With her face buried in her hands, she sobs and shakes her head. I may not like criers, but I like Nora. If I can take away the pain she’s in, I’d like to try. I draw her to me and hug her tight. At first, she’s stiff like a statue, but as I rub soothing circles on her back, she relaxes into my hold.
Since she doesn’t seem keen on talking about it, I do all I can. Whisper assurances. Stroke her back. Embrace her. Maybe yesterday has finally caught up to her. Maybe the hushpuppies aren’t sitting right with her. Whatever it is, she needs comfort and I’m more than happy to give it to her.
When she calms down, I slip my hands into her hair and gently move her head so she’s looking up at me. Even upset and cheeks stained with tears, she’s beautiful.
“Nora?”
She opens her mouth like she might speak, but then we hear the mailman pull up. To my disappointment, she slips out of my hold, excuses herself, and rushes to check the mail.
Something’s going on with her.
I will figure it out.
Chapter 25
Nora
Everything is moving too fast.
This is almost laughable coming from a city girl, who weeks ago, got annoyed with slow drivers, dawdling customers in a coffee shop, and anyone who took longer than thirty minutes to reply to an email.
But that was before.
Now that I’ve tasted this slower life, I don’t want to let it go. Maggie showing up to photograph the house caught me off guard. It’s always been the plan. Fix it up to sell.
That was when I assumed I’d return to New York, to my boyfriend, to my job, to my life.
It’s all a mess now. The one person who could fix it with her sage advice, no-nonsense attitude, and unconditional love is gone. She died and left all these pieces to put together.
None of them make sense.
I mean, part of me knows what I want. Some may think breaking up with Denver and quitting was irrational or rash. It felt right to me, though.
Still, I’m caught between two worlds. Mom is in the city. I hate the idea of being so far away from her. And now, here? I have Elias.
Slow, grumpy, shockingly sweet Elias.
We’ve only dabbled into this relationship. It’s a budding flower that will need nurturing. If I leave to go back home, we’ll need to make a go of it long distance until…
Until what?
That’s the million-dollar question.
By staying, and looking for a job here, I’m putting a lot on the line that things will work out with me and Elias. I have no proof that it’ll happen. Just the way my heart flutters when he’s near or how safe I feel in his hold. He’s gentle and calm in a way I didn’t know I needed.
Is it enough?
Will I grow bored after some time?
I consider all we’ve done since I’ve been here. Boredom is the least of my worries. I’m not sure why I’m so anxious about it all.
There’s a decision to be made and it’s coming soon.
Do I stay or do I go?
After Maggie’s photoshoot, the house will be posted online. Potential buyers will be coming to see it. With the market in Budgie Bay, the cottage will be snatched up quickly.
Too quickly.
