Page 52 of Built to Last
“You know, next time you need a babysitter you might find that I’m suddenly unavailable.”
Eric laughs, knowing it’s an empty threat. I love spending time with Toby. “Right, I’d better let you go. I need to get the little guy ready for school anyway. Good luck for tonight and let me know how it goes.”
“Thanks, man. I’ll keep you posted.”
After ending the call with my brother, I rush through getting ready for the day and scarf down a quick breakfast. I’m ready to head back out only half an hour later but stop to text Rose before I leave.
Me:
Hey, my brother just called. I need to pick up Toby from school today so I’ll be back a little later than expected this afternoon. He’ll be staying with me tonight but if you don’t mind waiting until I’ve put him to bed, I’d still really like you to stay for dinner so we can have that talk later.
Raincloud:
Hope everything’s OK. Sure, that’s fine as long as your brother doesn’t mind me being there.
Already checked, Eric’s fine with it. He and Toby are all good but their nanny’s had a family emergency. Eric has a bunch of work stuff today that he can’t get out of which is why I’m stepping in.
Glad they’re both alright. See you later.
Running a hand through my hair, I sigh with relief that Rose is still staying for dinner. I’ll do anything for my nephew and brother but I can’t deny it would have been torture to go another day with this unresolved tension between Rose and me. Who knows, maybe having Toby with us later will be a good thing, nobody can stay mad with that kid around.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Phillip
Since I finishthe list of jobs on Mrs Jeffries’ list with plenty of time to spare before I need to go and pick up Toby, I decide to stop and grab coffee for Rose and me from Snug. It’s not a long drive from the school back to my house so the drinks will still be hot by the time I get home and it seems like the least I can do given the effort Rose went to yesterday.
The coffee shop is a hive of activity this afternoon—the busiest I’ve ever seen it. Tables are filled with students and young professionals working on laptops and nursing mugs of coffee and tea. The line ahead of me is long but a glance at my phone tells me I still have plenty of time. The queue is mostly made up of students stopping in for an afternoon pick-me-up. Unfortunately, the guy in front of me dressed in a suit and tie is clearly the unlucky assistant tasked with providing coffee and treats for what is obviously going to be a very large afternoon meeting. Violet hastily boxes up two dozen treats for him then fills cardboard carriers with all manner of hot drinks.
Despite being run off her feet, Violet greets me warmly when I step up to the counter after the frazzled young man disappears, his speed impressive given how much he’s carrying.
“Ah Phillip, lovely to see you.” Thanks to Rose, I’ve become something of a regular here and Violet always has a friendly smile for me, although I don’t doubt that will change if Rose and I can’t work things out.
“You too.” I smile back. “It’s wild in here this afternoon.”
“One of my baristas called in sick and there was nobody to cover, so it’s just Timothy and me today. There’s always a mid-afternoon rush but it’s never as bad with a full team thank goodness. I’m too old to be run ragged every day,” she tells me with a chuckle. Another glance around shows poor Timothy racing around like his arse is on fire. If there was an Olympic medal for clearing tables, that kid would be shooting for gold.
“Nonsense Violet, you’ll be young forever. Though if it will help, I can clear off a few tables while I wait so Timothy can work the counter and give you a quick break, just in case there is any truth to that ageing thing?”
She just gives me alook, pursing her berry painted lips. “I appreciate the offer but we’re fine here. It looks like you’re the last of the rush anyway.” A glance behind me shows there’s nobody else in line.
“Alright, if you’re sure.”
“I am. Now you want your usual? For Rose as well?”
“Yes, please.”
Violet turns her back to me and starts making the drinks but it doesn’t take long for her to start fishing.
“You’ve been spending a lot of time with Rose.” It’s not a question but I answer anyway.
“I have.”
“She didn’t seem like herself when she came in yesterday morning. Reminded me of when she broke up with that idiot a few months ago but much worse. You know anything about that?” Violet skewers me with a pointed stare over her shoulder.
“I do. This is step one of me trying to fix it.” Violet places the two coffees on the counter in front of me with a thud.
“Rose is a sweet girl. Grumpy as all get out at times, but she’s tender-hearted underneath it all. She’s been happier than I’ve ever seen her since meeting you. Whatever you did—fix it,” she tells me firmly.
