Page 8 of Just Breathe

Jane

Iwoke up the next day at six am to make it to Monroe early, so that I could come back at a reasonable hour. Since the town wasn’t huge, the silence was a welcomed contrast to Dallas. I loved it and for the first time in months, I didn’t feel like the world was caving in on me.

The small condo I was renting for two weeks was quaint, but had definite hints of modernity. I almost wanted to live in something like this since it was only me. Did I even need a house that big? I thought for a moment when I was inside the house that all I would think about was Henry. Instead, it felt like a new beginning.

I got up from bed, getting ready quickly and headed down to the coffee shop just on the corner of the block. I walked in and the bell chimed to announce my arrival.

“Hey girl, back again so early.” The young girl who helped me yesterday smiled at me.

“I’ve got to head to Monroe this morning, and I can’t stop thinking about those bagels from yesterday,” I said, looking in their glass case of goodies. “Anything else I need to try that might blow my mind?”

“You have to try our cream cheese Danish or our chocolate croissants. Those are definitely Mary’s specialties. I’d probably sell my mama for those recipes, but apparently that’s not enough.” She laughed.

“Then they must be damn good. I’ll take both and a coffee.” I smiled at her as she grabbed my pastries.

“Is that all? Yesterday, you bought enough food to feed a small army.” She smirked.

“That’s all. Yesterday, I was trying to be nice to my contractor and his crew.”

“Oh, are you building a home here?” She took my credit card and swiped it.

“Yeah, just outside of town,” I replied.

“Oh, then Aiden and the boys must be your contractors. I heard they were building a home for a family who lived in Texas. Did you make the trip up here alone or is your husband sleeping in?”

It did not surprise me that people knew about us already, but I wasn’t ready for the questions that came with it. I took a breath to steel my nerves. “My husband, unfortunately, passed away eight months ago. It’s just me here to see the project finished.” I picked up my coffee and pastries.

“Holy shit, I’m so sorry. I didn’t…”

The bell chimed as another customer walked in, interrupting the girl.

“Thanks for the recommendations.” I smiled to ease her guilt and bolted out of the shop.

I walked back to my car with my heart racing like I’d run a mile. I knew coming here I might have to explain myself but having to do it was awful. My lips trembled as I opened my car and slid in, trying not to have a breakdown on the side of the road. I took a deep breath, then took a sip of my coffee. I grimaced realizing I hadnt added cream or sugar because I was in such a hurry to leave. Fuck my life, was it worth going back or should I just woman up and just drink it like this because I didn’t want to go through that awkward conversation?

I felt like a wuss, but I figured I would just deal with that another day. I started my car and took off to Monroe to look at samples of flooring and tile. I smiled because who knew stuff like that made me happy, but I’m not surprised because I sure loved a good episode ofFixer Upper.

* * *

I pulled up to Flooring and More, not expecting the building to be this big. I turned the ignition off, and walked in, feeling like a kid in a candy store. It was just as big as I expected, with so much more like light fixtures, wallpaper, and paint.

“Hi, can I help you?” A gentleman walked up to me.

“Sure. Aiden Miller sent me for some samples. We’re looking for some flooring and tile for bathrooms for a client.” I smiled.

“Oh yeah, you’re the new girl, right?” He motioned me over to the counter. “I’m Dale.”

“Jane.” I extended my hand out to shake his.

“Alright, do you know what you guys want, or would you like to look around?”

“If it’s possible, I’d like to look around.” I smiled, trying to hide my excitement and hoping he’d let me explore by myself.

“Of course. If there are no samples of the items, write the name and I’ll be able to get you whatever you need.” He gave me a notepad and pen.

“Great! Is there a limit on how many samples I can take?” I took the notepad and pen.

“Nope. You can take as many as you like. Let me know if you need anything.” He smiled indulgently. “I’m glad Aiden’s got some help; lord knows that stubborn man needs it.”

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