Page 108 of Blossoms of the Heart
The aroma of coffee and pastries wafted through the air.
Forks scratched against plates and more conversation filtered into the room as those who had had their morning coffee started waking up.
The place wasn’t packed. There were some truckers and two nurses.
A blind man and his dog. The waitress who reminded me of Phoebe’s mom was serving him now.
It was the hair. She had a neat bob that looked very Jackie O. and she seemed to take care with her make up. Could have easily fit in with the women from that time. Unlike Phoebe’s mom though this woman smiled and there was a warm presence about her.
Seven AM.
The door opened and the little bell attached to it jingled.
Candace came in. She zeroed in on me when she looked over and saw me.
Her eyes gave her away.
She’d been crying, and her normal well put together appearance looked dull.
Her hair sat atop her head in what should have been a messy bun with style, but she actually did look a mess.
She smiled when she saw me and made her way over on shaky legs.
“Hey.” I began with a soft smile.
“Hi.” She sat down across from me and rested her hands on the table.
“You okay?” Had to ask, because she looked pale.
“I will be.”
“Thanks for coming.”
“It’s okay Tai.” She sniffled and pulled in a breath. “And, it’s okay. I know what you’re going to say. We’re really not getting back together are we?”
The pain and regret in her eyes was very evident.
“No. We’re not.” I replied. “ But I will always have a special place in my heart for you.”
She nodded slowly understanding. “I understand. I’m sorry I ignored your calls and messages. I just didn’t want to accept that it was over, even though I knew it was.”
“It’s cool.” It wasn’t cool. It nearly drove me insane but hey. It was done now.
A tear ran down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away and straightened up. “I’m… leaving Japan tonight. Going back to Denver. Home.”
“Tonight?”
“Yeah. I figured why not?”
I nodded. “Stay in touch Candace.”
“Of course.”
I went over to her and gave her a hug.
The contact felt freeing and I finally felt free.
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