Page 27 of This Heart
“What did you do?” I asked.
“I closed the bookstore early, got all dolled up, and packed us a basket for a picnic. I drove to Lake Placid and decided to surprise him at home. He worked as a freelance journalist and his office was at his house. I rang the doorbell and knocked, but he never answered. I knew he was home because his car was in the driveway. I reached for the door, and it was unlocked, so I let myself in. I figured he might have gone for a run or to the gym. It didn’t take me long to figure out he wasn’t alone when I heard moans coming from his bedroom.”
“Oh, Aurora, I’m so sorry.”
She shrugged. “It’s okay now. Back then, I thought my entire world was imploding on me. I’ve always been guarded with my heart; I’m not sure why. I wasn’t wounded in high school by my first love or anything. My parents have a happy and loving relationship, and all my friends have found love, so I believe in the power of love. It’s just always seemed to elude me. A few guys I’ve dated made it pretty clear the only reason I was on their arm was because of my looks. Doesn’t really boost a girl’s confidence in finding Prince Charming.”
“Those guys were assholes. Did you confront him? The old boyfriend?”
Looking at me, she smiled. “No. I left the basket on the kitchen island with a note that…well…let’s just say it wasn’t one of my finer moments. I let my anger get the best of me.”
“Did he ever contact you?”
With a wicked smile, she shook her head. “I told him if he ever tried to contact me I’d rip his balls off and shove them up his ass before I had my brother Nathan pay him a visit and make sure he’d never be able to sire kids.”
My brows shot up.
“Like I said, not one of my finer moments.”
“Remind me not to ever make you mad.”
Aurora laughed. “I’d love to find someone and settle down someday. The bookstore has been my love for so long, and I’m proud of it, but I have to admit that seeing all my friends settle down has got me thinking about my own love life. Or lack thereof. But then I think about how happy I am, and I’m not worried about it. It will happen when it’s supposed to happen. I guess deep down inside I might be a bit worried because of what happened before, but I know not all guys are cheats.”
I nodded before I took a drink of my wine. If she only knew the thoughts circling my mind. If she were mine, no fucking way I’d let her get away.
Aurora cleared her throat. “Okay, I think we have a good idea of the schedule for the nanny. Now we just have to find someone.”
“You’re sure you don’t mind helping with the interview? Since you will be interacting with them as well.”
“I don’t mind helping you interview. Is Mary back in New York City for good?” Aurora asked.
“I think so. She did say she would like to come back and visit and see Winnie, and of course, her father lives here. I’m sure we’ll see her often.”
Aurora smiled. “I’m sure she’ll be able to find a balance.”
I rubbed the back of my neck. “Yeah, I owe her a lot for coming and staying with me after Hope passed. It was hard for her as well, losing her older sister.”
We sat in silence for a few moments before Aurora spoke. “You said Opal mentioned she knew someone in Lake Placid you could talk to about interviewing some nannies? Would you like to call and talk to them about what you’re looking for, or would you like me to?”
Everything in me screamed to ask Aurora to do it, but I needed to act like a grown-up. “I’ll call and set up the interviews. If you have any dates or times that won’t work, will you send those to me as soon as you can?”
“Of course,” Aurora said, setting the notebook on the table. “I should get going.”
I stood. “Thank you for stopping by, Aurora. Winnie loved seeing you, and it was good to clear things up between us. I do value your friendship.”
Something passed over her face before it was gone, and she smiled. “I know, and I’m sorry I waited so long. It was a childish way to behave. I think we’re all trying to deal with the loss of Hope in the only way we know how.”
“Yeah,” I replied. “Just leave that stuff there, I’ll get it.”
“You sure?” she asked.
“Positive. Thanks again, and I’ll let you know when I talk to whoever I need to talk to about the nanny interviews.”
She chuckled. “Okay, sounds good.”
I motioned for her to proceed through the house. She grabbed her purse and walked out onto the front porch. Aurora turned and looked at me. “I hope you’ll bring Winnie to our next storytime.”
“Trust me, she won’t let me forget about storytime at the bookstore. We’ll be there, no more hiding from me.”
