Chapter 7
seven
Carolina
Islept like complete crap last night.
Leo knew about Luke, and while I’d always wanted him to know, I didn’t like how uncertain I felt about the future.
He seemed genuinely curious about Luke and getting to know him.
I expected him to yell and scream at me.
But we had a levelheaded and emotional conversation.
The emotional part I’d expected. The levelheaded part I didn’t.
But there was no time to reflect on what had transpired.
I had to get up and get ready for my shift at the doctor’s office if I didn’t want to be late.
This would be a change of pace from working at the emergency room, but I had a good feeling it was what I needed.
I could have more steady hours and be home with Luke more.
Thankfully, Luke stayed with my parents last night. One thing was for sure, Luke was not a morning person.
After I showered and got ready in a bright pink scrub set, I grabbed my purse and set off with a pep in my step to start my new job.
I got to Main Street in a short amount of time.
With plenty of time to spare, I found a parking spot near the doctor’s office and decided I’d go grab a coffee and see what type of breakfast selections the cafe had.
Maybe I could grab something for the whole office to enjoy and make a good impression on my first day.
I walked the short walk to the quaint coffee shop, Café Latte, and the aroma of coffee hit me as soon as I walked through the door. Taking a deep breath in, I let the smells assault my senses. I loved the smell of coffee and could see myself coming here every morning before my day started.
While small inside, the décor gave off a cozy vibe, with several high-top tables to the left, but plush couches in various shades of gray and soft blue and throw pillows to match. There were several hanging plants and wooden tables beside each piece of furniture.
I walked toward the small line as I took in the space. People sat around the tables laughing while they enjoyed a cup of coffee and their pastries. Some sat with their computers in front of them as they worked. I could see myself coming here often for just the vibe alone.
When it was my turn, the barista greeted me with a genuine smile. “Hey there. Welcome. What can I get started for you today?” She looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t place her.
“I’d love a cinnamon roll latte. Do you do pastries to-go by the dozen? It’s my first day at a new job, and I thought it’d be nice to come in with a treat.”
“Absolutely. We can do a variety dozen, or you can pick just one?”
“What do you recommend?”
“The variety dozen that way you have something for everyone.” She beamed. She looked proud of her job, as she should, and it put the small amount of nerves I had at ease.
“I’ll take it and the coffee,” I agreed.
“Coming right up. What’s the name for your order?” she said with an infectious smile, and I returned the gesture giving her my name.
I had a feeling she and I would become fast friends.
She gave me the total and I tapped my card on the screen, giving her a generous tip.
I backed away from the counter to wait for my order, pulling my phone out of my purse to check my notifications while I waited.
A text from Leo laminated my screen.
I hadn’t expected him to contact me so soon after our talk last night.
Before I checked his message, I shot off a text in the group chat to my parents to check on Luke and thanked them for keeping him the night before.
Good morning. How’d Luke do last night? Is he being good for y’all this morning?
As I waited for them to respond, I switched conversations, bringing up Leo’s.
Leo
Good morning. How’s Luke today? Does a day this week work better for you for me to come over for dinner? I checked my schedule this morning, and I should be available any day pending any ranch emergencies that arise.
I didn’t know what to think about his generosity and thoughtfulness to make sure the day worked best for my schedule. The Leo from eight years ago was the most thoughtful person I’d known, but I didn’t know him anymore.
Any day should work for me. I get off around four thirty, and we usually eat dinner around six most nights.
The message was read almost immediately, which was another thing I hadn’t expected. I thought he’d be busy doing tours already this morning, which he shouldn’t be distracted on.
The bubble appeared to indicate he was typing a message, and my stomach filled with knots. I still needed to tell Luke. Maybe I should’ve told him a day later this week so I could prepare Luke for meeting his father.
My mom responded to the message, and I clicked on it so I could distract myself from how Leo would respond.
A photo was attached, and I let out a chuckle. Luke was standing on the step stool beside my mom in an apron and a chef’s hat with a bit of flour covering his cheeks and the tip of his nose. His hand was on a whisk as he mixed the batter, a wide smile on his face.
Mom
He’s helping me make pancakes this morning.
He slept well last night, but he did ask why he had to leave so suddenly.
