21. Katrinia
21
Katrinia
W alking down the street my boots slush against the melting snow as icy puddles form across the cobblestones. Rounding the corner I see the shop and watch as townspeople and early visitors shuffle up and down the sidewalks. Pulling out my keys I flip through the mess on my ring until I see the black pirate flag key Cooper had made for the new bookkeeper before he knew the new bookkeeper was me.
When the light changes I look both ways before crossing the street. Jogging over to the shop I duck down the alley to in through the back door, inserting my key before picking up the delivery boxes.
I wonder to myself if the amount of packages delivered to the shop are really all supplies or if Cooper is harboring an online shopping addiction. It’s only been a few days and they are already piling up out here.
I grab my laptop and slip it into the carrying case before heading back out the door. Locking it behind me I make my way back home.
Home .
That word sounds so foreign in my head as I walk up Main Street to the Chestnut Street District. Willow and I moved in right before the holidays so between being tired from the long move and the chaos of the holiday season we’ve barely even begun to settle in yet. If I’m being honest Cooper’s townhouse has felt more like home to me these past weeks than my apartment has these past months.
Hearing the music blaring I don’t bother using a key. Knowing Willow never frets over locking the door when she is home. I however always lock the door when I’m home and forget to lock it sometimes when I leave.
I figure if someone is going to break in while I’m away I would rather not deal with missing items on top of damages, but if someone is going to break in while I’m home I want some time to diverge a plan of attack.
Shaking my head I now realize why Willow thinks I watch too much true crime. She loves a good spooky story or horror film, however, I think the beasts among us are much more terrifying than those who came before.
“Hey Girl!” Willow shouts as she dances in the kitchen washing dishes in a sweater and pink flower print panties.
“Hey!” I greet pecking her cheek with a kiss as she bends down. “I’m just getting some clothes and heading back to Cooper’s. Talk to me while I pack?” I kick off my boots as Willow dries her hands.
“You are putting in overtime with the boss man. Bookkeeper turned sexy nurse. Sounds like a terrible but super hot porno.” She teases me with a smirk, following me into my room.
“He just needs me,” I insist, dumping my dirty laundry in my hamper and setting my bag on the bed.
“Well don’t feel obligated just because of your history. I don’t want to pick you up off the floor in tears again because of him. You were finally starting to get into a good place and were so close to putting him behind you.” Willow really has been there for me all these years.
Especially, after my break down when I broke things off with the guy I started seeing in my first desperate attempt to get over Cooper.
Willow was there for my drunken meltdowns when the pain of missing him hit too hard. She was there when his string of texts came in after he got home from deployment. She was even there when I tried going to a psychic for hope and all she told me was I’d already met my soulmate.
“I know that’s what I said but I don’t know who I was trying to fool. Myself mostly, I guess. I don’t think I would have ever gotten over him. We’ve talked a lot about the past eight years and honestly the whole thing was a big misunderstanding.” I explain, trying not to start a fight with my over protective best friend.
“The hoochie mama bimbo on base, who was found red handed and NAKED in his bed, all over your man, was just a misunderstanding?” She cocks a brow as she folds her arms across her chest.
I sigh, folding a top into my bag. I know she just wants the best for me but I wish she would let this go.
“We were young and we’ve grown up since then. It wasn’t like how I thought it was. I’m over it.” I walk out of the bedroom to grab a few things from our shared bathroom. Trying to not get irritated.
I may be willing to move on and put the past behind me but that doesn’t mean I’m happy talking about it.
“So you’ve forgiven him?”
Coming back in I toss a new stick of deodorant and a razor in the side pocket and look at her, “We agreed to put it behind us. Just give him a chance, Willow. Please? I want you both to get along. Why don’t we have girls night over at Cooper’s? He’s been sleeping most of the time on his pain meds anyway plus he has a fully stocked bar and a massive TV.”
Knowing my friend the bribe of free craft cocktails has her considering it.
“Or you could bring a date and we could play some games or fill up on snacks while watching horror movies.” I know I agreed to girls night but I really want them to meet again since the first time was such a mess.
Time with my friend and a second meet and greet is killing two birds with one stone and I am all about efficiency. Willow just looks at me as she considers the idea.
“I’ll think about it. I’ve been seeing David a lot lately and I think I’m actually starting to like him.” She uncrosses her arms and leans back as she places her hands on the mattress.
“Really!?” I zip up my duffle and toss it on the floor so I can sit next to her. “What’s he like? He’s not your normal type.”
“I know! Which is part of the allure of David. He works with his dad and brothers at their family business repairing and servicing boats. Dude is totally normal but doesn’t mind all my weirdness. Kinda balances me out. Plus, he is totally great in bed.” She smiles as she nods and I shove her shoulder, as both of us laugh.
“Well I’m happy that you’re happy. I can’t wait to meet him again. Either way, me and you on Thursday? You’ll let me know?” I make sure as I reach down and pick up my bag.
“Yes, I’ll let you know.” She sings, giving me a tight smile as she pets Binx who jumped up in her lap.
“I gotta run. Call me!” I shove my feet back in my boots and stuff the laces in, not bothering to tie them before pulling on my coat.
I’m getting tired of the cold. Maybe I should go somewhere warm for my birthday and thaw out a little.