by Rose Pressey
I smiled a wide grin and nodded.
Thunder rolled in louder and, within a minute, rain poured down on top of us. Callahan grabbed the basket, the blanket, then my hand, and we ran toward the car, laughing the entire time.
I couldn't believe I'd worn a white shirt. Now my push-up bra was neatly outlined under the shirt, completely visible to everyone. Of course, Callahan noticed right away and couldn't keep from glancing at my wet chest; several times. My nipples were on full display for everyone to see.
Jumping through puddles along the way, we finally reached his car and hopped in, away from the strong downpour. As soon as Callahan was inside, he moved in near me again, planting another kiss on my wet, rain-soaked lips. The rain outside, and the heat from our bodies inside, was quickly fogging up the windows.
Callahan leaned in closer and pressed his body even harder to mine. Our wet bodies intertwined with each other, and the gearshift soon caused more than a slight discomfort as it pressed into my leg. As he kissed me harder, I wondered if anyone could see us, making out like a couple of teenagers in a parked car.
I worried that, at any moment, a police officer would tap on the window with his flashlight and tell us to get a room. With the steamy kisses Callahan was depositing on me, the windows really were fogged now, but I couldn't resist his lips. Callahan slipped his hands under my shirt—his fingers on my bare skin were almost more than I could handle.
Just as I felt I'd stop breathing altogether, his phone sounded loudly, vibrating throughout the car. He moaned, stretched back and yanked the phone out of his pocket.
I didn't think he'd answer it, but as he examined the number he said, “I'm so sorry. Please excuse me, I really need to take this."
After a minute of him saying hardly anything other than “yes” to whoever had called, he turned to be and said, “I have to go."
"Oh...” I stammered, “Sure, I understand completely.” I had a sinking sensation in my stomach. What could be so urgent?
"Let me drive you back to your car."
"Thanks,” I said.
Callahan shifted his car into gear without saying another word, and within seconds he pulled up beside my car.
I felt something was instantly different after the call. The feeling was drifting in the air, and anyone would have noticed it. I told myself he was preoccupied by whatever someone had said to him on the call, but I was curious as to what had happened to make him act that way.
What had the person on the line said to him to upset him like that?
He didn't make a move to kiss me goodbye, but I figured something had his mind preoccupied, so I let it go. At least I hoped that was the case.
I climbed out and shut the door behind me.
"Bye,” I said.
When I climbed out the car, Callahan barely even glanced over to wave goodbye. As soon as the door closed, he steered away from the curb.
I hoped he was all right, but I was confused over the situation. Dazed, with my head spinning in confusion, I stood there for a minute. My shoulders slid into a larger-than-life slump as I walked over to my car and jumped in. I switched on the heat to soothe my chilled bones, and then steered out onto the street. I headed for home, going over the evening in my mind, and still hot from his kisses.
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Chapter 14
The rain was still coming down steadily the next morning. The sky was a dreary gray, and so was my mood. Sometimes I opened Book Nook early, just because, well frankly, I had nothing else to do. This was one of those mornings.
I guessed there was something I could be doing, but I loved the store and I enjoyed being there so much it helped my mood and eased my senses. As I scanned over my paperwork, I caught movement in the front window and was surprised to see Callahan march past.
He never turned his head, not even looking into Book Nook for a small glimpse. What was going on?
I hadn't talked to him since he'd rushed off after receiving the mysterious phone call. For him to walk past the store like that, and not even glance my way caught me off guard. Maybe he didn't think I was open yet?
It was still early and possibly he wasn't aware of the time. At least that was the excuse I told myself. I put down the papers I'd been working on and grabbed my keys. I figured I would close the shop for just a second and walk over to Full Cup on the pretense of buying a coffee.
After all, I did want a coffee, but that wasn't the main reason for going, of course. And he'd probably know that too, but I would take my chances. Truth be told, I had never gone into his shop just for coffee.
Luckily for me, the rain had eased for a brief period, so I took my time walking over, kicking a pile of wet leaves alongside the sidewalk as I scuffled along. Clearly, I was stalling.
A worried feeling was trapped in my throat, and as hard as I tried, I couldn't shake it. As I reached his door, the vague unsettled feeling moved from my throat and nestled austerely in the bottom of my stomach. With all the strength of my body, I pushed on the old door and stepped inside, just within the entrance. When I glanced around I noticed that a few other customers were waiting for their drinks, so I took that time to look at a few of the prints displayed on the walls.
One was of a brightly colored mug with muted reds, greens, and yellows. I glanced over my shoulder to catch a glimpse of Callahan; his back was facing me as he poured someone's coffee. I slid over to the next print, waiting for my turn. This one had three different mugs with the words, Mocha, Latte, and Roast written underneath them. When I peeked over my shoulder yet again, he hadn't looked up to see that I'd entered, or if he had, he was ignoring me. Self-doubt took over, and I couldn't help but wonder if he would have looked up for Brianna. No, he was just busy, that's all.
After a few minutes, the other customers were gone and it was just the two of us. He tilted his head and gazed at me. I swallowed, and then listened to the silence that surrounded us.
