“I’m fine,” I say a little sharper than I mean to. “Sorry. Just tired and the day’s barely started.”
“Want me to have some coffee delivered? I already scoped out the local places around you.”
Elias isn’t the only creeper I know.
“I’m good. I’m sure there’s a fresh pot in the kitchen.”
He chuckles and then it dies down when I don’t laugh with him. “Wait, you’re serious? Since when do you drink coffee at home?”
“It’s fine,” I say with a sigh. “What’s the emergency, Denver?”
There’s a pause—something he often does when he thinks he’ll say something I won’t like—but then he launches into it anyway.
“You remember Thaddeus Johnson? He’s ready for a proposal. Wants us to meet him in Chicago next week,” he rushes out. “It’s only for two days. Don’t worry, I’ve booked your flight back to Budgie Bay right after. I can’t imagine much will happen in the two days you’re gone anyway.”
He continues rambling, but I’m still hung up on the audacity of him booking my flights. Before, it sort of made me feel cherished or like a princess when he took control and handled things for me.
Like Ron does for Mom?
I cringe at that thought. She tolerates him at best. But he’s loaded and she loves the cushy life. I don’t like that I’ve unknowingly followed in her footsteps.
Realization washes over me as I make my way to the kitchen through the dark house to make my coffee. I think me staying in Spain rather than going to the funeral broke something unfixable between us.
I find Grandma’s teacup on the drying rack next to the sink and set it on the countertop. Denver goes on and on about how much money this deal could bring in and how he needs my magic touch. I say nothing as I pour my coffee. It’s not until he finally stops yapping and I’ve loaded my hot mug with sugar and creamer that I finally get a chance to speak.
“No.”
“Which part?” Denver asks, chuckling.
“All of it. I’m not going to Chicago.”
My heart races wildly in my chest. I’ve never told this man no about work or our relationship. Maybe spending so much timewith Elias, I’ve gotten good at biting back when I’m unhappy about something.
“Nora,” he says slowly. “I know you’re going through a lot, but?—”
“I took this time off and I need it. You’re going to have to handle it on your own this time.” My words whip the air and the insinuation hangs heavy.Last time you needed me and I gave up something important to me.
“Can I FaceTime you? Maybe I should fly out there. You don’t seem well.”
I sip my hot coffee and then smack my lips. “I’m going to be just fine. In fact, I’ve been thinking a lot about us. Maybe we need to?—”
“Ah, crap. Sorry, babe, but I have to go. Important call coming through.”
He ends the call before I can respond. Denver didn’t have a call. I know him too well. The man is avoiding what we both know.
We need a break. Likely a permanent one.
I tuck my phone into my robe pocket and then head for the back patio. The sun has barely started to rise. As expected, Elias sits in his chair, and Clo is perched on his knee. I open the door and am met with Clo’s cheerful chirping.
Elias doesn’t say anything but gives me a small nod in greeting. I curl up in the chair beside him and stare past the aviary toward Iris Ring Cove. I’m looking forward to seeing the sun making it glimmer.
Clo flutters over to me and sits on my hand that’s holding my teacup. I lean close to him, rubbing my nose on his little feathery head. “Good morning, bird friend.”
Elias makes a chuffing sound that has me scowling over at him.
“What?” I demand. “I’m not in the mood for your surliness this morning.”
His eyebrow arches up. “Surliness? You really do sound like your grandma.”
