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Both ladies nodded. “We know so.”
I sat there for a moment thinking about what they had said. The more I thought about talking to Connor, the more worried I became. The more running was the exact thing I needed and wanted to do. “I don’t know, Florida looked really nice,” I replied.
“Of course, it does. However, will it look nice in ten years, when you return to Willow Valley for a birthday or the holidays and find Connor married to someone else?” Trinity asked.
The thought they’d just projected made me feel ill. I shook my head and sniffled. “No.”
“Will it look nice when, once again, regret hits you at seeing him in the streets with his son or daughter? The son or daughter that could have been yours?”
“No.”
“Then I think you have your answer.”
Trinity and Peggy had gotten me a cup of tea, and I sat with them both until I calmed down. I felt lighter as I left the store. The streets were a little busier tonight, since Christmas was around the corner. I was just about to climb into my truck, still undecided whether I should go home or stay in town for a bit, when I caught sight of both Bill and Paula walking toward me. Anger flooded me along with all the hurt from this morning.
I needed to deal with all the things I was feeling, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to do that at home. I sat there for a moment and then fired up the engine and pulled away from the curb. I turned the truck onto the road leading out of Willow Valley. It was already dark, and I knew it was only a few hours to Gram’s and Gramp’s place. I headed there. I had paperwork to sign to close on the house, and I had to get the few things that I’d left behind. I couldn’t go home. I needed space.
* * *
3 Days Later
A knock at the door pulled me away from the last box I was packing. Hoping it was the company to pick up all the furniture, I finished wrapping Gram’s teapot and headed to the door. It was a complete déjà vu moment as I pulled the door open to see my brother standing there.
“Gabe? What are you doing here?” I asked, shocked to see my brother.
“I came to find you, Cadence.”
“Well, you found me.” I smiled and stepped to the side to let him into the house.
Gabe looked at me, a frown on his face. “Why did you run away?” he asked, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
“I didn’t run away. I came out here to tidy things up, sign the paperwork.”
Gabe met my eyes and shook his head. I knew he didn’t believe a word I said. He leaned against the wall and shook his head. “You could have done the paperwork through email. I arranged for the realtor to have a company come for the furniture. That way, you didn’t need to come out here. So, try to tell me again…the truth this time.”
I looked around the room and then back at my brother. “Fine, I needed to get a way for a bit and clear my head. Now, what are you doing back already? I was to pick you up on the twenty-third.”
“What do you think I’m doing back? Connor called, worried sick that you didn’t return home. Everyone is worried about you.”
“Everyone needs to relax,” I replied, moving my way back into the kitchen with Gabe following closely behind.
“Cadence, people are worried. They care about you. Hell, I rushed across the country to get home when Connor called me. The entire flight home I imagined some horrible things. Like it or not, people care about you.”
“Yep, sure everyone is worried about me. If that is the truth, they wouldn’t have made me feel the way they did. As for you, I’m sorry I made you worry, and I’m sorry you rushed across the country. Does that mean they will cut your leave short?” I questioned, reaching for my favourite teacup to wrap.
“Don’t worry about my leave, Cadence. That isn’t what matters.”
“Sure it matters,” I said.
“No, it doesn’t. But you do. So do all those who love you. Those who are worried about you.”
I could feel my muscles tightening in my back as my brother stood there waiting for me to say something. “You know, Gabe, I’ve heard that everyone cares about me before. If that were true, then Connor wouldn’t have acted how he did. Don’t pretend like you don’t understand because I’m sure he already told you everything.”
“Yes, he told me. Now, fine, you came out here to clear your head, but where were you going after you were finished here?”
“Where was I going? What do you mean?”
“Exactly what I asked.”
