Chapter 21
HENRY
As I’m leaving the grocery store, I decide to walk a few blocks over to grab coffee for us both. According to Google, drinking caffeine while on your period should be okay, but I won't be offended if she’s not interested.
As I’m opening the door, another person is also walking out.
“Henry?” an older woman’s voice questions and I notice it’s Elaine, Maisie’s mom.
“Miss Winslow,” I smile and greet her as she takes a step back to let me walk through the door. “How are you?”
“Oh, dear, I know it’s not me you’re wanting to see.” She leans in closer. “There’s a cute little blonde there I’m sure has your attention.”
I wonder if this is her way of trying to set us up again, or if Maisie talks to her mom about me like I want to talk to my mom about her.
“Funny enough, I’m on my way to see that cute little blonde right now. She said she’s not feeling too well so I got her some snacks and soon a coffee.” I nod toward the line forming.
“Well aren’t you just darling.” She reaches her hand to my shoulder, giving it a light rub. “You treat her well now, okay?”
“Always, Miss Winslow.” I smile.
“Bye, honey, I hope to see you soon!” And I kid you not, she winks at me on her way out. I’m not sure what that means but it makes me chuckle to myself. I want to tell Maisie what just happened, hoping it’ll make her laugh too.
I just ran into your mom, she let me know there’s a “cute little blonde girl” who wants to meet me at Ruby’s. Do you think she’ll like me?
After hitting send, I put my phone in my pocket and feel a slap on my shoulder. “You’re just getting all the Winslow ladies now, aren’t you?”
Miles pops up out of nowhere, nearly startling me.
“Ha. Ha. Very funny.” I roll my eyes. “What are you even doing here? Usually you're a hermit at the Inn.”
“Now look at who’s the comedian. I had some computer work to do and decided to go somewhere new.” He takes a sip of what I assume is just a black coffee in his hand.
“You’re a changed man since pissing off that girl you ghosted.” I see his smile go slack at the mention of her. “Just joking. I forgot this was a touchy subject.”
He’s quick to change the subject. “What time are you planning on being home tonight?”
“I’m not sure but most likely before ten.” Knowing myself, I’ll stay for as long or as little as Maisie will allow me to.
“Where are you going anyway? Hanging out with your new girlfriend?”
“We’re just friends.” Unfortunately.
There’s a deadpan expression on Miles’ face paired with an eye twitch when he replies. “Yeah. Right.”
“God, I miss when you were a hermit and didn’t go to public spaces.”
Thankfully mine and Maisie’s drinks are finished and on the bar so I take that as my cue to leave. “I’ll see you later tonight, enjoy your yearly public outing!” I head out the door with no reply from Miles, just a shoulder tap and a chuckle.
That’s more of a laugh from him that I’ve gotten the whole time I’ve been here.
As I’m walking out to the car, I can’t stop thinking about Miles referring to her as my girlfriend.
Could we be together?
Could I be happy in Ruby Lake?
Could I build my life here and leave Seattle, the only place I’ve known my whole life?
When I was in college, I never really had to think much about the future because in that moment, I knew I’d be spending at least four years in school.
But slowly as time passed, so did the years in school and now here I am, graduated, with no idea what to do.
I got a degree in Finance because I’m good at math and know that there will always be a need for it, but is that really what I want?
Now is not the time to have a quarter-life crisis before my life has even begun. The reason I’m here is to help Miles out.
I remind myself that right now all I need to worry about is getting to see my favorite girl that has taken up every part of my mind.
The same girl that is fast asleep on the couch when I arrive at her house twenty minutes later.