Chapter 2
CHAPTER 2
H annah
“I’ll take your suitcase up to your room,” she said, heading up the stairs.
“I just want to crawl into bed,” I said.
“Nope. You’re not doing that. We’re going to have a glass of wine and sit out on the deck. That’s better therapy. You go get the wine, and I’ll be right back.”
I walked into the kitchen, took out two glasses, and grabbed the bottle of wine from the refrigerator. The glass tipped as I began to pour, and wine spilled all over the counter.
“SHIT!” I shouted.
“It’s okay,” Adalyn said, grabbing the paper towel.
“I’m sorry.” I sighed, placing my hand on my forehead.
“There’s nothing to apologize for, sis. I’ve been where you are, remember?”
“This isn’t me, Adalyn. I don’t get like this over a guy. I never have.”
“I know.” She handed me a glass of wine. “Let’s go sit outside. You never once felt something was off with him?”
“No. He obviously was very careful in keeping that secret.” I sat in the lounger.
“I know that feeling.” Adalyn shook her head. Reaching over, she grabbed my hand. “I’m happy you’re here.” A gentle smile crossed her lips.
“Me too. Mom called me while I was driving here from the airport.”
“Did you tell her?”
“No. I didn’t want her to worry. I’ll tell her when I get back to New York.”
“What about Leon?” she asked. “He didn’t care that you just up and left?”
“I texted him last night, telling him I had the flu and wouldn’t be in for a few days.”
“What did he say?”
“He asked how I knew how long I would have it, and he expects me in the studio in a couple of days. I can’t stand that man.” I shook my head.
“You’ve been saying that for five years.” Adalyn laughed.
The sliding door opened, and when I turned around, I saw Colin.
“Come here.” He held out his arms.
I stood up and embraced him.
“I’m sorry, Hannah.” He squeezed me tightly. “I’m happy you’re here. It’s good to see you.”
“Thanks, Colin. It feels good to be here right now.”
I sat back in the chair, picked up my glass, and brought it to my lips as I stared at the water. The warm breeze felt good as it swept across my face.
Two Days Later
I was making a cup of coffee in the kitchen when I heard a knock on the sliding door. Glancing over, Annie stepped inside.
“You poor thing.” She hugged me. “I wanted to come over sooner, but Adalyn said to give you some time. How are you?”
“I’m doing okay, Annie.” I smiled, breaking our embrace.
“I brought you some homemade blueberry muffins. Adalyn told me they’re your favorite.”
“Thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”
“I wanted to.” Her lips formed a sympathetic smile. “Nothing mends the heart like homemade goods.”
“Can I make you some coffee?”
“Thank you, but I need to get back to my sweet baby boy. I just wanted to drop off the muffins.”
“How is Noah doing?”
“He’s perfect in every way. I know it’s only been four weeks, but I’m ready to return to the shop. Jerry told me I have to wait at least two more weeks.”
“Well, I think Jerry’s right.” I smiled. “You don’t want to rush things. I can’t wait to meet Noah.”
“You’ll get to tonight. Adalyn and Colin are babysitting while Jerry and I go out to dinner. I need to get back home.” She hugged me one last time before walking out the sliding door.
I took my coffee upstairs, showered, and got dressed. The past couple of days, I secluded myself in the house, trying to stop the ache that fiercely tore through me. Climbing into my car, I drove into town and walked into Rooster’s for an iced coffee.
“Hannah.” Delilah smiled, stepping from behind the counter and hugging me. “Adalyn said you were in town.”
“Hi, Delilah. It’s good to see you.”
“What can I get you?”
“I’ll have a medium iced coffee with a splash of vanilla.”
“Coming right up.” A smile crossed her lips.
I closed my eyes as I took the first sip of coffee. “Thanks, Delilah. I needed this.”
“Thanks for stopping in, Hannah. It’s good to see you again.”
I walked out of Rooster’s and down the street, looking through the windows of the cute little shops. My phone rang, and when I pulled it from my purse, I saw Leon, my boss, was calling. Sighing, I reluctantly answered it.
