Page 47 of Just Breathe

Mary looked at me up and down and I felt her judgement in her gaze. She looked to be in her forties. She had crystal blue eyes and dirty blonde hair. “I hear you are building a new house on the outskirts with your husband.”

Darcy’s face paled.

“I am building a new house on the outskirts. My husband has unfortunately passed away before we could finish it, so I’m making sure it gets done.” I tried my best not to snap at this woman. Who the fuck did she think she was?

“Mary! I already told you this!” She glared at her.

Mary’s demeanor changed in a heartbeat, and she looked horrified. “Ah shit, I’m sorry, child. I meant no disrespect. I’m a in a foul mood and I don’t know why I lashed out on you.”

I looked at her for a moment and decide it was probably best we didn’t get into it. “It’s ok. I’m sure being here and working the booth is stressful.”

“So, what will you have?” Darcy changed the subject, still looking embarrassed.

“I can’t pass up a muffin.” They had a few items on display. “I’ll take a water too.”

Darcy got my water, and Mary placed my muffin on a napkin with a small cookie. I handed my card to Darcy, but Mary shook her head. “On the house, darling, and thank you for choosing to stop at my little shop instead of a Starbucks. I hear you work at the hospital in Monroe.”

“Yes I do, ma’am. Thank you. I appreciate it, and I might be back later for something to soak up all that alcohol.” I smiled and waved goodbye to the women.

I continued to walk around, seeing what else I could find until I settled on getting a beer from a local brewery that had Belgium style beers. I took a long swig of my beer, and it was perfect. It was freezing, tasted great, and it wasn’t too bad with my muffin.

“Money” by Pink Floyd played while I walked through the vendors who were selling handmade items. I jammed out while looking around at all the cool stuff these people made. I bought myself some soap, a body scrub and some lip balm at this one vendor. She was a sweet girl around my age and was a stay-at-home mom.

I continued to walk around, finishing my free beer, deciding I better get another one before I bought more stuff. The warmth of the beer was making me feel relaxed, and after the week I had I deserved another one.

“Jane?” I turned around to see a dark-haired woman looking at me.

“Uh yeah? I’m sorry, do I know you?” I tried to remember if I met her or crossed paths while I’d been here.

“I’m sorry, you don’t know me,” she said, stepping closer to me. “My name is Kelsey. I’m the one who you gave the crib to.” She looked sad, and I was confused.

“Oh, you’re Callum’s’ sister!” I exclaimed, now seeing the family resemblance.

She smiled. “I just want to thank you for being so generous.” Her lip quivered. “I also want to say I’m so sorry for your loss.”

I smiled, but I knew it was a shit smile. “Thank you for that, and I’m glad it went to someone who needed it.”

She took a deep breath. “I’m sorry I said I would not cry, but these pregnancy hormones are awful.”

“It’s ok. I remember crying at just commercials or even seeing a child and their mother together. It’s quite annoying.” I smiled at her, hoping to ease her sadness even though I wanted to walk away and cry.

“It’s a beautiful crib.” She wipes her eyes. “The craftsmanship is amazing, and it’s inspired me to use a name that starts with R.”

“How far along are you?” I moved along to the side, just realizing we were in the middle of the walkway.

“Thirty-three weeks.” She put her hand on her belly. “It’s a girl and I’m thinking of calling her Rose or Rosemary.”

“I think those are beautiful names.” I smiled, grateful that she was going to put the crib to good use.

“Thank you. Callum prefers just Rose, but I think I like…”

“Kelsey!” I saw Callum coming towards us, looking worried.

“I’m right here.” She looked annoyed at Callum.

“Dammit, Kelsey, I told you.” He noticed me and stopped what he was saying. “Hey Jane.”

“Hi Callum.” I smiled at his sudden change, thinking it was cute he was so worried about his sister.

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