Page 26 of Harvest Season in Kentbury
“It’s not that simple, Meadow,” he says, his voice quieter now.“I wasn’t expecting this.Something’s come up, and I’m needed back there.If there was someone else who could handle it, I’d let them, but there isn’t.”
“It is that simple,” I argue, stepping forward, my frustration bubbling over.“You need to start prioritizing what really matters.What’s more important?This so-called emergency or your health?”
He clenches his fists, his eyes flashing with anger.I’ve struck a nerve, and part of me doesn’t care.He needs to hear it.He needs to start taking care of himself.
“I care about my health, Meadow, but I can’t just stay here indefinitely.I’ve got responsibilities, a firm to run.I can’t just open a new one here without dealing with the one in Boston.I need to close that chapter before I can start something new.”
I stare at him, trying to figure out what he’s really saying.Is this about the law firm, or is it about us?“You should go, Raffa.You’ve got a trip to plan, and I have an opening to get ready for.”My voice sounds cold, even to me, but I don’t know what else to say.
“Meadow, this isn’t what I wanted.I don’t want you upset with me,” he says, stepping closer, his voice softer now.“I just have to deal with this, but I’ll be back.”
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”My voice cracks, and I hate it.I hate how vulnerable I feel right now.“If I hear you’re back in the hospital because you couldn’t stop working yourself into the ground or ...”
“I’ll come back,” he says, reaching for me again.“I promise, no bacon, cookies or overworking.”
I shake my head, stepping back.“Don’t say that unless you mean it, Raffa.Don’t say it just to make me feel better.”
He watches me, his eyes filled with regret, but he doesn’t argue.Instead, he takes one last look at me before turning and walking out the door.The bell jingles cheerfully as he leaves, but I feel anything but cheerful.
Once he’s gone, I slide down the wall, wrapping my arms around my knees, trying to breathe.I pray he doesn’t end up back in the hospital.I pray he learns to stop hurting himself before it’s too late.But I can’t help him.Not if he doesn’t want to help himself.
ChapterTwenty
Raffa: I made it to Boston, how are you?
Meadow: I heard you left.You didn’t even wait a day to do so.
Raffa: Listen, this is important.I know you don’t understand why I’m doing it, but it has to be done.
Meadow: Sure, do what you’ve got to do, but I hope you don’t come back because of a second heart attack or ...you know.
Raffa: I’m going to maintain my healthy style.
Meadow: Not my problem anymore.In fact, I don’t know why I care about your health.It’s not like we’re anything, we’re not even friends.
Raffa: Ouch, that hurts.
Meadow: What do you want me to say?
Raffa: I thought we were friends.I care about you.Not, not only do I care about you.I’m falling in love with you, Meadow and you doing this ...treating me like some stranger that’s just bothering you is not sitting well with me.
Meadow: You’re what?
Raffa: Hurt.
Meadow: No, that thing you said about more than caring?
Raffa: Falling in love?
Meadow: Yeah, that thing.
Raffa: Well, I do, I’m falling for you and that’s why I’m here.
Meadow: Because you’re trying to avoid another failed relationship?
Raffa: Funny, but no.I’m trying to put my old life in order so I can start a new one.I don’t know where this, us, is going, but I’m going to try my damn best to make it work for us.
Meadow: By going back to Boston?
