“Fine.” She sighed. “But if you set foot in here again, he’s the first call I make.”
“Thank you.” She rushed forward and grabbed Hailey in a crushing embrace. “I knew you were a good person. You won’t regret it, I promise.”
Hailey watched her go. Tension spun in her stomach. She wrapped her arms around her middle to stave off a sudden chill. She already regretted her decision to keep secrets from Jesse.
“Heaven help me, I hope I did the right thing.”
Chapter Twelve
The day’s events, a near birth and dealing with Mrs. Phillips, had stripped Hailey raw. She was done in. Baked. Hailey called Serena to see if she’d like to work the evening shift. Serena eagerly accepted; she was saving every penny she could scrounge for university.
Hailey plodded up the street toward Beth’s Beans. She needed a hot beverage, an ooey gooey dessert and her best friend, not necessarily in that order.
“Girl, you’re a walking zombie,” Beth said, rushing over the second Hailey stepped through the doorway. “What’s up?” She urged her friend further inside.
“Insanely busy with renovations and the most stressful day ever.” She slid out of her coat and sank gratefully into a chair.
“Oh yeah. I heard about Carly going into labor. That’s so exciting. New babies are always good luck. I haven’t heard if the baby arrived or not. Hang tight. I’ll get you a mochaccino.”
“Me either. That’s not the half of it though. Things got worse.”
“Do tell,” Beth exclaimed, waggling her fingers in a give-it motion.
“I wish I could.” The temptation to spill the beans and unload the burden of her encounter with Jesse’s mom was crushing. Only the thought of Mrs. Phillips’ dignity kept Hailey’s mouth shut.
Beth gave her a long, scrutinizing look. “Must be serious. I’ll let it go for now. But if you need a safe place to vent, I’m here. Always.” She worked her magic with the coffee maker and delivered a whipped cream topped mocha to Hailey.
“Thanks. I think I need dessert, too.” She was too exhausted to walk to the counter. Her stomach rumbled loudly. She’d missed lunch and was starving.
“Dessert and food coming right up. We better feed the hungry bear before you get hangry.” She hurried back to the counter.
“Aren’t you going to ask what I want?” Hailey called at her back. She stuck a finger in her whipped cream and licked it off.
Beth laughed. “Nope.” They both knew there was no need to ask. Hailey had yet to get something she didn’t like from her best friend’s kitchen. Even back in high school, her bestie had an amazing knack for guessing what Hailey wanted, or needed. She’d chalked it up to a long-time friendship, except Beth had a knack for knowing what everyone wanted, even strangers.
Five minutes later, she slid a brimming tray in front of Hailey. “Grilled cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, grilled peppers and onion, and a thick slice of Montreal smoked meat. Followed by plain New York style cheesecake with white chocolate raspberry topping. Plus, since you’re nearly finished your mocha, this week’s special, pumpkin spice hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.”
Hailey eyed the tray dubiously. “That’s one weird flavor combination.”
“Trust me. I haven’t steered you wrong yet.” She slid into the chair across from Hailey.
“No, you haven’t.” Hailey lifted the sandwich and took a delicate bite from the edge. Her eyes widened in delight as a myriad of flavors danced over her tongue, teasing her palate. She covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh, wow,” she exclaimed around a mouthful of food. “This is incredible.”
Beth smiled smugly. “How are the renovations going? I haven’t made it over to see them.”
Hailey swallowed. “Fabulously. The old wall is gone and we’ve patched and painted the other walls. I went with sage green. Somehow, Jesse managed to finish the wooden trim for the door openings. The man is a machine. I can’t believe how hard he works. Funny he doesn’t have a job.”
Beth’s smile was mischievous. “I told you, there is more to him than meets the eye. He’s a good guy and darned good at what he does. He’s good with his mother, too. That woman would have driven me bat-crap crazy by now; yet he just carries on cleaning up after her.”
“Don’t I know it.” Their earlier skirmish rushed back into her mind like a persistent mosquito. Shoot, she shouldn’t have hinted at her issue. She’d meant to keep it quiet. Dang it. She had to learn to keep her mouth shut.
“Right. I don’t have to tell you about her. She really did a number on your family. Didn’t she?”
Whew, for a second there, she thought she’d spilled the beans on the shoplifting. This had to be the first time she’d ever been grateful for their difficult past. She nibbled her sandwich and sipped her cocoa.
“What’s left? Are you nearly ready to open? There aren’t many days left.” Beth straightened the salt and pepper shakers, aligning them precisely in the center of the small table.
“We’re close. Jesse says it’ll take a couple of days to install the shelving, then clean up and arrange the stock. I’m so excited, I can barely sleep. You should see the great new items that have come in.”
