Sabrina checked the food log and watched Freckles’ movements; thankfully, much stronger than the night prior. She then returned to the office to call a certain man who clearly had no boundaries.
Adrenaline coursed through her veins as the phone rang. Cesare immediately answered, and before she knew what she was doing, Sabrina hung up the phone.
She stared at it like it was an alien with two heads for a moment, then looked at the note Cesare had left once more. She grabbed a pen and wrote out a response at the bottom of the note in an elegant, tiny scrawl.
She then frowned and crossed it out, trying again. After a moment, she reluctantly crossed out her second attempt and paused.
Biting her lip, she wrote a third response and stepped back before she spiraled any further.
I do what I want.
Just because we
This was very generous, but the owner of the building was never consulted, which feels like a significant violation of boundaries.
Sabrina nodded to herself, taking a photo of the note with its finished ‘revisions’, and sent it to Cesare.
She put the phone back down on the desk beside the note, staring at it pensively. Scowling at herself for her own indecision, Sabrina left the room and the phone behind. She walked through the refuge and past its influx of repairmen, heading straight for the Society of Coffee Fiends, Connoisseurs, and Swashbucklers.
They were five minutes from closing when Sabrina walked through the doors, relieved to see Marie behind the counter.
Marie straightened, reading the expression on Sabrina’s face, and immediately circled the counter. “What’s wrong?”
Sabrina let out a long, shuddering breath as Marie crossed the distance between them and wrapped her in a hug.
“I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.” Sabrina swallowed thickly as she returned the hug.
“Did he pressure you into something?” Marie demanded.
“No.” Sabrina’s throat further constricted, and much to her confusion, tears welled in her eyes. “He’s having all the doors and windows fixed. They were replacing the front door as I left.”
Marie’s face took on a cautious look. “What does he expect in return?”
Sabrina took a deep breath and stepped back, pushing away the traitorous tears. “He said it was a donation. I don’t owe him anything, but he didn’t ask or give me any warning. He justdid it.” Sabrina frowned. “Hesentpeople to do it. I woke up, walked out of the office, and the refuge was full of strangers.”
Sabrina gave a self-depreciating laugh. “As I say all of this out loud it actually sounds like a really dumb thing to be mad about. He was trying to be thoughtful and I’m crying about it, and I don’t know why.”
Marie waited a moment before responding. “Have you ever seen anyone other than your dad make repairs at the rescue?” She asked gently.
Sabrina blinked. “That’s not…” She paused as she let Marie’s response sink in.
“It’s been three years.” Marie’s tone was as kind as it was matter-of-fact. “And every time someone offers to fix something, you say the same thing you’ve said your whole life.”
“We’ll fix it.” Sabrina answered ruefully.
Marie nodded. “And then you go home, and…” she shrugged apologetically.
“And there’s noweanymore.” Sabrina whispered.
Marie gave her a sympathetic look, nodding in the silent cafe. “But he should have communicated before changing anything that wasn't his. I would be upset about that too.”
Sabrina let out a deep breath and nodded. “Thank you for listening.” She smiled ruefully.
“Of course!” Marie answered. “Why don’t we go for a walk? We have everything for turkey sandwiches and a walk to Kittery Point. What do you say?”
Sabrina nodded with a wan smile. “That sounds really nice. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it this morning. I was up all night with a new seal pup.”
Marie waved a hand dismissively. “You know Shirley’s boy is always looking to pick up a shift. It was fine. Let me finish up behind the counter, and then you can tell me all about the baby seal on our walk.”
