Page 23 of Until Next Time

Page List

Font:

Font Size:

Birdie:Ha! I knew it. You’re such a nerd.

Me:Look who’s talking, miss ‘I have multiple collections of rocks and postcards’

Birdie:Wow Dawsen. You’re cold. But fortunately for me, I am very proud and unashamed of my collections. Iamimpressed you remember that though.

Me:I remember everything.

The Impact of Sleep on Mental Health and Cognitive Function

Overcoming Procrastination: Practical and Proven Strategies to Boost Productivity

Preparing Mentally for Motherhood: Expert Strategies for Emotional Readiness

Postpartum Recovery: What to Expect in the First Weeks After Childbirth

Birdie:I would challenge you on that… but you did remember my coffee order last week, sooo.

Me:It’s getting late. I’ll see you tomorrow?

Birdie:Sweet Dreams! *nerdy glasses emoji*

I wanted to talk to her all night long, but I also know that I can’t go there with her. It would be selfish, and I care too damn much about her. I wish I didn’t. I wish she wasn’t so damn magnetic and magical, but she is. She’s always been. As much as it painedme, I had to put some space between us, because I know I’ll get too comfortable and say something I know I’ll come to regret.

* * *

I could barely sleep last night. Between staring at the photo of Birdie in her bed and willing myself to be a gentleman—I tossed and turned all night. Which is part of the reason why I’m standing in line at Mel’s, buying her a coffee and scone. I’m pathetic.

I walked from Mel’s, back to the shop—it’s just a couple blocks and it didn’t make sense to drive. I see Birdie’s cherry red Volkswagen Cabriolet parked right out front of the winery, and I like the way it makes me feel. I pull the door to the winery open and I see her back to me as she’s focusing on her mural. Before I can think better of it, I sneak up behind her and pinch her waist.

“SHIT!” She yelps and pulls her headphones off and turns around. “What the hell Dawsen, you want me to mess up your wall or do you have a death wish?” She spits out. I hand her my peace offering—a white paper cup holding her favorite hot liquid and a brown paper bag. She hesitates before she grabs it.

“What’s this?” She asks, looking at me, trying to hide the smile creeping across her face… that I put there.

“You know what it is.” I say, casually crossing my arms and leaning against the table that holds all of her painting supplies.

“Wow, what did I do to deserve this?” She asks while taking the coffee and scone. I laugh at that, because what I really want to say is, ‘You deserve a hell of a lot more than a coffee and pastry,’ but what I opt for instead is—

“Just wanted to be nice.” Sliding my hands back into my pockets, and wondering if I should walk away now before I say something stupid.

“I really like when you want to be nice.” She smiles and takes a sip of her coffee. “Really, thank you. This is perfect.” She adds and purses her lips together, as she’s looking at me with those eyes.

“Yeah, no problem. I’ll let you get back to work.” I spin on my heels and head straight for my office.

Owning a business comes with a lot more office work than I really expected, and now that I own two businesses, It’s easy for me to fall behind. Inventory, managing wine shipments, and overseeing marketing efforts, it’s a lot sometimes. I usually put it off until it all builds up and I have absolutely no choice but to lock myself in my office and get it all done. But having Birdie here has been productive because I try to spend as little time around her as possible—because since she’s been back, I have fallen deeply down into the well of my repressed feelings for Birdie Banks, and it’s best for both of us that I just put as much distance between us as possible, which is why I groan and rub my hand across my face when I see a group chat notification pop up on my phone’s screen.

Casey:Y’all. Let’s get tickets for tomorrow night to the Matt Schuster concert. He’s performing at Echo Hall.