Finally, he said, “Hello, what can I get for you?” A pained grin curved his mouth.
He may as well have just smacked me. The air was missing from my lungs, and I almost fell back at his overtly cold demeanor.
I mean, I'd just had a date with him. Was he suffering from some sort of short-term memory loss? We'd just shared the most delicious kisses I'd ever experienced in all of my twenty-five years.
I caught my mouth gaping open and closed it slightly.
Finally I managed to speak. “I'll have my favorite please. Chocolate covered cherry latte."
I didn't count on him remembering my favorite at that point. I wasn't sure of what I could count on after being dealt that blow.
"Does he always act this way? I thought he was in love with you?” Vivian asked.
I turned and gave her a look to let her know I couldn't answer right then.
Callahan didn't respond to my order, instead he swiftly turned and began preparing my drink.
Thoughts were flooding my mind as I watched him. It felt like no time since I'd been standing in the same spot where he'd clearly been flirting with me. I was astonished with the situation. At that very second, I wished I had an eject button that would have blasted me out of there.
Callahan methodically prepared my drink, never even once glancing over at me. Like a robot, grabbing a cup, pouring and then fastening the lid securely on top. He was in no way acknowledging my presence, and really and definitely not acting as if we'd kissed less than twenty-four hours before.
What had happened? He had said he couldn't stop thinking of me. Something had happened between when he'd left me and the point where I was now standing in his shop, being ignored. And I had a feeling it had something to do with the phone call he'd received and then so hurriedly dashed off after hanging up.
Did it have anything to do with me, though? I couldn't help but think it did.
He pushed on the register buttons and gave me the total in a monotone voice. I looked up at him, and in spite of everything, I couldn't help myself.
&
nbsp; Hesitantly, I parted my mouth to speak and then I asked, “Are you all right? You seem somewhat distracted. And, well, frankly, a bit out of sorts."
"I'm fine,” he said flatly.
Without even looking me in the eyes. I'd never had such a strange feeling before.
I creased my brow and said, “Um. Well, all right, then. See ya.” I snatched up my coffee and turned to leave, not looking back at him. I was sure he wasn't watching me anyway. I could take a hint and I didn't need to be clubbed over the head to get it.
The walk back to my store was a long one, even though it was only a few short steps away. I was embarrassed that I'd been such a fool. Feeling defeated I opened the store back up, but all I really wanted to do was go home and go to bed. Pull the covers over my head and hide from Callahan, Brianna and the world.
Mindy had been right. I was sure of it now—he couldn't be trusted. They were probably laughing behind my back. I could envision them cackling with each other over what a complete fool I was. I heard Brianna's voice in my head. “Larue is a complete idiot for thinking you'd ever like her.” Callahan would kiss her passionately in agreement.
I picked up the phone to tell Mindy, but after a few rings, when she didn't answer, I hung up. I had to say I was a little relieved because I wasn't sure I wanted to hear her say ‘I told you so.’ Not yet anyway.
Thankfully, I was busy all day. A steady stream of customers had filed into the store, keeping my mind occupied. They were all full of questions about this or that. The one question I always dreaded though was, “Where can I find the book?” The book the customer could never quite remember the title of, the author of, or even the genre, for that matter. It was incredibly frustrating.
When business finally slowed down, I picked up the phone again. I figured I'd get it over with and call Mindy. Sure, she'd tell me I should have listened to her, but it would be worth it to have someone to rant to at that moment.
"You're never going to believe this. Callahan gave me the brush off,” I said as soon as she answered.
"You're kidding?"
"Mindy, would I kid—"
She cut me off. “I know, I know. You wouldn't kid about that. I'm on my way there."
"Hey,” I said, stopping her before she hung up. “Bring chocolate."
"Check.” She laughed.
Chocolate was just the medicine I needed to fix the broken situation I found myself in. Chocolate could fix just about anything, as far as I was concerned.
A short time later, Mindy came bounding through the door. I thought the bell was going to break off and tumble to the floor, she swung the door so hard.
"It was all I could do not to go over there and clobber the guy,” she snapped, stomping to the counter.
"He's not worth it, Mindy. Just forget about him. We won't stoop to his level."
"I know that, but he needs to be told what a jerk he is. Maybe even shown.” She rattled her fist in the air furiously.
"Easy, Tiger,” I said.
"What the hell is his problem anyway?"
I didn't have an answer for that question. Ever since I'd returned from his shop I'd searched my mind trying to come up with one.
Mindy handed me the chocolate. I snatched it from her hands and instantly felt better. Just having it in my hands was soothing.
"So what happened? I want all the details. And don't leave anything out. You're always leaving out little details."
"Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. I am stupid for even thinking he was a decent guy."
Mindy didn't argue with me. Her mouth were silent, except for the chewing of candy. Luckily, she knew not to rejoice about being right.
"Why did I not know better by now? When will I ever learn my lesson?” I asked.
She shrugged her shoulders.
Mindy had warned me Callahan was with Brianna, and I had ignored her—and now it was apparent that he was really with Brianna. Why else would he brush me off? Mindy had been right, and I should have stayed away. Now he was just making fun of me. He had played me for a fool. In between stuffing chocolate in my mouth, I began to give her the rundown of exactly what had happened.
