Page 5 of Setting Limits

If she wants to avoid me, that’s fine. She can get it out of her system.

As I make my way into the backroom, I pass a pile of messy towels and grumble to myself. I can’t believe it’s so hard to refold a towel after opening it. Or why people feel the need to unfold it in the first place. I mean, it’s a towel, they’re pretty standard size. Not to mention there are tags that specify if they’re a bathtowelor bathsheet.

Pushing my way through the door, I almost walk into Jane. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t know you were back here.”

“That’s okay, sweetheart. How are you?”

“Uh, I’m alright. Was Shay here today?” Damn it. I swore I wouldn’t ask. But the vulnerable side of me is wondering just how much she’s avoiding me.

“She was in earlier. You just missed her.” Ouch. That hurts. Because that means my suspicions were right. “She actually seemed quite upset. Did something happen?”

“Um. She and Lochlyn broke up.”

“Ah. Well. I told her it probably wouldn’t work out and that it wasn’t worth getting too invested in. I suppose she didn’t listen. Anyway. I’m about to head out to the floor, so if you wouldn’t mind reorganizing the pots and pans section, we have a shipment arriving tomorrow to replenish stock. Just make it look a bit fuller, stand some boxes up if need be. Oh, and for all your help this summer, I’m throwing a little extra into your final paycheck. To help get you through the first few months and all that.”

My heart warms at Jane’s generosity. She’s always been far more of a mother figure to me than my own mother. And at the moment, she takes better care of me too. “Thank you, Jane. That’s far kinder than need be. But I do appreciate it. I’m just going to drop my purse and then I’ll head right over to work on the re-shelving.”

With a nod, she leaves quietly. Sometimes I think she talks to me more than Shay. It’s probably easier for her. I’m not a dead ringer for her late husband. Nor am I actually her child or going through the same grief. Mister Sterling was a wonderful man, and very much a father figure as well, and while I did have my mourning moments and process, it’s nothing compared to what Shay and her family surely have gone through and continue to go through.

Shay won’t admit it, to me or even herself, but I know it still hurts that her dad is gone. I know there are moments that she thinks about the future and what that really means without her dad around, especially going to Cornell.

I whip my phone out quick and shoot her a quick text.

Hey. Thinking of you. We should grab coffee. Tomorrow sometime? You let me know when works for you.

I give it a minute and watch as it goes to read, but no response comes back. A heavy sigh shifts my hair.

Sliding the phone back in my pocket, I head to the floor. It’s not my favorite thing, working. But Jane makes it easy, and I love their family, so I’m happy to help out. And really, Jane is helping me by giving me not just the job but more money than she should. More than I deserve. I’ve been known to slack on the job.

But today I plan to take it seriously. I need to turn over a new leaf. Make some major adjustments to my self and my demeanor. I can start by applying myself to my job.

I’ve been at it for about a half hour, re-stacking box of single frying pans, moving things from one end to the other to make sure it looks full while being somewhat empty. It was a little trick Jane showed me early on and it makes sense.

The stock seems to get a little low this time of year from what Jane and Shay said. Something about back to school. The college kids who are moving off campus either take their parents' cookware, who then need to replace it, or they buy new.

“Um, excuse me, miss?” A deep voice draws my attention and I stand a bit too quickly, knocking over a box I’d just balanced on its side.

“Yes? Sorry. Hi. I’m Chelsea. How can I help you today?” For a moment I’m so struck by the emerald green eyes and sharp jawline of the gorgeous man standing in front of me that I almost forget I’m at work.

I’ve met several good-looking guys here, including Brendan. It’s a surprisingly good pick-up location. And the guy in front of me is exactly the type I’d go for. Broad shoulders, deep green eyes, blond hair, and a jaw that I can cut glass on.

But I’m with Brendan. And I’m not a cheater. Anymore. There may have been a time or two I double dipped and started with one guy before I broke up with the other. I won’t do that again. Brendan may not be my forever, but he is my right now.

Plus, he’s a good guy at heart. Maybe not the one for me, but he has the right intentions. And he’s a sweet man.

“I’m looking for something I can take away with me to school. So I guess multipurpose, but good for a beginner like me who’s likely to burn the crap out of everything at first.” He smiles sheepishly as he looks down at the ground and rubs a hand along the back of his neck.

It’s incredibly sexy.

“Okay, well, you’re in luck because we have this one.” I bring him over to a good size nonstick pan that seems to be a big seller with college kids. I’m not much of a chef myself, but if it sells well to the demographic, I’ll push it.

“I guess I don’t know enough about it to ask many more questions, so I’ll take it. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.” I flash him my brightest smile and earn a dashing one in return. Damn, if I was single, now is when I’d turn on the charm.

Which must be what he’s expecting, as he hesitates a second before backing away and walking toward the register.

I’m kneeling and working on the stacks again when I hear the pop of gum. “He was cute.” Trinity practically sing-songs as she walks past me.

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