Page 111 of Ashes of the Past
“Think about what I said, okay? Don’t let fear decide your future.”
I nod, though I don’t promise anything. “See you later.”
She leaves the café, and I take a deep breath before heading back to the flower shop. The bell jingles overhead as I step inside, and the familiar scent of fresh flowers fills my lungs, grounding me. I slide behind the counter and start sorting through orders, letting the rhythmic task settle my nerves. Arranging lilies, wrapping roses, tying ribbons—it all gives me something to focus on besides the thoughts swirling in my head.
But no matter how much I try to push him away, Jack lingers in my mind. The way his eyes darken when he’s worried, the way his voice wraps around me like warmth on a cold day. The way he fought for me. For Olivia. And yet, I told myself that pushing him away was the best choice. That I had to do it for Olivia. For myself. But if that were true, why does it feel like I’ve lost something irreplaceable?
I shake my head and reach for my phone when it rings, eager for the distraction.
“Hello?”
“Ms. Castings?” a professional-sounding voice greets me. “This is Amanda from Riverbend Insurance. I just wanted to inform you that your claim has been processed, and the funds should be deposited into your account within two to three business days.”
Relief washes over me, my shoulders sagging slightly. “Thank you so much, Amanda. That’s great news.”
“Of course. Let us know if you need anything else.”
I hang up, breathing deeply. That money will help cover the vet bills and some of the damage done during the fire. It won’t fix everything, but it will make things a little easier.
Still, the bigger problem looms over me like an unforgiving sky—the drought. I pull up the weather app, my stomach sinking at the continued forecast of dry, relentless heat. Not a drop of rain in sight.
With a sigh, I tuck my phone away and glance at the clock. It’s time to pick up Olivia. I grab my bag and turn to Tabby, who’s tidying up behind the counter.
“Are you sure you’re okay closing up for me tonight?” I ask.
She nods. “Of course. Have a good night, Brynn.”
I offer her a small smile before stepping outside, the air thick around me as I head to my car. The drive is quiet, my mind racing through the events of the past week. By the time I pull up to the community center where Olivia is finishing her art class, my thoughts are still tangled in a mess of fear, longing, and uncertainty.
When Olivia slides into the passenger seat, she grins up at me. “Hey, Mom.”
“Hey, sweetheart. How was class?”
“So fun! I made a painting for Barney. It has lots of blue because that’s my favorite color, and I think it should be his, too.”
I smile, pulling out of the parking lot. “I’m sure he’ll love it.”
We drive in comfortable silence for a few moments before Olivia shifts in her seat, looking at me hesitantly.
“Mom?”
“Yeah, baby?”
She fidgets with the hem of her shirt. “Are you and Mr. Jack still mad at each other?”
My grip tightens on the wheel. “We’re not mad at each other. We’re just… giving each other space.”
She tilts her head, considering my words. “I think you should give him a chance. You two were a cute couple.”
I blink, glancing at her quickly before focusing back on the road. “You’re not mad that I was dating someone?”
She giggles, shaking her head. “No. I just want you to be happy, Mom.”
My heart squeezes painfully at her words. She’s so much wiser than I give her credit for.
I swallow past the lump in my throat. “Thank you, sweetheart.”
She beams at me, completely unaware that her simple words have just shifted something deep inside me. I don’t know what I’m going to do about Jack, but as I pull into the driveway, one thing is clear—I can’t keep running forever.
