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Unfortunately, I had no idea when that might be. It was Sunday, my one day off from both jobs. There’d be no tension-filled ride home from my dark voyeur. Liz would be bringing Miles home in a few hours and we typically spent our Sunday afternoon catching up on laundry and schoolwork. I liked to do a full reset of our space to set us up for success in the coming week. As much as I wished I could lounge in the bed and relive last night, I had responsibilities.
Disappointment rolled through me as I made my way to the kitchen to find something to eat. As I’d thought, Gage wasn’t waiting for me at the breakfast table with a cup of coffee and a smile. Just as well, last night had been intense and I could use some time to process what had happened. And I did my best processing over coffee.
Heading straight for the coffee maker, the bright pink sticky note caught my eye. A jolt of excitement filled me and I hurried over to grab it. My shoulders dropped as I read the note three times, crumpling it in my fist and tossing it into the trash can.
I’m sorry. I’ll leave you alone. It’s okay if you hate me.
Leaning against the countertop for support, I wrapped my locket in my hand and did something that I hadn’t done in a long time. I cried.
* * *
Monday morning dawned,the weather matching my sour mood. It was raining and humid as hell outside, the only option for my frizzy hair was a slicked back ponytail. I’d no doubt have a massive headache by the afternoon.
After getting Miles on the bus, I’d gotten myself ready and headed to work. This time I’d remembered an umbrella, so I guess that was something to be grateful for. Pushing open the door, Gemma greeted me with a big, happy smile.
“Good morning! Did you have a nice weekend?” I loved Gemma, she was an amazing boss and someone that was quickly becoming a friend. She was understanding of my situation as a single mom and was incredibly patient with me as I fumbled through some of my new duties. This morning, however, I couldn’t help resenting her happiness.
Gemma’s long dress swished around her ankles as she carried an arrangement filled with pink roses, pale blue hydrangeas and lime green button mums to a table in the front window.
She was a few inches taller than me, with a willowy frame and long blonde hair that was always styled in perfect beach waves. Her yellow dress was covered in white flowers, making her look as though she should be sitting in the window next to the flowers on display. Gold flat sandals wrapped around her ankles and tasteful gold jewelry tinkled on her wrists and ears. I kept insisting that she needed to start an Instagram account because between her work and her beautiful outfits, she could be an influencer right off the bat.
“It was okay, how about yours?” I had no desire to get into the details of my amazing and then terrible weekend. Luckily, Gemma didn’t mind holding a conversation with only the bare minimum of responses from me.
Putting away my things, I listened to Gemma’s story about a new vegan restaurant in Houston while I walked around the shop checking to see what plants needed water. I loved the inside of Rose Over Bros. Every inch of the store was filled with live plants, cheerful arrangements, adorable stuffed animals and tasteful home décor. It was cozy and a nice change from the fast-paced commotion of the restaurant.
Gemma’s voice faded into the background as I got lost in my own thoughts. Why had Gage left? Last night, I’d tried to hold onto my anger and close the curtains. He’d said in his note that he was going to leave me alone, but in case he didn’t, closed curtains would be a clear ‘fuck off.’
My resolve had barely lasted five minutes after the sun went down and I was standing at my window looking for a tall figure clothed in black. I felt weak, especially when after months of the same nightly routine, Gage hadn’t shown. There was nothing but the darkening night and an old plastic shovel that Miles had been using to dig in the flower beds.
Brimming with disappointment, I’d grabbed the curtains and pulled them shut with enough force that I’d been surprised the rod didn’t rip out of the drywall.Of course, he isn’t outside. Take a hint, Mia, the man got what he wanted and now he’s done with you.
Dread pooled in my belly when I thought about my shift at Brooks’ tonight. Would he come in for dinner? If he did, should I pretend like nothing had happened between us? My worries consumed me until on my lunch. break, I decided to take matters into my own hands and I pulled out my phone to text Liz.
Could we switch sections tonight?
Three little dots appeared immediately and I took a bite of my peanut butter sandwich while I waited for her response.
Sure, babe! What’s going on?
I washed down the sandwich with a sip of water, my throat going dry at her question. Liz saw me leave with Gage on Saturday night. There was no way that I would be able to avoid her interrogation. At least if I told her the whole story now, I wouldn’t have to do it while we were at work later and risk someone overhearing. I wasn’t ashamed at what Gage and I had done on my couch, however, Iwasembarrassed at the way he’d ghosted me. My lack of experience must have been a massive disappointment.
I’m trying to avoid a certain someone. We spent the night together and he vanished the next morning, no goodbye, just a crappy excuse on a sticky note.
The dots started and stopped several times before I got her response.
Not even a full-size piece of notebook paper?! Fucker. You need me and Papa Walt to take care of him, you just say the word.
I smiled at the offer. Papa Walt was Liz’s dad. He was six-foot-three and as broad as a barn. I’d never seen him wear anything other than overalls and a flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, pure country through and through.
Though his size was intimidating, Papa Walt was one of the kindest men I’d ever met in my life. Liz was an only child and he often joked that she’d turned him into a teddy bear the moment she’d been born. Liz’s mom had shared stories about Papa Walt getting into all kinds of trouble when they were young. Even at sixty-three, I had a feeling he could still hold his own.
I’m good, but I’ll let you know if I change my mind. Love you.
Liz sent back a string of heart emojis and I slid my phone into my back pocket before I threw away my trash. Maybe I’d get lucky and Gage would have the decency to not come into Brooks’ while I was working. It would be a relief to not have to confront my embarrassment head on. Then again, I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t want to see him.Shit.
12
GAGE