I just told him you were busy unpacking and you wanted him to have an adventure with Grandma and Grandpa.
So, we came home and made his favorite chocolate chip cookies and spaghetti.
I’m glad he had fun, and he looks adorable in that apron and chef’s hat. Thank you for covering for me. Tell him I love him, and I’ll pick him up after my shift today.
Just as I hit send on my message to my mom, another from Leo appeared.
Maybe I should send him this photo of Luke, I pondered, while I read his text.
Leo
How about the day after tomorrow? That way you have time to tell Luke he’s meeting me and prepare him for it. Is he doing okay this morning? I hope it didn’t confuse him too much having to leave abruptly yesterday. I forgot to ask you yesterday, when’s his birthday?
His concern for Luke warmed my heart. And I loved that he wanted to get to know him.
The day after tomorrow works for me too. I’ll talk with Luke tonight after dinner. He’s doing great this morning. He’s helping my mom cook pancakes. He loves to cook. His birthday is May fourth.
I hit send on the text and attached the photo of Luke my mom sent me this morning.
Something in my heart told me he needed to see it, so I didn’t question it.
He read the message, and as I waited for him to respond I heard my name called.
“Order up for Carolina,” a soft voice spoke from behind the counter.
A woman named Delilah greeted me at the pick-up counter and held out the box of pastries and my coffee.
While she had a smile on her face, it didn’t meet her eyes.
There was a deep sadness behind them. Just seeing her name tag, I withheld a chuckle as the song “Hey There Delilah” immediately came to mind.
“Thank you so much, Delilah,” I greeted as I took the contents of my order from her. A wary look crossed her face at the mention of her name.
“Your name tag,” I told her as I nodded my head down to the top of her apron. She let out a breath of relief and immediately schooled her features with a smile.
“Have a great day,” she said in a soft tone.
“You do the same,” I replied before I turned and made my way across the coffee shop.
The door opened just as I got to it, and none other than Ainsleigh Courtright stood on the other side. She held the door open for me so I could walk through. I didn’t know if I should wait for her to speak or speak first. I decided on the former to be polite.
“Good morning, Ainsleigh,” I told her as I stepped through the door.
She let the door close, and I saw the baby stroller in front of her.
“Hi, Carolina,” she said in a shocked tone, a look of disbelief on her face. I guess she hadn’t heard of my return just yet.
I didn’t have time to get into small talk as my shift started in fifteen minutes, and I wanted to get there a little early to prepare for the day.
“It was good seeing you,” I replied with a smile, and I turned to the door, balancing the box of pastries on top of my coffee and held the door open for her so she didn’t have to struggle getting the stroller inside.
“You too. Thanks,” she muttered as she walked through the door without looking back.
I knew my leaving affected Leo, and that his siblings likely hated me for hurting him, but once they found out about Luke, I was sure they’d hate me even more before they understood the whole story as to why I didn’t return.
I looked both ways before crossing the street, and shook off the feelings I had regarding my run-in with one of the Courtright siblings. I’d digest that after Luke went to bed.
The receptionist greeted me with a warm smile and welcome. Her eyes immediately went to the box in my hands.
“Good morning, Carolina. Are those pastries from Café Latte?” Leann said, her eyes beaming.
“Sure are. I thought it’d be nice to bring in a treat this morning. Where should I put these?” I asked.
“I’ll show you where the breakroom is. If you want one, you might want to grab yours first. These will go quickly. We all love anything Jemma makes at Café Latte, but the bear claw is my favorite,” she said with a wink as she stood and rounded the reception area and waved for me to follow.
The breakroom was small with a refrigerator, two small, four-seater tables, and a sink area with a small counter space that had a coffee pot with some flavored syrups off to the side.
Perfect for this small sized office space.
I sat the box down on one of the tables and opened it to find the variety of pastries she’d suggested inside, with one bear claw I knew Leann would snag.
After taking a sip of the perfect tasting cinnamon roll latte, I knew I’d be going back.
I snagged a croissant from the box and took a bite, withholding a moan. The center was filled with a sweet chocolate filling, and it was divine.
“I told you they were good,” Leann said, and I nodded in agreement.