Page 70 of So Right
She stared at the flowers but didn’t take them. She couldn’t. Shewouldn’t.
Her heart threatened to beat out of her chest. She felt as though she couldn’t breathe. Turning, she went to the counter where she had her purse locked up in the cabinet. Her hands were shaking, but she pulled the key from her pocket.
“Kelsey?” He’d followed her. “Are you just going to pretend I’m not here?” He lowered his hand and let the flowers drop so that they pointed to the ground.
“No,” she said slowly, unlocking the cabinet. “I don’t have anything to say.”
“Then you can just listen. Paige is the girlfriend I mentioned to you before. We dated for a few years when I lived in California. Then we tried a long-distance relationship, but it didn’t work out. I guess she’s still sort of hung up on me. I didn’t realize, and I had no idea she was coming this morning. I’m so sorry.”
Kelsey put her purse over her shoulder. “I understand.”
He frowned. “It doesn’t sound like it.”
She walked toward the door. “Luke, I’m on my way out.”
Again, he followed her. “Kelsey, we need to talk about this. Please?”
He was probably right, but she couldn’t do it now. Not with those god-awful flowers. “I can’t right now.”
“You couldn’t this morning either. When would it be convenient?”
She heard the edge to his tone and pivoted to face him. “I’m sorry this isn’t convenient for you. But I don’t owe youanything.” She refused to feel beholden to anyone ever again. Not after Noah. Not after feeling as though her life wasn’t her own.
He winced. “I’m sorry. I’m just frustrated. We had such a nice night and morning, and now it’s all…a mess.” He held the flowers out to her again. “Can I at least give you these?”
“No. You can burn them.” She opened the door. “Please go, I need to lock up.”
He stared at her, and she glanced away, unable or maybe unwilling to look at the hurt in his gaze. Then he turned and walked out. He paused on the sidewalk and waited for her to lock the door. “Will I see you later?”
She pulled her purse strap higher on her shoulder as she stuffed the keys in one of the pockets. “I don’t know. I’ll…text. Or something. Bye.”
She spun around and strode away, feeling his stare burn into her back.
The late afternoon sun was bright and crisp, the breeze light and cool as she made her way to her car. Once inside, she sat there and stared at the park where children played, and a couple sat on a blanket enjoying a picnic. It was an idyllic scene and yet all she could see were the flowers Luke had brought her.
God, she hated flowers. How many times had Noah shown up with an apology, an excuse, and a goddamn bouquet? More times than she cared to remember. It had gotten to the point that the mere smell of lilies or freesia or carnations or, worst of all, roses sent her into a panic. Even now, her heart was still pounding and her mouth was dry.
She started the car and headed toward George’s. Gram had texted her the address. It was south of town—just a short eight or so minute drive. On the way, she did her meditative breathing, and by the time she arrived, her pulse had returned to normal.
Kelsey parked behind Gram’s car in the driveway. She stared at the house for a minute. It was a very nice Craftsman style. It was fairly new, and she wondered if he’d had it built. She knew he owned several acres of vineyard, which stretched up a gentle slope behind the house.
Gram came out onto the front porch and Kelsey stepped out of her car. “Are you coming in or not?” Gram asked, smiling.
A sense of peace stole over Kelsey. She was so grateful to have her grandmother here. “I’m coming.” She locked the car and went up to the porch, where she hugged Gram tight.
Gram patted her back. “My goodness. You act as though you haven’t seen me in ages. I just saw you last night.”
“I know. It’s just… It’s been a rough day.” Between the ex-girlfriend, the obnoxious patron, and the flowers, perhaps rough wasn’t a severe enough word. She backed away and tried to summon a smile but failed.
Gram put her arm around her shoulders. “Come inside and let’s see if George can’t make you one of his signature margaritas.”
“He doesn’t have to tend bar on his day off,” Kelsey said as she opened the door.
Gram chuckled. “Just try and stop him.”
Gram closed the door behind them as Kelsey took in the entry, which led to a massive great room. Tall windows on the opposite wall climbed probably twenty feet, nearly to the ceiling. The view of the vineyard was expansive—and breathtaking.
“George, your home is beautiful.” It was, in fact, very tastefully appointed and looked like it belonged in a magazine spread.
