Page 78 of Love In Harbor Falls

“News in this town travels way too fast,” I angrily spoke. “I’m going to talk to her. Keep an eye on the shop.”

“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” he asked.

“I know exactly what I’m doing.”

I climbed into my jeep and drove to Olivia’s house. When I pulled up, I saw Olivia tending to the flowers in the front.

“You shouldn’t have come here,” Olivia spoke. “I’m sorry for the issues I caused between you and Colin. I honestly didn’t think he’d react the way he did. I thought we were cool with each other ever since our talk.”

“To be honest, I think it’s more of an ego thing with him. The fact of the matter is you need a job to support you and your baby, and you have one. I saw you yesterday with the customers, and you did really well. It was your first day, and you sold three paintings. I need to do what’s right for my business, and I refuse to let anyone compromise that. You need to stop worrying about the people in this town and start rebuilding your life the best way you know how.”

“This baby wasn’t planned, you know.” She placed her hands on her belly. “And when I found out I was pregnant, I was so scared to tell Thomas because I knew he didn’t want kids. But I thought maybe he would get used to the idea. He kicked me out the second I told him. I guess it’s my karma for what I did to Colin.” Her eyes diverted to the ground.

“God gave you this baby for a reason,” I said as I reached over and lightly took hold of her hand. “And maybe the reason was you weren’t meant to be with Thomas after all. I’ve learned that life works in mysterious ways, and each life-altering event leads you on another path to get you to the place you’re truly meant to be.”

“Thanks, Adalyn.” Olivia hugged me.

“You’re welcome. Now, I need you back at the gallery.” I smiled.

“Okay. I’ll be right behind you.”

* * *

Aweek passed, and I still hadn’t heard a word from Colin. The one thing that hurt me the most was I’d see him walk by the gallery a few times, and he didn’t even look in the window or stop in.

My body started to tremble when I walked into Rooster’s to grab a coffee and saw Colin standing at the counter talking to Delilah. When he turned around, our eyes locked, and my heart began to race.

“Hey,” I softly spoke.

“Hey,” Colin said and then turned around to face Delilah. “Thanks for the sandwich, Delilah.”

“You’re welcome, Colin.”

He grabbed the bag from the counter, walked past me, and left the shop without looking at me.

“Good morning, Adalyn,” Delilah spoke.

“Is it really? I asked. “I don’t think it is.”

“He’ll come around.” Delilah’s smile was sympathetic.

“You know, Delilah, I’m really sick and tired of people saying that. The thing is, if and when he does, I may not be around. You know what? I changed my mind about the coffee. I’ll see you later.”

I walked into the gallery, and Luis and Olivia were already there. Luis looked at me in confusion because there were no coffee cups in my hand.

“No coffee today?”

“I saw Colin at Rooster’s, and he basically pretended I didn’t exist. So, he ruined my coffee vibe. In fact, we aren’t getting coffee from Rooster’s anymore,” I said as I pulled my phone from my purse. “I’m ordering us a high-tech coffee machine, and we’re making our own from now on.”

“Oh. I love that idea.” Luis smiled. “Make sure it has a latte setting, please.”

After finding the perfect coffee machine, my phone rang, and Hannah was calling.

“Hey, sis.”

“Adalyn. You need to come back to New York. Mom had a heart attack this morning, and she’s in the hospital.”

Fear and panic soared through me.

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