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Of course, Stanley chose to walk by right then. It was an innocent enough statement, but would he think the worst? I swallowed down a lump of guilt for not having checked the area before opening my mouth.
Carter took the bait. “Wait, you work here now?”
“Hired until the end of the year.”
“But where are you staying?”
Stanley walked to the head table and lowered the music slightly, my cue to get back to the job at hand, making sure the coffee pot was always full, and offering assistance when needed.
Carter nodded. “We’ll talk after.”
“Alright, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for attending.” Stanley went into detail about how tonight was going to work and set about explaining things, while I slithered against the back of the room, flipping my gaze between the coffee pot and Carter.
Carter sauntered back to a table in the middle, each step commanding my undivided attention.
Occasionally, throughout the workshop, he’d tip his head toward Beatrice before they both would turn to glance at me. It was an odd sensation; I felt like I was being watched with every footstep I took; his was pleasurable, hers as cold as ice.
However, there were nineteen others to hold my attention and I made sure to circle the room, with a quick stop at the coffee pot just for good measure.
With the music volume turned up, the room came alive with the fresh scent of snipped cedar, and a group in the far corner started singing along with the music. People happily wrapped wire around the trees and laughed out loud when the ornament wouldn’t stay attached and kept flinging to the table behind. Overall, the mood was jovial, and, like a suitable server, I went around refilling everyone’s coffee to keep their spirits going.
Every customer I talked to, or complimented on the way they added just the right amount of greenery to the bottom, I couldn’t help myself and I stole a glance to Carter. As much as I wanted to go over and offer whatever blind assistance I could, or just basically chat about the project, I couldn’t make my feet move toward him. Pretty sure it was the questioning and icy glare from Beatrice holding me back.
The two workshop hours went by in a snap and the happy, festive crowds started dispersing, leaving a handful still hanging around. Carter took his tree outside, leaving Bea standing with hers, staring intently in my direction. Honestly, I think she spent more time staring at me than she did working on her project, and the minimal decorations along the base and around the tree were proof. The others in the room were way more elaborate.
A small group had gathered around Stanley so to avoid her glare, I decided to get the cleanup started early and grabbed the broom, sweeping from the far corner.
Beatrice wasn't to be deterred and click-clacked over in her heels, shifting her minimalist tree to her hip. “I've heard you've made a few visits here.”
Assuming theheremeant Ridge Heights in general and not Daisy and Dahlia’s, I swept some cedar clippings and ribbon cuttings into a pile, refusing to make eye contact. Hatred oozed out of her and I tried, unsuccessfully, sweeping the mess into my growing pile as well.
Her voice lowered and clipped words jumped out. “Stay away from Carter. He's been through enough and doesn't need you breaking his heart again. You did enough damage the last time.”
With that, I cracked my head up in record time and stomped the broom. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me.” Her lips puckered into a thin line. “Stay away from him. Far away. You're already affecting him, and that's not good.”
The bells overhead jingled, and I tossed my frazzled attention to the target of our conversation. Carter's jovial look fell and shaking his head, he stormed over.
“Bea?” That question held so much power.
“What?” She turned away so I couldn't see her face and therefore whatever expression she was giving her younger brother, but based on the tone, it was sugary sweet. “I was just welcoming Cara since it's been a while since I last saw her. I've heard she's been a regular visitor and I thought it was nice to finally say hello.” Her face morphed as she faced me; one perfectly manicured eyebrow shot halfway up her forehead while at the same time her eyes narrowed. I'd never watched a face change like that; it was chilling, to say the least.
Carter looked at me, and I didn't know how to react or what to say. So many thoughts and questions were storming through my head.
How had I broken his heart?He'd been the one to let me go. He did the damage, not me.
Also, what did she mean he's been through a lot?
Bea spun around. “Let's go, Carter.” She tugged on his arm.
“Give me a minute. I'll meet you outside.”
“I think we should get going.” Her clipped words were like nails on a chalkboard.
“I've started your car. It'll be warm enough for you, and I said I’ll be right there.” His words sputtered through gritted teeth.
Not only did that sound raise the hairs on the back of my neck, but it also caused Bea to back up.
