Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
Valerie
I watched Aaron drop his head and shoulders in the universal sign that I had bested him and thanked God that I had chosen the outfit I did for today.
It was my power suit, as I liked to call it, and it gave me the courage to confront Aaron.
In my black slacks and crimson-red jacket, I actually felt like I could handle him, even if for the briefest of seconds I wanted to take my words back, but I quickly pushed those feelings down.
If there was anyone who deserved what I had to say, it was Aaron.
The anguish in his eyes when he turned around and faced me though almost made my cold heart melt.
Almost.
"I never stopped caring," he pleaded with me to believe him but I couldn't. Not after all this time had passed and everything we had been through.
"I need to get back inside." I jutted my chin toward my shop. "I only stepped out to ask you to please stop following me. It's getting a little old at this point."
Ever since Aaron came back to Willow Creek, I would see him multiple times a day.
Most of those were him walking by the shop, or stopping to look in, and I knew for a fact what I sold wasn't something that interested him.
If it didn't hurt so much to see him, I would appreciate the fact that he cared enough to protect me and my shop.
"I'll never stop keeping an eye out for you." His reply was exactly what I expected him to say.
"I don't want nor do I need you to watch out for me. I've done a mighty fine job all on my own the last thirty years."
I turned on my heel and walked right back into the shop that had been my saving grace all these years.
I knew if I hadn't left just then, there was a good chance the pain in Aaron's eyes would've been enough to make me cave.
Even just a little. Because whether I wanted to admit it or not, I looked for him just as much as he looked for me, despite how much it hurt. I clearly enjoyed torturing myself.
"Valerie, wait up!" I stopped and took a deep breath but didn't turn back around at Maisie’s declaration. "Sorry, I don't mean to ambush you, but I just want to make sure you're okay?"
This time I did spin around and plastered a big fake smile on my face. "I'm fine." I lied through my teeth.
"No offense. I know we don't know each other, so this might sound rude, but I call bullshit," Maisie, the bakery owner, told me honestly.
And yes, that was rude but dang if I didn't admire her willingness to say the truth even if it was the last thing I wanted to hear.
I let my smile slip and showed her just how not fine I really was.
"You're right. I'm not fine. I haven't been since Aaron came back.
Actually, since I'm being honest, I haven't been fine since he left at eighteen but I'm trying to be okay with him being back in town and that's the best I got.
" I threw my hands in the air and then crossed my arms over my chest.
I let my feelings pour out, and if I thought Maisie would be put off by my brutal honesty, I was dead wrong. This spunky younger woman, who didn't know a thing about me or my life, and certainly not someone before today that I considered my friend, gave me the most welcoming and endearing smile.
"It's okay to not be fine. I used to be the queen of it until I met Hendrix, and still some days are hard, but the fact that you’re trying is all that matters."
I wanted to hug Maisie so damn hard but she didn't look like the kind of person who would be receptive to that, so I kept myself back.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." She smiled. "Want to talk about it?"
I gave a half laugh. "I'm not sure I have the time to fully explain my history with Aaron." Or that I could without wanting to bawl my eyes out. I liked to put on a tough exterior, but every time I thought about all that I missed out on while waiting for him, it made me so mad that I cried.
Yes, I was one of those women who cried when she was angry. It was so darn annoying too because people thought I was upset or hurt when really I wanted to murder them. The fact that I never acted on that impulse was a shocker.
"Oh, I know a thing or two about long stories," Maisie chuckled. "You can tell me when you're ready or never at all. That's the beauty of being friends with me. I won't push you into something you don't want."
A genuine smile took over my lips. "Has anyone ever told you that you're nothing like the rest of the people in this town?"
Maisie tossed her head back and laughed so hard that when she looked at me again, there were tears in her eyes. "I'll take that as a compliment. Don't get me wrong, I love it here but I could do without all the gossip I'm forced to listen to on a daily basis."
It was in that moment that I knew I made a dear friend. "That just might be the best thing I've heard in years."
"I'm Maisie, by the way. You probably already know my name due to all the gossip about my life."
"You could say that. You also happen to have some kick-ass desserts in your shop. My customers are always bringing me your treats. I swear they're trying to fatten me up like a Thanksgiving turkey."
I wouldn't go as far as saying I was vain when it came to my figure, but I always liked how I looked. Too many desserts from Wickedly Delicious and I was going to look like Rolie Polie Olie.
"I wish I could say I returned the favor and shopped here but . . . " Maisie looked down at her black jeans and oversized band tee, then shrugged. "I have a unique style that most people don't carry."
I chuckled at her honesty. "It's okay. My style isn't for everyone in town. That's why I finally took it online so that I could get a bigger clientele."
"I heard. How's that going?"
All thoughts of Aaron were forgotten now that we were talking about the second thing in life I loved more than anything. "Amazing, actually. Better than I hoped. I'm considering opening another physical store outside of Willow Creek since it's doing so well."
"That's awesome!" Maisie sounded genuine in her response. Something I was quickly learning was exactly who the woman was. She didn't appear to lie or say things just because they were socially acceptable. Brutal honesty seemed to be Maisie's way of life and I was all for it.
"I'm only in the planning stages at this point and trying to find a manager who I can trust, but if things fall into place like I hope, a year from now I will have a second store."
"Where are you looking?"
"Dallas or Austin. I want to stay in Texas but I'm torn between competing with big box stores and keeping the small-town-charm feel. I want to be in the city but not get lost, if that makes sense?"
Maisie was the first person I’d spoken to about this since I started to give it some serious thought. Despite living here my entire life, I didn't have anyone who I felt close enough to to discuss business with who would understand.
"I know exactly what you mean, and I'm here if you ever need someone to talk things out with. I might not know a single thing about fashion but I've learned a lot in a short time about being a business owner, and I've lived in many places over the years."
"Thank you. I appreciate that."
It looked like this morning turned around pretty quickly.