Page 55 of Love In Harbor Falls

“I understand.” He looked down. “If you ever just need to talk, you know where to find me.” He began to walk away, stopped, and turned around. “You need to let go of what your ex-husband did to you. Because the longer you let it linger in your head, the more of a prisoner you’ll become.”

He walked out, and I stood there as a tear rolled down my cheek. I inhaled a sharp breath as I wiped it away. Grabbing my purse, I climbed into the jeep and headed to the gallery.

“How is the new—Oh no, darling, what’s wrong?”

“The furniture looks great.” I forced a smile. “You and Alfred will have to come over for dinner. Maybe tomorrow night? Tomorrow night would be good. I could throw something in?—”

Luis gripped my shoulders as he stared directly into my eyes.

“STOP! He interrupted mid-sentence. “Take a deep breath and tell me what happened with Colin.”

I told Luis about the conversation that took place between us. I left nothing out, including what I had said to him. Luis embraced me and tried his best to help me feel better.

“I’m sure he hates me,” I said as my head rested on his shoulder.

“Darling, I don’t think that man is capable of hating anyone. If you’re not ready to dip your toe into the dating pond, he understands, and he isn’t going to hold that against you. He’s been there. You’re not giving him enough credit. Now, chin up buttercup. Everything is going to be okay.”

* * *

One Week Later

After waking up, I let out a satisfying stretch and grabbed my phone from the nightstand. The good morning messages Colin used to send stopped, and even though I knew they would, a part of me missed them. I climbed out of bed, made a cup of coffee, and took it out on the deck. Even though the sky was clear, rumbles of thunder could be heard in the distance. I thought about him as I sipped my coffee, and as much as I tried not to, my mind always went back to him.

Before heading to the gallery, I stopped at Rooster’s to grab Luis and me a cappuccino.

“Good morning, Adalyn.” Delilah warmly smiled when I entered through the door.

“Good morning, Delilah. Two cappuccinos, please.”

“Coming right up, darling. How’s business at the gallery?”

“Business is good. No complaints.”

The small bell above the door rang, and when I turned around, I saw Olivia walk in. Delilah glanced at me and rolled her eyes as she handed me two cappuccinos.

“Good morning, Delilah,” Olivia spoke.

“Hello, Olivia,” she spoke in a not-so-friendly voice.

“Hey, aren’t you the woman who owns the art gallery on the corner?” Olivia spoke as she stood next to me.

“Yes. I’m Adalyn Richards.”

“It’s nice to meet you finally. I’m Olivia.”

“Nice to meet you, Olivia.” I smiled.

The bell above the door rang again, and as I held the two cappuccinos and turned around, I saw Colin staring at us.

“Here, let me get the door for you,” he spoke as he held it open for me.

“Thanks,” I nervously spoke.

“How are you?” he asked.

“I’m good. And you?”

“Okay, I guess.”

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