“Coffee? I’m headed in for some breakfast.”
I’m not sure I’m up for company, but I don’t really want to be alone right now either.
“Sure,” I say, pulling the door open.
“Don’t tell River,” he starts as he walks in ahead of me, “but I come here sometimes during the week without her so I don’t have to share my pie.”
I chuckle. Probably smart. River is profoundlyserious about her pie.
“Oh hell,” Darlene grumbles as we approach the counter. “Who let you two in here?”
Dean smirks at her. “Hey, sugar.”
She rolls her eyes. “Please, boy. You’re young enough to be my kid. Don’t try that flirting stuff with me.”
Dean laughs. “Two coffees, please. And I’ll take whatever cherry pie you have left.”
“For you or River?”
“Is that going to decide whether you have any pie or not?”
“Maybe.”
“River, then,” he tells her. “We’re still celebrating this weekend’s accomplishments. They’re already seeing the results of all the foot traffic over the weekend.”
I left before the festival ended. It was obvious Caroline didn’t want me there. Every time I tried to talk to her, she shut me out.
So, I left.
I still have no idea how it ended up working out for her. I’ve wanted to ask so many times, but it never feels right.
God, I don’t even want to think about how she walked around the festival looking like an automaton on what was supposed to be a joyful day for her, displaying her work for the first time.
It turned into anything but, and it’s all my fault.
I crossed boundaries I shouldn’t have. Pushed her when I promised I wouldn’t. Went behind her back intentionally.
Iliedto her. Ideceivedher.
I’m a fucking asshole.
“Pfft.” She waves her hand. “I knew they would. That little boutique of theirs is adorable and they work so dang hard on it. I had no doubt they’d rock it.” She punches a few buttons on the register. “Since it’s for River, I’ll see what I can scrounge up.”
She scurries off to the back, and Dean shakes his head.
“It’s messed up they love River more than me,” he complains as we make our way to our regular spot.
“I think Darlene’s still mad at you for moving out of River’s apartment.”
“I moved back in!” he argues as we sit down. “We’ve been together for months. You’d think she’d be over it by now.”
“Yeah, man, but girls love to hold grudges. Trust me.”
I try not to focus too hard on that reality given my situation.
I don’t want Caroline to hold a grudge. I want to talk to her. Want to explain my side.
But she requested time, and this time, I’m respecting her wishes.