Chapter 39
39
Opal
Having lunch with my cousin was just what I needed today. When Malvie reached out and asked me to join her at her apartment, I jumped at the chance. I’ve been so busy that I haven’t had time to sit down and thank her for helping me develop the menu for Turquoise Crown. This lunch is the perfect opportunity for me to do just that.
I watch as she meticulously slices through a ripe tomato. Food has always been Malvie’s passion. I may be older than her, but my culinary skills never matched hers.
Even when we were kids, Malvie wrote recipes while I was learning how to ride a bike. Since then, she’s honed her skills. Her ultimate dream is to own a restaurant. I have no doubt she’ll make it happen.
“You’re sure a salad is enough for lunch?” she asks as her gaze shifts to my face.
Malvie’s eyes are the most intriguing shade of green I’ve ever seen. I’ve always found comfort in them. I suspect that’s because my cousin is one of the best people I know.
“For me, it is,” I say. “I can’t say if it will satisfy Posey.”
When Posey called me from outside Turquoise Crown a few minutes ago, it was Malvie’s idea to invite her to join us for lunch. Since Malvie only lives a few blocks from the bar, it’ll be a quick trip by foot for Posey. I do feel a pang of guilt knowing she’s carrying the vase of roses with her. I didn’t pick it up when William gave me the flowers, but I imagine it must have some weight to it.
When I rushed out of William’s apartment after spending most of the night in his bed, the roses were the last things on my mind. I was feeling overwhelmed, so getting to the sidewalk so I could breathe was my sole mission then.
I should have known that William would try to deliver the bouquet to me. He’s beyond thoughtful.
“I have fresh baked sourdough bread warming in the oven,” Malvie tells me. “Posey will ask for a tomato and basil sandwich with my homemade mayo.”
I scratch the back of my neck. “For the record, I wouldn’t say no if you put one of those in front of me.”
Laughing, she reaches for another tomato from a ceramic bowl sitting on the countertop. “I can arrange that.”
She tied her light brown hair back into a low ponytail before she started lunch prep, and from this angle, I can see my aunt’s features on her face. Malvie shares the same jawline as her mom, and her perfect button nose is also courtesy of her mom’s side of the family. That happens to be my dad’s side of the family, too, but I didn’t inherit those same features. I look a lot more like my mom than my dad.
I look toward the door to the apartment. “I should head down to the lobby to help Posey.”
“Help her do what?” Malvie laughs. “She’s been here a million times, Opal. She crashes on my couch at least one night a week. She can make her way up here with her eyes closed.”
I join in on the laughter. “I know, but she’s carrying something. It’s something for me.”
She stops slicing the tomato to glance my way again. “Something? What is it?”
My gaze trails over the Franzini’s T-shirt she’s wearing. It’s a gentle reminder of the Knight’s T-shirt I was wearing last night when William got me off with his hand in his kitchen.
I close my eyes, willing the memory to disappear. When I open them again, Malvie is a foot closer to where I’m standing. “Are you okay, Opal?”
“I’m fine,” I lie.
I’m far from fine. I’m falling for William, and that can’t happen. I won’t let it happen.
“You’re sure?” she asks, concern knitting her brow. “I’m always here for you, Opal.”
I take comfort in her words because I know the weight they hold. She’s always been a shoulder I can lean on, especially during the most painful time of my life.
“I’m always here for you, too,” I say to shift the focus off of me. “I’ll go down and wait for Posey.”
“And the something she’s carrying,” she adds.
“The vase of flowers she’s carrying.” Before she can blurt out anything, I hold up my hand. “They’re from a friend. It’s a man who helped me land my first private party at the bar.”
Skepticism dances over her expression. “Why do I feel like you’re leaving out some key details about this man?”
I shake my head. “I don’t know, but if you have avocado, I’d love that on my sandwich, too.”
She grins. “I’ll make it just the way you like it.”
I turn and walk toward the door of her apartment so I can get to Posey and beg her not to say a word about William to Malvie. The last thing I need is another family member telling me it’s okay to have big fun with him.
I can’t have fun with him again. It’s too risky for my heart. I need to forget him. As impossible as that is, I have to make it happen as soon as possible.