Falling for My Ex Next Door: A Best Friend's Brother Second Chance Romance

Chapter Seventeen

My first customer the following day was Mrs. Bradley. I was surprised to see her. She walked in majestically dressed in a two-piece satin outfit that made her appear younger than she was.

“How did you find this place?” I asked as soon as she was settled.

“It wasn’t so much of an effort,” she said.

I nodded.

She momentarily looked around her, with a look of contentment.

“Can I have a latte?” She asked, afterwards.

“Yes.”

When I returned with her order, she asked if I could sit with her momentarily. I had no problem with it.

Her look was still mesmerizing, and I couldn’t help but admire her.

Her outfit was impeccable and exquisite. Her jet-black hair was styled in a timeless chignon, and her makeup was subtle. Her entire look was understated, but you could hardly pass by her without turning back to look at her again.

“You make a nice latte.” She said, sounding so sophisticated. “I didn’t know you’d reconnect with my son in Sunnyvale. I wanted to see him often, but you know how obstinate he can be.” She softly chuckled.

I twitched a small smile.

“At first, I thought of requesting a transfer to a branch closer home, but I reconsidered, thinking about how much he needed to get away from all of the hurt the breakup brought him.”

“Oh,” was all that escaped my lips.

“But then, I think I made a good decision. Jacob might not have reconnected with you if he hadn’t stayed in Sunnyvale. Jacob is tethered to you.” She smiled.

I blinked.

She smacked her lips, just like her daughter would do.

“I hope I did not make you uncomfortable with my questions last night.” She inquired.

“No, you didn’t.”

“I know I asked this last night, but do you not have thoughts of getting back together?” She was staring at me.

I swallowed.

“I think Jacob still loves you.” She said, sipping her latte.

“Did he say that to you?” I wanted to know.

“No, but I am not blind to his emotions. I saw you two yesterday, at the party.” She looked at me with some kind of knowing.

I suddenly felt my cheeks burn.

She heaved a sigh of contentment. “I just wanted to drop by and say hello.” She said and carefully tucked a hundred dollar bill under the saucer, then she rose to her feet.

“Thank you.” I stood up.

Turning around, she prepared to leave. However, she suddenly turned back to look at me.

“It’s okay to fall in love with him again.”

***

After the lunch rush, I gave my mom a call. It had been a while since I spoke with her.

“I was hoping you’d come to visit; it’s December, and a few weeks away will not do any harm.” She began.

“Of course, it will, Mom. Did you forget I have to work to pay the bank monthly?”

“No, I didn’t. I can give you the money; in return, you’d spend some weeks with me and your father.” She cried.

“But you were here, in Sunnyvale, not too long ago.”

“What law says that I cannot desire to see my child all the time, huh?” She complained.

“No law, but Mom, I have to stay here. I cannot keep depending on you and Dad. I’m an adult, and I have to make sacrifices whenever I need to.”

“Well, you are still our baby, and we love you so much.” She cried, affectionately.

“I love you too, Mom.”

“Alright, you don’t have to come now, but we must spend Christmas together.” Her tone switched to one that was somber.

“Of course,” I agreed.

“So what about you and Jacob? Is everything okay? And Daisy?” She sounded like she wanted to hear gossip.

“Jacob and I are cool, and Daisy is perfectly fine. I think she’ll be leaving soon.”

We had not discussed her departure, but from the look of things, she’d be traveling out of the country for an exotic shoot that would, as she said, increase her fame internationally.

“Alright,”

“Yeah.” I wondered if I should tell my mom about the meetings with Jacob’s mom.

“Mom, I want to tell you something. Jacob...”

“Told you he loves you?” She abruptly cut in.

I sighed.

“No.”

“No? Then what is it?”

“His mom. I ran into her at the party yesterday evening, and today, she dropped by the coffee shop to see me. During our conversation, she shared a lot of interesting information.”

“Was she mean to you?” I could sense the rising annoyance in her voice.

“No, she was rather matchmaking.”

“Really?” It seemed unbelievable to her, as well.

“Yeah. She said stuff like Jacob loved me and I should try to love again, but..”

“But what, my darling?”

“Mom?”

“Of course, you are waiting to hear it directly from Jacob. Do you love him now, Clara?”

“Why are you even asking such a question?” I was taken aback.

“Well, I want to know. How affected are you by her words?” She queried.

I didn’t have a suitable answer to her question, all in all, I wanted to evade the question.

“It doesn’t matter, does it? Jacob and I have moved on.” I said, though it sounded so unreal.

“I take your word for it, baby,” she sighed.

That night, he showed up at my door, a bouquet of my favorite flowers in one hand, and a box that bore great semblance with the regular box of glucose I received. I wondered why he was here.

“Hey,” he said coolly.

“Hey,” I opened the door wider and let him come in.

“I thought we could spend the evening together, I mean, keep each other company. Daisy is not in, yet,” he said, handing me the bouquet and the box.

I took the flowers, quite happy with them. “Thank you. They’re beautiful. Please have a seat.”

I didn’t know why, but I felt he was exhausted.

“Is everything okay?” I thought it kind to ask.

“Yeah, everything is fine.” He responded.

“Alright, I’ll be right back,” I said and ambled to the kitchen, finding a stand-in for the vase for the flowers. That was also when I saw that it had started snowing.

“Oh my Gosh! Snow!” I could not contain my excitement.

“What? Snow?” I had also alerted Jacob and he came running.

The great hush that was over the city was being broken by the gentle fall. We both watched the first snowflakes fall like a delicate shower of stardust.

They twirled and tumbled, white against the backdrop of the night sky. The streets glistened and the rooftops sparkled. I was overwhelmed with the magic of winter.

“It’s beautiful,” I said, dreamily.

“Yes, very beautiful.” He repeated but when I turned to look at him, I caught him staring at me rather than the supposed beautiful snowfall.

Then suddenly the hue of his eyes changed and he appeared pitiful.

“What?”

“Are you okay? Really?” He looked subdued.

I was confused.

“I am, of course. You are acting kinda weird.” I said.

He drew closer.

“Is there anything you’d like to share?” He asked.

“No, why?”

“If you have got anything you would like to share, I’m all ears. I’m ready to listen to anything you want to say.” He said slowly, taking my hands.

I became even more confused.

“Is something wrong?” I queried.

“No, I just want you to know that I’m here if you want to talk, and I can help you out in any way.” He held both of my hands firmly.

His soft gaze penetrated my soul, and my lips parted. His hand caressed my cheek, his fingertips trailing lightly over my skin.

My breath quickened as he leaned in, the warmth of his breath fanning my face. His lips hovered inches away, and I could feel the heat of his skin radiating through the chill that had just arrived with winter.

I quivered, knowing I might succumb to the temptation of locking lips with him.

However, I didn’t budge from the spot. And then, in a moment that seemed to stretch into eternity, he brushed his lips against mine.

It was a feather-light kiss, one I had not had in a very long time.