Page 76 of Love In Harbor Falls

“Like I said, she’s pregnant and alone and needs the money. Did you know that her parents practically disowned her and haven’t spoken to her in over two years?”

“I don’t care. Obviously, they know she makes bad decisions. I would never hire the man who hurt you so deeply because I care about you a great deal, Adalyn. So you hiring Olivia tells me exactly how you feel about me.”

“That has nothing to do with it, Colin. I care for you, too. Were you lying to me when you told me you let go of all the resentment and anger?”

“I would never lie to you. I’ve told you that before. And I have let it go, but that doesn’t mean I want to see her every day. You don’t have to worry about that because your ex is in another state.”

“Will you please just sit down with me and eat?”

“No. I’m not hungry.”

“I cooked this meal for you and got a triple berry cheesecake from Annie’s shop!”

“You shouldn’t have bothered. I’m hurt, Adalyn, and I won’t sugarcoat it. I’m being brutally honest with you. You had no right hiring her.”

“And you have no right telling me who I can and can’t have working in my gallery!”

“When I told you I wanted nothing to do with her, I meant it. I don’t trust her, and you shouldn’t either. I’m standing here looking at you and feel like I don’t even know you right now. I have to go. I need some space.” He began to walk towards the door.

“Yeah, well, I feel like I don’t know you either, and it wouldn’t be the first time for me!” I yelled as he walked out and slammed the door.

I stood in the middle of the kitchen, trying to catch my breath while my body shook. Tears filled my eyes as I looked at the pasta on the table. Still in shock and with tears running down my face, I grabbed my phone and held it. I needed my family and friends, but I didn’t have the strength to tell them what happened, so I set my phone down on the counter, cleaned up the kitchen, and went upstairs. After changing into my pajamas, I climbed into bed. Exhaustion consumed me, and I just wanted the day to end.

The next morning, I climbed out of bed and rubbed my swollen eyes. Picking up my phone from the nightstand, I prayed there would be a text message from Colin, but there wasn’t. I sent Luis a text message telling him that I would be late for work, and I wasn’t sure what time I’d be in.

“Are you okay? Do you need me to come over?”

“No, and no. I’ll explain everything when I come in later.”

I made my way down to the kitchen and brewed myself a cup of coffee. I wasn’t up for ten minutes when there was a knock on the sliding door, and Annie stood there looking in.

“Hey, Annie.” I opened the door. “Now isn’t a?—”

“Are you okay? Jerry and I heard yelling last night, and then we saw Colin peel out of the driveway. I wanted to run right over, but Jerry wouldn’t let me. He told me to leave you alone. But judging by how you look, I can tell you’re not okay. What happened?”

“We got into an argument.”

“Over what?”

“Olivia.”

“Olivia? Why?” Her brows furrowed.

“Because I hired her to work at the gallery, and he doesn’t like it.”

“You what?” Her voice squeaked. “Why would you go and do a thing like that?”

“Because she’s pregnant and needs a job, and no one in this town will give her one.”

“That’s because we don’t like her.”

“Why? Because she broke Colin’s heart?”

“Well, yes.”

I sighed as I gripped the edge of the countertop. “Everyone makes mistakes, Annie, and you are not going to sit there and tell me that you or Jerry haven’t made your fair share. Or anyone else in this town.”

Annie stared at me and didn’t know what to say for once in her life.

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