Page 28 of The Things That Hold Us

He laughs, and the sound warms me.

“Ok, first of all, you don't have to apologize for not replying, I wasn't expecting anything, I just wanted to make sure you knew your package was safe.. Two, I think you're very good at conversations. I’d even say Ienjoyour conversations. No matter how brief they are. Or how chaotic.”

I blink, looking away from him.

I can't think straight if I keep looking at him.

“Oh. Ok then.” is all I manage to say.

This is theconversationhe enjoys?

“Ok then.” he mimics, and there's a slight smile on his lips that hasn't left.

Great, now I'm looking at his lips.

Before I can look away, I catch him watching me.

Watching me, watch his lips.

“Well here we are.” I say in the most awkward way possible, and point to my store.

“Here we are.” he repeats, then adds, “So you really own this?”

I nod, a genuine smile growing on my lips as I look up at my Charlie’s Antiques sign hanging above the door.

“I do own it. She’s all mine.” I say, still smiling up at my store. “You know, a lot of people don’t understand my love for antiques and old things, but I love it. Each piece has its own story, and its own life that it lived before it made its way to me. I just want to be able to offer these unique pieces to our small town.”

I turn to face him, and find him watching me, his arms crossed, and a look on his face that I can't read. I suddenly feel very self conscious about sharing that.

I clear my throat, “Well, I should get in there. And you should get to your friend.” I tell him, suddenly remembering he said he was meeting somebody.

He blinks, then looks towards the cafe down the road. “Right. Well, thanks for the walk.”

“And the amazing conversation.” I add with a wink.

“And the amazing conversation.” he repeats.

I walk into the store, turning to switch my sign to open, and I can't help but watch him. Watch this man who came out of nowhere, and is making me feel things I don't want to feel.

And all I can think, is I don't know how to navigate this.

Chapter Six

30 andnotflirty

Happy Birthday Char!

Happy dirty 30! Go be naughty

Happy 30th! Welcome to the best years of your life.

I overslept, and I’m only waking up because my phone won’t stop going off. My mom and I stayed up way too late watching sappy movies, crying, and eating ice cream and popcorn. Then we had to watch something funny before we went to bed so I wouldn't be a big ball of emotions all night.

To say I’m tired would be a very large understatement.

Grabbing my phone, I turn it on ‘do not disturb’ and crawl out of bed, heading straight for the coffee pot.

Only, when I step into my kitchen, I’m hit in the face with silly string and balloons, and way too loud cheering.

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