"He walked by the store and never even looked my way. I thought maybe he didn't know I was in here."
"No,” she said.
I nodded. “Yes. So, what did I do? Like an idiot, I went over there to order coffee and find out why he had ignored me."
She shook her head. “Not a good idea."
"I realize that now. But anyway, he was like a totally different person. He treated me like a stranger. He had this weird stony gaze. So I took my coffee, turned around and high-tailed it out of there."
Mindy stood with her mouth open almost the entire time I recounted the repugnant event to her. She kept glancing in his direction as if she could see through the wall of the store. Or somehow he'd be able to sense her glowers.
"Ugh. There goes Brianna.” I motioned with my head.
"I knew she was up to something."
Curiosity tugged at me, so I signaled for Mindy to follow me. We made a dash for the front of Book Nook. I was darting through the maze of center tables with Mindy climbing around on the other side. Panting for breath, I peeked out the front window.
"I knew it! She's going into Full Cup."
Mindy eyed me and raised her eyebrows.
"If I didn't know better, I'd think the only reason she was going in there was to piss me off."
Unfortunately, if that were true, it was working.
"I think you're right.” Mindy flared her nostrils.
We trudged back to the counter. I wanted nothing more than to stomp right into the coffee shop and snatch every short hair out of her head. That wouldn't solve anything, though. Plus, I'm not a violent person.
"I thought he was smarter than that. Surely he can see through her fake façade.” I stuffed another piece of the candy in my mouth. I probably looked like a chipmunk hoarding nuts, but I didn't care.
"I wish there was some way to get Brianna out of town. Like maybe the whole town could band together, sign a petition and let her know she's not welcome here,” Mindy said.
"If only it were that simple. Look, there she goes back.” I pointed.
Mindy groaned.
"Well, apparently the town doesn't mind her all that much, because they still shop in her store.” I pointed to the people walking single file into High Fashion at that very moment.
"You know, I've noticed that. Not nearly as many people complain about her as they used to."
Mindy grabbed her purse and pulled the big black binoculars out.
"Why on earth do you have those binoculars again?"
"So I can see exactly what she's doing?"
"Why do you care what she's doing?"
"Because she hurt my best friend, that's why."
"It doesn't matter.” I shrugged. “I mean, clearly Callahan is a jackass. So let them have each other. They're perfect for each other. He's not worth my time and energy."
"It makes me so angry Brianna thinks she can have anything or anyone she wants,” Mindy sneered.
"Well, why do you think she thinks that?” I said.
"It's because she does get everything she wants."
"Exactly!"
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Chapter 15
Another gloomy morning; the sky threatened rain as ominous clouds hung in the air. I desperately needed sunshine to help me lift my down-in-the-dumps mood. I was placing books on one of the top shelves when the bell on the door chimed. Mindy waltzed in, looking overly chipper for her, especially that early in the morning. A few stray leaves scuffled in under her feet.
"What are you so happy about? Did you learn a new move on your stripper pole?"
"Funny, very funny. What, are you a comedian now?"
I laughed.
"No, I just thought I would stop by and visit my best friend before I went to work."
"Right. What do you really want?"
"I told you, n
othing. I don't have doughnuts or coffee, either. Although I brought diet cokes.” Mindy retrieved two cans of soda out of her bottomless-pit purse.
"Thanks,” I said, grabbing the can and popping the lid.
Mindy was standing by the front window, her eyes fixed on something across the street. Which let me know right away she really was up to something.
"What have you done to Brianna?” I tapped my foot. Not that I should really care if she had done something.
"Nothing.” Mindy set her jaw. “Trust me, I'd love to do something, but I've done nothing. Zip. Nada. I'm just watching that's all.” She held up her hands in surrender.
"Uh huh.” I continued my work, and tried not to focus my attention on what Brianna may be doing. I didn't need the negative energy that inevitably popped up any time I thought of her.
Finally, after a few minutes of silence, I said, “Are you going to stare out that window all morning? What if a customer sees you?"
Mindy sighed and then walked over to me as I sorted through a stack of books. “I've been thinking.” She paused.
Oh no, I was about to hear something I undoubtedly wouldn't like.
"Is that right?” I said without looking up from my work.
"Brianna is up to something. And I'd bet every penny I own that it is not good."
I slowly raised my head and looked at her. “I'm listening."
"All right, this is what we know so far.” Mindy took a quick sip of her drink before she continued. “Brianna is weird."
"Check,” I said.
"Brianna is evil."
"Check."
"Brianna has weird candles."
I paused and raised my eyebrow, giving an I-am-not-sure-that-counts look.
"Check.” I finally continued the game.
"Brianna has some kind of hold on Callahan,"
"Check."
"Maybe she's really good in bed,” Mindy added, as she ran her finger over the edge of her can.
"Not what I wanted to hear.” I gave her a disgusted look.
"Sorry about that.” Mindy gave me a pitying look.
"It's okay. Don't worry about it.” I took a big gulp of my drink to numb the sting of her words. “It's suspicious that he's following her around like a lost puppy dog. What does she have that I don't?"