Chapter 53
53
Opal
I don’t bother listening to the voicemail William left ten minutes ago because I have nothing to say to him right now. It’s the same reason why I ignored his text messages overnight.
I somehow managed to keep myself together during the dinner celebration for Malvie. I did shed a couple of tears when Posey made a toast to my cousin. Those tears had nothing to do with everything Malvie’s accomplished in her career.
They were tears of grief for what could have been between William and me.
I glance at Chelsie when she calls out my name. Since this is already my third coffee of the day, I practically bolt up from the table I’ve been sitting at to grab the fresh cup.
As I approach the barista counter, Chelsie shakes her head. “I would have given you a free refill, but I was in the back doing inventory. The next cup is on the house.”
I’d tell her there won’t be a next cup, but I can’t say for sure. The coffee is the only thing getting me through my day. Soon, I’ll need to head back to the bar to dive into work. I was there this morning, but it was only to toss out the roses William gave me. I washed out the vase and put it in the back room, hoping Myra or Bristol will take it home.
When Myra showed up at the bar to take care of a few things, I left with the excuse that I needed coffee. I didn’t have the energy for small talk.
I just need a few more minutes alone to think about what might have been before I’m thrust back into a reality that includes telling William I want nothing to do with him.
“Is that another piece courtesy of the former renter?” Chelsie points at the gray sweater I’m wearing. “I love it.”
“This one is mine,” I say. “I’ve had it forever.”
At least, it feels that way. My mom gave it to me when I was a senior in high school. It’s cashmere, and although I didn’t ask for a sweater like this for my birthday, she decided I needed one. It wasn’t my favorite at first, but I’ve come to love it for many reasons, including the fact that it reminds me of a time in my life when I thought nothing could go wrong.
That feeling lasted until everything did go wrong.
“It’s beautiful, Opal,” she comments. “I hope I’m not overstepping, but are you okay?”
I nod. “Sure. I’m fine.”
She reaches across the counter to grab hold of my hand. “If you say so, but just know that I have a break coming up in about thirty minutes. If you need someone to talk to, I’ll have fifteen minutes all for you.”
I manage a small smile. “Thank you. I have a lot on my mind. Coffee always helps me sort things out.”
“Wine always helps me sort things out,” a female voice says from behind me.
“Hildy!” Chelsie greets my great aunt before I get a chance. “It’s so good to see you.”
“You too, dear.” Hildy squeezes my shoulder gently as she steps up next to me. “I’ll have a coffee too, please, and add a couple of those decadent brownies to the order. I think my great niece and I could both use one.”
Trying not to tear up, I glance at her. “I didn’t know you were coming.”
She shakes her head lightly as she pulls me into an embrace. “Your heart is breaking, and my heart heard the call. So, here I am.”
I cling tightly to her, knowing I can tell her anything, even if I’m not sure I have the strength to do that at the moment.
* * *
Aunt Hildy swipes a paper napkin across her lips, taking the few lingering crumbs of the brownie she just devoured along with most of the soft pink lipstick she was wearing.
She curses softly. “I should know better than to use cheap lipstick. Remind me to stop at Matiz today. I need to restock my lipstick drawer. “
Hildy is a fan of the cosmetics brand headquartered on Fifth Avenue. Their flagship store is located on the ground floor of the building, and currently, there is a large image of Aunt Hildy on display in one of the windows that face the bustling street. When she was asked to be a model for their most recent campaign, she jumped at the chance because the contract included free cosmetics for a year, although she told me she negotiated free cosmetics for life.
“I’ll remind you,” I tell her. “Maybe I’ll come with you so we can take a selfie next to your picture in the store window.”
Smiling brightly, she nods. “Deal. After that, I’ll treat you to lunch. Your choice.”
I took one bite of the brownie and realized that my stomach was not in the mood for food today. Maybe it’ll cooperate by the time lunch rolls around. “I’d like that.”
“I’m not going to push you to talk about what’s upset you,” she whispers. “When you’re ready, you will.”
Nodding, I thank her with a small smile.
Her gaze drifts from my face to somewhere behind me. Before I know what’s happening, she’s on her feet. “It can’t be. It just can’t be.”
I follow her lead, and bolt out of my chair, too, just as she breezes past me, headed toward something or someone.
I gasp when I see who it is. She stops directly in front of Percy Haines, the man who has made me feel uneasy for weeks. It didn’t dawn on me until right now that he might stop in here to grab a coffee this morning.
Shocked that Hildy has approached him, I hurry to where they’re standing.
Percy’s gaze shifts to my face. “Hi, Opal.”
Hildy studies him carefully, tilting her head as if she wants to get a glimpse of him from every angle. “You look just like someone.”
Percy swallows hard. “I get that a lot. I’m going to grab a coffee and get out of here.”
“Wait!” Hildy raises a hand in the air to stop Percy from moving. “You have to be related to him.”
“I’m not related to anyone,” Percy blurts out.
Hildy looks at me. “He said your name, Opal. He knows you. What’s his name?”
I don’t hesitate at all before answering, “Percy Haines.”
Her face goes ashen. The smile that is almost always present on her lips dips into a deep frown just as a single tear trails down her cheek.
I reach for her hand to hold it. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
She’s offered me endless comfort over the years, and I can see that she needs exactly that from me now, so I cling to her as her gaze slowly drifts back to Percy.
“You’re Louie’s grandson, aren’t you?” Her voice is quiet, and the tremble in her tone is evident. “Louie Howells is your grandfather.”
Percy’s face takes on the same sallow tone as Hildy’s. He nods softly, his gaze volleying between Hildy and me. “Yes.”
His answer is so succinct and almost silent that I feel the need to ask him to repeat it even though I have no clue who Louie Howells is. Before I can say anything, Hildy drops my hand to reach for his.
She looks into his eyes. “Is Louie gone? Did you come to tell us he’s passed?”
Percy takes her small hand and sighs deeply. “He’s alive. He’s here.”
Hildy leans to the right so she can see the entrance to the coffee shop. “Louie is here? Where?”
Percy looks at me briefly before he tugs on Hildy’s hand. “No. I meant that he’s in New York. He moved back to the city last year. He doesn’t get out much, but I can take you to him.”
“Now?” Excitement edges her tone. “Can we go now?”
Percy’s gaze drops to the floor. “I don’t know if he’ll remember you, Ms. Wallner.”
Stunned that Percy knows my great aunt’s name, I open my mouth to ask him what the hell is going on. I need to know if he knew I was related to Hildy when he approached me weeks ago. I don’t get a word out, though, because Hildy makes a soft sound. It’s more than a whimper but less than a cry. There’s pain in it. It’s the same pain that has been in her eyes since she first spotted Percy.
“Louie will remember me,” she whispers. “I know he will.”