, like metal on metal. The rushing water slows and then stopsaltogether. The store is still flooded, but at least no more water is being added.
Heath wades through the soggy debris until he’s in front of me again. One hand rests on my shoulder while the other gently cups my chin. “Please look at me, Lily,” he whispers.
I peer up at him, preparing to see annoyance or worse, disappointment. Instead, I’m met with emerald eyes filled with concern and something close to tenderness.
“Are you hurt, baby?”
I shake my head no, then wince as a sharp pain flashes across my right temple. “I must have hit it when I fell,” I mumble.
Heath brushes his thumb underneath the sore spot on my head, then focuses his attention on me. “You’re bleeding a bit, but I think it’s a pretty small cut. Head wounds tend to bleed a lot.”
“Great,” I mutter. Tears spring to the surface, but I swallow them down. “I better go clean myself up and then get to work down here.”
“Lily–”
“Thank you, Heath. I’m sorry I called so late,” I tell him before taking a step back. He’s seeing all my insecurities, and I’m too damn exhausted to try to hide them anymore. That’s why he needs to leave.
“It’s no problem. I’m glad I was here.” Heath takes a step forward, but I take another step back. “Let me help,” he whispers. “Why won’t you let me help?”
“There’s nothing you can do!” I shout, surprising myself and Heath with my tone. “I made this mess, so now I need to clean it up. It was silly to think I could take over this store. I’m clearly not cut out for it.”
“Lily, that’s not true. Stop telling yourself lies.” He tries stepping closer, but I back away. In my haste, my foot slips on the wet hardwood floor, and I pitch forward. “I’ve got you.”
Heath’s arms instantly surround me as he pulls me into his chest. He doesn’t let me go, even after I’ve found my balance. I half-heartedly push against his chest, but he doesn’t move. It’s like he’s proving he won’t go anywhere.
“I’ve got you,” he repeats. One hand spreads over my lower back, keeping me anchored to him, while the other comes up to cup the back of my head. “I know you’re not used to having someone around, but I need you to believe me when I say I’ll always be here. You’re not alone anymore, Lily. Do you trust me?”
