Chapter 9 #2
Henry immediately released my hand and ran to her, giving her a tight hug when she scooped him up and planted a kiss on his cheek.
“I was wondering when this sweet boy would get here!” June crooned. “Breakfast is ready, honey-pie. We’d best get you fed before it gets cold.”
Henry turned toward me, his beaming smile warming my heart—and tugging at it more than a bit—as he waved to me. “Bye, Mama!”
“Bye, baby,” I said, forcing a smile. “You be good for Ms. June.” I lingered there a few seconds after the door closed, fighting the urge to barge into the apartment and take him to work with me.
I was halfway to convincing myself that Dottie wouldn’t care if I brought Henry to the shop when Whit touched my arm lightly.
“He’ll be okay.”
I nodded. “I know. He loves Ms. June and Mr. Earl and has such a great time playing with Addie. It’s just…”
Words lodged in my throat. Why did it feel like I was losing him? It made no sense. It wasn’t like Henry hadn’t gone to a babysitter’s before. So why did I feel so anxious, so sad?
Whit’s fingers drifted down my arm until they reached my hand and gave it a brief squeeze. “You’re not being replaced, Zellie.”
I blinked away tears. Whit had put into words the fear I hadn’t even fully admitted to myself.
“He calls her Mamaw June,” I said. “He’s never had a grandma before. I should be grateful. I know that. It’s just hard to see him light up like that around someone else, after it’s been just the two of us for so long.”
“C’mon,” Whit said, gesturing toward the foyer. “Why don’t I give you a ride to the bookstore so you’re not late.” I started to decline his offer, but before I could he added, “I’ll even treat you to the best coffee in town on the way.”
I huffed a little laugh and nodded. “Thanks, Whit. I’ll take you up on the ride, but I doubt Ms. Dottie would appreciate me walking in with coffee from a competitor.”
“Fair point,” he said with mock solemnity. “Then perhaps I should come in and sample yours.”
“Sample my—” I repeated, then flushed. “Oh! Coffee!”
The corner of his mouth lifted in a wicked little grin. “Yes, coffee. In fairness, I suppose I shouldn’t crown anyone the best until I’ve tried yours.”
I opened my mouth to provide an appropriately saucy comeback when his phone rang.
His expression darkened immediately when he saw the number. He silenced the call.
“Everything okay?” I asked.
“Family business,” he said, his tone tight. “I might have to take a raincheck on the coffee.”
“Yeah, sure. Of course! Anytime,” I said with a shrug even though I couldn’t help being disappointed.
When we reached the bookstore, Whit hopped out first and quickly made his way to my side, opening the door before I could, and took my hand to help me—completely unnecessary but devastatingly effective. My heart hammered as he pulled me a little closer before shutting the door behind me.
“Thanks,” I managed, breathless.
His eyes held mine as his thumb smoothed over the back of my hand.
The early morning breeze danced across my skin, sending a shiver through me. Well, it was partly due to the breeze. Suddenly shy and awkward at the way my body reacted to the closeness of him, I whispered, “I should go.”
Before I could change my mind, I hurried to the shop, fumbling with the key until I finally got it in the lock.
When I glanced back, Whit still stood where I’d left him, watching to make sure I got inside safely.
He gave me a soft yet heart-stopping smile and lifted a hand before getting in his car.
“Hi, Ms. Dottie!” I called, cheeks still warm. “It’s just me!”
Quick, muffled footsteps—more than one set—padded on the floor above where Dottie kept an apartment. A few minutes later, Dottie descended the back stairs, smoothing her side ponytail and tugging at her bedazzled shirt.
“Good morning, honey,” she said, without meeting my eyes. “You certainly are punctual.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I said, unable to suppress a grin. “Where would you like me to start this morning? Inventory?”
She fluttered around a little aimlessly as if trying to look busy. “Oh. Oh, yes, Zellie honey. I think that would be just fine. You go right ahead.”
I headed to the back of the store to where we kept all the supplies for the coffee shop. I’d barely stepped inside when low voices floated through the doorway. Dottie’s voice was obvious. The other belonged to a man. Curious, I poked my head out just in time to see the back door closing.
I wasn’t about to pry, so I was surprised when later that afternoon during a lull, Dottie came clacking into the coffee shop, glancing over her shoulder as if making sure no one was around.
“Zellie honey, I need a word.” She leaned in and whispered with exaggerated precision. “I’d like to keep my…visitor between us, if it’s all the same to you. We have too many nosy old busybodies in this town. I don’t need them poking around in my affairs.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I assured her. I gave her a conspiratorial wink and added, “Your secrets are safe with me.”
She patted my hand. “You’re a good girl, Zellie. I’ll be sure everyone knows that.”
As she tottered off on her heels, I frowned after her, confused. “She’ll make sure everyone knows I’m a ‘good girl’?” I muttered. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”