Page 20 of The Things That Hold Us

“Oh my gosh, Cass, I completely forgot. Is Nathaniel there?”

“No. He said he met someone and they ended up spending the night on his boat, and are now spending the whole weekend together. He says it might be true love.”

Love is in the air.

Maybe he was right?

“Shit. Ok. Um. hang on let me think. I have mail coming to pick up this big order and someone has to be here to sign for it to be picked up.”

“Charlie,” she groans. “How did you forget this?”

“I don't know. My head is a mess. Let me figure something out, and I’ll text you when I’m on my way.”

“Char, do you want to just push it again? I can wait, really.”

“No. I promise, I’ll be there. I just have to get this package figured out first.”

I hang up, and start anxiously chewing at my nails.

I pull my phone out and call the post office.

“Hello?” he answers.

“Hi! So glad you answered.” I say a bit too chipperly. “You are supposed to be coming to my shop today, Charlie’s Antiques, to pick up a package, but I’ve had something come up and have to leave early today. Is there any way I can leave the package inside my door and leave the key for you to grab it?” I plead, crossing my fingers and my toes.

“I’m sorry miss, I don't make the rules, and rules say it has to be signed.” he says, and I know it isn't his fault or anything he can control.

“But..” I stutter, “but theyhaveto go out today to get there in time. There's nothing you can do?”

The line is silent for a moment, then he says, “I haven't left yet to make deliveries, if you can get here before I do, I can take it for you.”

The post office is just a few corners away.

“I can be there in 15. Will that work?”

“It should, but you might have to power walk,” he laughs.

I grab my keys, put the phone between my shoulder and my ear, and grab the box full of knives.

“On my way. I will be there,do not leave.” I say.

“No promises. Walk fast.”

I hang up before he says another word, and drop my phone onto the top of the box.

Slapping my ‘We left early’ sign on the door, I turn the lock, and close up.

I’m hauling ass, and all I can think is how happy I am that I chose comfort over style today.

As I turn the corner. I slam into a hard wall.

The box and all my things fall to the ground.

“Shit!” I drop to the ground, scrambling to grab everything that I just dropped. This is just my luck.

“Let me help with that,” says a deep voice I instantly recognize. Dread fills my gut.

Logan.

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