Page 14 of The Things That Hold Us

“Got it. Real tacos, not fake.” She writes a note on her paper, and I roll my eyes.

“You know what I mean.” I say.

She’s scrolling her phone, showing me her thoughts, when I randomly blurt, “So that guy, from the bar?”

Her eyes shoot up to me, and she puts her phone down.

“Yeah? What about sexy mountain man.”

“Uh, I think he might have a kid.” I say.

She gapes at me, “Why do you think that? Did you see him again?”

“No, I didn't. But that day he came into my shop, he was buying a birthday present...”

She interrupts, “Yes you told me this.”

“Ok, what I didn’t mention was that it was an antique tea set that he bought. Well today, this little girl came in wanting to buy a teapot.” I tell her.

She leans in, her eyes wide, “So…what? Because another person wants a teapot that makes them his kid?”

I roll my eyes, “No, Cass. This girl paid with money she got from herbirthday,a week ago. Same timeline.”

She sits back in her chair, clearly trying to catch up.

“She paid for a $50 teapot with a one hundred dollar bill. Tell me that's not dad money.”

She nods, still looking confused, then finally says, “But why do you care? Hmm?”

I sit back and cross my arms over my chest.

“I don't.”

“Char, why would it matter if the dude had a kid unless you felt something?”

I chew on my lip a minute, trying to figure out an answer. Why does it matter? How do I explain to Cassie that I don't care if this man is a dad or not? That its not a big deal.

But it is a big deal, because deep down I want to know these things. But I'm not about to say that.

“It doesn't matter, I was just putting two and two together, that's all.” I say finally.

“Mhm. I don't believe you. I saw how you two danced. There was chemistry. Hot chemistry. But I’ll drop it.”

“Thank you.” I tell her.

“Ok, back to party planning.” she says, and I groan. I really hate planning things for myself.

Just as she's showing me dresses I should wear, the door to the coffee shop opens.

I look up out of reflex, and sure enough, there he is.

Chapter Four

coffee and contemplations

I slouch down into my chair, trying to become invisible.

I feel like a child.

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