8. Daphne
Daphne
I’m thankful when we finally come to stop, albeit confused.
We’re parked on Main Street in Corbin. It’s near Wrigley’s and Rooftop, both of which are popular places to eat here.
We’re standing in front of an empty shop.
I can’t remember what used to be here, but it has been a while since I’ve spent much time in Corbin. Years ago, it was a dairy bar.
“What are we doing here?” I finally ask as we both get out. Those are the first words we’ve spoken since he pulled back on the road. Yeah, something has definitely changed between us.
“I wanted you to see this building.”
“Um … Why?” I ask, thoroughly confused.
“I was thinking with your talent, you should think about opening your own bakery.”
I blinked as I tried to wrap my brain around what he just said. “What?” I ask, positive that I misunderstood him.
“The club owns this building. The original parts store was here before it was moved closer to the clubhouse. I looked at it and thought it’d be a great place for your bakery.
This part of town stays crowded. There’s a ballfield close by so there’d be traffic every time there’s a baseball game for the local schools.
You could make a success of it. I know you could.
Plus, there’s a full industrial kitchen in it.
All of the equipment is in good working order, too.
You could design the front as you want. The best part is there’s a two bedroom apartment above it.
Now, there’s a deck attached but the yard is small.
There is a park just down the street though. I think little Cammie would love it.”
“Eli—”
“The daycare and HeadStart programs are also within walking distance.”
“Eli, this is too much. I can’t accept it.”
“Of course you can. I only bought it because it’s the start you need. The setup is perfect for you, Skittles.”
He’s right, but I can’t open a bakery. I’ve never owned a business before. Besides that, he bought a whole damn building for me. Who does that? I shake my head—partly at my question and partly because I’m starting to think Eli might be insane.
“I can’t accept it. It’s too much. Plus, I don’t know anything about running a business, Eli. This is just overwhelming. You can’t go around buying a building for people you barely know!”
“It’s my money,” he reasons. “I can do what I want with it.”
“You’re right,” I finally answer, as I take in his stubborn face.
“But I can’t accept it. That’s your money, not mine.
We’re friends. Friends don’t go out and by each other freaking buildings, Eli.
” The strangest look comes across his face.
I wish I could read it, but I just don’t understand the emotions I see bleeding through on his face.
“Your brother asked me to look after you and help you, Daphne. I gave him my word that I’d do that and I’m going to do it—no matter how much you fight me,” he snaps and his words feel like a knife through the heart.
“I’m not your responsibility. I don’t want you to be my friend because it’s some kind of misguided sense of duty,” I hiss.
Anger and shock mix equally on Eli’s features.
This time I have no trouble reading those emotions.
Eli’s pores are practically oozing them.
He shoves his hand in his hair, pushing it out of his face.
He scrubs his fingers into the top of his head.
He’s so full of anger he should intimidate me, but he doesn’t.
God, I’m kind of turned-on. What the hell is going on?
“Fucking hell, woman. Why do you have to make everything so damned hard? I’m trying to help you!” he growls.
“You do help me! Eli, you do too much. I don’t want you doing more.
I already owe you more than I’ll ever be able to repay,” I try to explain, my voice strained because my brain is going over the enormity of all he does for me and it’s truly scary how much I’ve come to depend on him in a relatively short amount of time.
How will I survive when he leaves me? How will my daughter?
She loves him so much. Panic hits me hard and quick.
I need to seriously think about his role in my life, because if history has taught me anything it’s that when I’m involved, men don’t stay.
My father didn’t, my husband didn’t, and Eli just admitted he’s helping me because of my brother.
There’s no way he’s willing to stay around for the long haul.
As the truth settles over me, I force myself to look him in the eye. “I think you should take me home now.”
“Skittles …”
“I want to go home,” I respond quietly.
Eli exhales loudly, the sound coming out as a growl more than anything else. “Let’s go,” he snaps and if I didn’t feel so numb, I think his attitude right now would kill me …