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“It does. He told Brian what was going on and his intention to ask me out.”
“Again, his character. That trumps a knee jerk that he had over a traumatic experience in his life.”
“Very much so,” she said. She picked her coffee up and finished. “Want another?”
“I’m good,” Morgan said. “I’m trying to cut back now. I’m sure once I’m back to work I’ll be drinking more. Are you still having five cups a day?”
Mia laughed. “No. It was a hard habit to break, but now that I’m not running around so much like before with work, I don’t need it.”
“Says the person who is drinking her second cup since being here and I’m sure you had a cup at home,” Morgan said.
“I did. I have two in the morning and another mid-morning. Then I’m done for the day. So I only had one at home knowing I’d have my second here and it’s mid-morning so my third. Not bad, right?”
“Good for you,” Morgan said. “Tell me more about Cal and then we’ll get to the part of why you’re nervous and you’re not someone who gets nervous on a date. Especially when it sounds as if lunch was going great before the Santa comment.”
“He’s so successful. After everything he’s gone through, he used the money he’s earned to not only create a great life for himself but also for those around him.” She explained about the liquor store, the restaurant and the bakery. Since those were things they talked about on their date, she wasn’t saying anything that was confidential. “He has multiple rental properties too.”
“Sounds like a great guy,” Morgan said. “I’ve got one of those myself. You know, saving puppies on the street.”
“Yeah,” she said. “You do. I find that Cal has this sensitive side to him, but he doesn’t want to show it. I mean why else buy the businesses he did? They all had a purpose to him outside of making money.”
“It sounds it. He’s honoring his parents somehow. He’s using the money that was left to him to build more and help others. You said a lot of people came forward and helped out when his mother died, right?”
“Lisa did. I got the scones there this morning. He said she brought food over all the time and she checked in with him. When her husband got hurt on the job and had to retire earlier than planned, they were just starting the bakery. He wanted to make sure they had that chance.”
“Sounds to me like you two have a lot in common. You always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and he’s doing the same.”
“He’s succeeded though where I haven’t been,” she said, her voice lowering.
“Mia,” Morgan said. “Stop it. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else. You never used to do that.”
“Didn’t I?” she asked.
Morgan’s head went side to side. “I guess you have. But we told you before to stop it. Everyone is different and shouldn’t judge or be judged against anyone else. I know we always compared ourselves to Caden and it was ridiculous. Look at how stupid he was pushing himself to do more and more. You and I would have never done that. Right?”
“Not like he did,” she said. “No. I was burning out mentally and physically, but maybe since we saw what it did to Caden, I knew enough to dial it back.”
“A lifestyle change to prevent it,” Morgan said. “That’s what you did by moving. I guess what is bothering me the most is you’ve always been so confident in your life decisions and now...not so much.”
“I wanted to be here for my niece and nephew. With my siblings. Maybe I missed my best friend.”
Morgan got up and hugged her. “I’m still here. Even when we lived by the other we rarely saw each other and you know it.”
“I do,” she said. “And now that I’m close by I love how much we see each other. It was the right move for me. For my family and for my career.”
“That’s right,” Morgan said. “And tonight you are having a second date. What are you doing?”
“I’m cooking for him,” she said.
“Good for you. You love to cook. Dazzle him with one of your hobbies. Something you haven’t had a chance to do recently. Talk like you did on your lunch and lock lips with him. That will tell you what you need to know.”
She laughed. “I miss touching a man. Good lord, I’m not sure how long it’s been. And if Cal doesn’t try to kiss me, I’ll make sure he doesn’t leave without me making the move.”
“That’s the sister I know and love. Get back to who you used to be. Enjoy yourself and stop worrying about what others think of you. You’re a great person and you know it. Any man would be proud to be with you.”
“You’re right. They should be. You’re exactly what I needed today.” When Leah started to fuss, she moved over to look at her niece. “Can I feed her before I leave?”
“You can,” Morgan said. “If you don’t mind, I’ve got some laundry I need to change over.”