“Hi, Leon.”
“Hannah, where are you? I know you’re sick, but I need you here!” His commanding voice irritated me. “Your designs aren’t finished, and I needed them yesterday!”
I sat on a bench outside one of the shops, listening to him rant and rave.
“You know what, Leon? I quit.”
“You what?”
“You heard me. I quit. Lose my number because I no longer work for you. And another thing, you can shove your designs up your narcissistic, arrogant ass!” I shouted as I hit the end button.
Immediately, my phone rang again, and it was him. I rejected his call, brought up his number, and blocked him. As I sat there sipping my coffee, my heart beating out of my chest, I felt as if a weight were lifted.
I walked down to the art gallery. When I stepped inside, Adalyn was helping a customer. She looked at me and held up her finger, signaling to give her a moment.
“How are you, my darling.” Luis walked over and hugged me.
“You know what, Luis? I’m good.”
“That’s my girl.” He grinned, breaking our embrace and gripping my shoulders. “Do me a favor and tell Adalyn I’ll see her later. She’s busy, and I have something to do.”
“Will do, darling.”
I walked out of the shop and continued walking down the street. Reality set in about quitting my job.
“Shit,” I softly voiced.
I crossed the street and went to the park, staring at the mothers who sat on the benches, watching their small children play. Sitting under a large oak tree, I sipped my coffee on the grass. A small town really wasn’t my scene. I’d grown up in the city of New York my entire life, but I understood why my sister moved here. This small town was filled with charm, nice people, and a serenity New York couldn’t give. The hustle and bustle of life in the city was draining. I never thought that until I came to Harbor Falls to visit Adalyn. The few times I was here, it felt good.
A red ball rolled over to me. I picked it up and handed it to the child who stood before me.
“Thank you, miss.” He smiled.
“You’re welcome.”
He took his ball and ran back to the playground. Getting up from the grass, I left the park and walked down the street. When I reached the corner, an empty shop caught my attention with a For Lease sign—white exterior, arched windows, and clear glass French doors. My mind started spinning as I stared through the shop window. I couldn’t. I could. Pulling my phone from my purse, I called the number on the sign.
“Harbor Falls Reality. This is Gloria. How may I help you?”
“Hi, Gloria. My name is Hannah, and I’m inquiring about a shop I saw for lease.”
“Hello, Hannah. Which shop are you referring to?”
“The one on the corner of Magnolia and Main.”
“Ah, yes. It's a cute little shop, isn’t it? Would you like to see it?”
“Yes. I’m standing in front of it now.”
“I can be there in fifteen minutes,” she said.
“Thank you. I’ll be waiting.”
A cute white bench stood before the shop, so I sat and waited until a black car pulled along the curb and a professionally dressed woman climbed out.
“You must be Hannah.” She smiled, extending her hand.
“And you must be Gloria.” I placed my hand in hers.
She unlocked the door to the shop. Stepping inside, I looked around at the empty space.
“This was once a flower shop.”
“Seriously?” I glanced at her. “Why did it close down?”
“After Mrs. Philbert passed, her son, a lawyer from Los Angeles, flew in and closed it down. It was a great loss to Harbor Falls. What type of business were you thinking of putting in here?”
“A flower shop.” I walked around, studying the space.
“Oh, my goodness. That would be wonderful.” Gloria beamed with excitement. “Are you new in town?”
“Yes. My sister lives here. I’m sure you know her. Adalyn Richards.”
“Ah, yes. Adalyn Richards. I remember when she came to town. Not only did I lease her the shop, but I also helped her find a home. She’s such a sweet woman.”
“Yeah. She’s the best.” I smiled.
“Well, Harbor Falls misses having a flower shop in town. Mrs. Philbert's passing was such a loss to us. I can give you the lease information.” She pulled a file folder from her bag and handed it to me. “Look it over and let me know what you decide.”
“Thank you, Gloria. I will.”
We walked out of the shop and shook hands.
“It was nice to meet you, Hannah. I hope we can do business together.”
“I’ll be in touch, Gloria.”