Page 90 of Just Breathe

I smiled, thinking that sounded great. “Sure, but let me check to see what days I work this week.”

“Great! We should exchange numbers.” Darcy took my phone from my lap, putting it up to my face to unlock it and put her number in. She called herself so she had my number too.

We got out of the car, walking towards the coffee shop. As soon as the door open, that great smell of pastries was divine. I missed this place.

Mary popped her head out of the kitchen. “Thank goodness. I was worried I would have to make coffee for someone. Good to see you, Jane.”

“Good to see you, too.” I waved as she went back to the kitchen.

“Alright girl. What would you like? I’ve been working on this snickerdoodle latte for the fall. Wanna try it out?” She walked behind the counter putting an apron on.

“That sounds delicious!” I walked over to the pastry counter to pick out my sugar of the morning.

“I think I’m missing something from the recipe, but let me know what you think?” She went to work making my coffee while I made my pastry decision.

“No coffee for the guys?” she asked behind her machine.

“Not today. I think they might start a new project, since my house is just about done. Still waiting on a few things on back order.”

“That’s great! I’m sure it’s going to be perfect when everything is all said and done.” She placed my latte in front of me.

“I’ll take a blueberry scone as well,” I said, picking up my coffee to smell it. It smelled like a snickerdoodle. I took the lid off and blew on it while Darcy got my blueberry scone. I look a small sip of it and it was good.

“Mmmm Darcy, that tastes delicious, but I think you're right, it’s missing something. Maybe a little more vanilla or cinnamon?” I suggested taking another drink.

“I was thinking vanilla too, but I could try both and see how that turns out.” She turned around, opening a notebook and writing something down. It looked like a recipe book that had seen some better days. She turned around like she was still figuring out something in her head.

I laid down a ten on the counter while she was still thinking about her recipe. She finally looked downand waved her hand at me. “No charge girl.” She smiled. “You’re my taste tester.”

“Well, that’s for my scone! Thanks for the coffee. I gotta get some groceries, but I’ll let you know what my schedule looks like this weekend.” I waved as I walked out of the coffee shop.

“Bye! I hope you have the weekend off. I think we would have a lot of fun together,” she shouted as she waved.

I smiled at her enthusiasm, thinking a girls’ night was just what I needed to get away from the craziness of the being back. Plus, I think Darcy could become a really great friend. I made my way back to the car and drove to the local market. I desperately needed some food in the house and some toiletries.

I drove over to the market that was only a few blocks away. It was small but had mostly all the necessities you might need to last you for a little while, at least until you could go into Monroe to hit up the target. Getting the essentials, I paid for my things and made my way back to the car.

It was still early, but I made a pit stop for a sandwich for lunch and some sweet tea. I made my way back home feeling good about my morning. The longer I stayed in Mountain View, the more I felt like I could make a life here, especially with the guys around, but now I felt unsure.

I didn’t want to be that woman who made decisions around a man, let alone three of them. I did that a lot with Henry, and I put his needs before mine. Even when I was pregnant, I accommodated him and made sure he was ok.

The more that I thought about it, I felt like I put myself way more in our relationship than he did. I think the next relationship I got in, I wanted a man who will meet me halfway on everything.

A car was in the driveway as I turn into my long driveway. I expected it to be Aiden, but low and behold, Callum finally graced me with his presence. I took a deep breath ready for whatever might happen, but also a little sad because I had a feeling this would not be good.

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