Page 30 of The Things That Hold Us

“Well you nailed that.” she teases.

“She’s right sweety, you look very nice.” my mom says from the kitchen table.

“Well thank you, both of you.” I grab my purse. “Now, what’s the plan for today?”

“Brunch and mimosas, then the rest is a surprise until later.” Cassie says with a mischievous grin.

“Oh boy.” is all I say before we are headed out the door.

Brunch was actually fun. My mom and Cassie took me to this little brunch spot in the valley that I somehow didn't knowexisted, and we had these little pastries that had a raspberry cream cheese filling. They were delicious.

After that they took me shopping, and I bought some new perfume that smells like strawberries, and some new sweaters. It's honestly been a very relaxing day, which surprises me.

It’s 5:00 now, so we only have a couple hours until the party.

After convincing Cassie that I’ve had a good time, and would be happy just to sit and talk and hang out, we walk over to the cafe by my shop to snack and have some coffee before cassie has to go set up.

Which she still won’t let me help with.

We pick a table outside, since it’s so beautiful out, and I take a look around my little town.

“Charlie, I’m always amazed with how cute this town of yours is. It’s like something out of a book.” my mom says, looking around.

I follow her gaze, and look over my town. I’ve lived here for a few years now, and it's always been home.

But now..

Now it just reminds me of what I’ve lost.

Sometimes I think about starting fresh, somewhere new, but that thought scares the crap out of me.

We get our coffees, and the conversation turns lighter. We laugh so hard we cry, and lose track of time completely.

“Shit. We have to go get ready.” Cassie says, setting her coffee down.

“We? I’m ready, and you won’t let me help with the party.”

She points a finger at me and quirks her lips, “True. Well me and mama gotta get ready, and set up.”

I wave a hand, shooing them away. “Go go, I’m going to hang here a bit and finish my coffee.”

They both look at me, but it's my mom who says, “Are you sure?”

I see the concern in her face, so I say, “I amfine. I promise, I just don't feel like sitting in my apartment by myself right now. Go get ready and shoot me a text when you’re ready for me.”

They both lean in and give me a kiss on the cheek, then tell me they'll see me in a little bit.

Taking a sip of my coffee, I look around. This town never changed, but it feels different, somehow.

Mainstreet is still lined with a brick sidewalk, trees, and people walking to and from shops with bags hanging off their arms, and smiles on their faces.

It’s the same for them, but different for me. I lost a big piece of this town.

I shake my head, clearing my thoughts.

Now isn’t the time, Charlie.

I close my eyes and tell myself.

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