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“The DA’s office was hoping to have that new report by noon.”
“Chandler will have to sign it. I’ll get the corrections done and you can swing it by his house when you take him the cupcakes.”
She gives me one last knowing look before leaving my office and closing the door behind her.
I wait, making sure she’s far enough away before picking up my phone as if I’m doing something wrong. The banner on my phone making me aware that Adalynn is once again back inher fertility window starting today affects my body more than it probably should, especially after our fight this morning.
Time.
That’s what she asked for, but I’m certain that it’s only her way of putting a little distance between the two of us, as if she believes it will make the complete severing of our friendship easier.
She’s had nothing but time. Weeks of time. There have been limited texts and hardly any interaction. I’ve only laid eyes on her a handful of times in the last several weeks.
I thought I’d be the one struggling with regrets, that I’d have a problem going from being her lover for a little over a week to being her friend, but she’s made it clear she regrets all of it. It’s quite possible she regrets even being my friend for so long.
I dismiss the notification before closing my eyes and pulling in several slow breaths.
Time and distance would be more bearable if I knew what the final outcome would be. The not knowing eats away at me with every second ticking away on the clock.
I jerk my eyes open when Eastyn knocks on my office door.
“All ready?” I ask when she walks inside, holding out the report.
“It was only a few date corrections. I’ve attached sticky notes to all the places he needs to sign. If you get them back to me quickly, I can drive them to the courthouse and hand deliver them. I wouldn’t chance them being late with a courier service.”
I take the folder as I stand from my desk. I could really use a chiropractor right now. My bones feel as if they’re rubbing against each other.
“I’ll get him to sign them.”
“Don’t forget the cupcakes. You can’t show up empty-handed.”
I frown in her direction, but my annoyance isn’t about her. She can’t possibly know the issues Adalynn and I are having right now.
“Yes, ma’am,” I tell her, my cheek twitching when she gives me a wide smile. “I’ll be back in just a bit.”
“I’d say you have about three hours before I’ll need to leave for the courthouse. Take your time.”
The glint in her eye makes me wonder if she isn’t aware of more than I give her credit for.
The unrelenting Texas heat slaps me in the face when I step outside, my uniform molding to my body as a sheen of sweat covers my skin. I can’t wait for fall, although the temps won’t drop too drastically until late November, early December, and then there’s still a chance we’ll be wearing shorts on Christmas Day.
The thought of the holidays makes my chest ache. I’ve always spent the holidays with Adalynn and her family. They’ve never once made me feel unwelcome or like I was invading their time together. I’ve always had presents under the tree like the three Tate children. When Aunt Mable was still able to get out and about, she included me in her handmade gifts. For a man who doesn’t cook, I have more potholders than I know what to do with.
As I climb in my truck and head to the bakery, I realize just how alone I am. I’ve clung to Adalynn like a leech. I’ve put all of my eggs in her basket and expected her to keep them safe. I forwent spending time with other people in order to soak up every drop she was willing to give me. I’ve alienated myself from nearly everyone else who has tried to be a part of my life. At the time, I didn’t think I needed anyone else. I couldn’t imagine a day when she wasn’t the first person I’d call.
Things are different now. We’re broken, and I’m all alone.
I’m not a man who cries, but that doesn’t stop the taste of salt from invading the back of my throat when I climb out of my truck and walk toward the front door of her store.
With a deep fortifying breath, I pull open the door, my heart racing when I see her standing behind the display case, describing each one of the cupcakes to a customer.
Her smile is perfect, proof that she loves what she does.
It fades when she glances up to see who entered.
There was a time when her smile would only grow when she saw me.
I wait for the customer to make their decision, keeping my distance because I don’t want to intrude despite it taking what feels like forever for them to end up only buying one cupcake.
