He’s so different from Josh. I’m trying not to compare, but I can’t help it. Cole is more carefree. He goes in the direction the wind blows, without worrying too much what will happen. Josh was military, so he was always more measured. I’m that way, as well. Maybe Cole will be a good change. How lucky would I be to experience two wonderful men in one lifetime? Two different types of loves, if I get to that with Cole.
“Ready to eat?” he asks.
“Yes.” I kiss his cheek before he puts me down on my feet. His smile is all I need.
We walk to the restaurant.
“That’s so cool,” I gasp.
“I know. It’s an oversized treehouse. They took it back old school.”
“Wow, seriously. It’s like out of an episode from Treehouse Masters.”
Roots has colored wood planks that make up the walls. The patio is on the lower level, where beams support the structure. We walk up the ladder and into the restaurant. I’m surprised to see so many people and wonder why I had never seen this place before.
“Best southern food in the city,” Cole tells me.
“It’s amazing. Is it new?”
“A few months. It was an instant hit because of the treehouse concept, and once people tried the food they became bigger fans. I think if the food sucked, people would still come.”
We have a drink at the bar while we wait for our table. I look around, seeing the paintings on the wall as if children owned this space. It’s a time machine to my childhood.
“Are you having fun?” Cole leans in.
“I am. Thank you. This has been a great day.”
“Good.” The left side of his mouth tilts up in a smile. “I kinda feel like the school loser who landed the popular cheerleader.” His breath tickles my cheek.
“You’re not a loser.”
“We know that.”
“So modest,” I joke.
“It’s just surreal.”
I squeeze his upper arm. “Yeah, but it’s good.”
Cole moves a few strands of hair that fell from my braid. “That makes me fucking happy to hear.”
After filling ourselves with fried food, I ask Cole if he wants to hangout for a bit at home.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. When I say Netflix, I really mean watch a movie.”
He laughs. “I know, Bri.”
I’ve had a great time with him and want to spend a little while longer before the weekend ends. Long weekends are nice, but it’s always tough to get back into a routine on the Mondays after.
“Do you guys have any performances coming up for the holidays?”
“Yeah, we have one in New York City in a couple weeks. Christmas we’ll be here. Then, New Year’s Eve we’re performing here in Nashville at some big New Year’s event. Actually, at Bicentennial where we were ice skating.”
“Cool. Who else is performing?”
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park always puts on a big New Year’s Eve event. Live music, drinks, cold air, and a bunch of people singing and dancing along with the performers.
“Tyler will be there, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, and a few others.”
“That’s awesome. I’m so proud of you guys.”
“Thanks. We’ve worked hard, but it’s been worth it.”
“I’m sure.”
I choose a movie to watch and sit back on the couch next to Cole. His arm drapes around my shoulder, causing an odd and comforting sensation. It’s a mixture of remorse and excitement. Since I told Cole we had to remove the part of our minds that is causing a barrier, I move closer to him and enjoy the movie with a calm Dixie at our feet.
This week has been hell at work. With only four months until opening day, this is crunch time for us at the office. Our marketing has to be in tip-top shape and our ticket sales need to go up.
Cole’s text messages throughout the day have helped to get through the week. I’ve grown to expect his good morning messages each day. Usually he’ll send a picture of what they’re working on throughout the day. We haven’t seen each other since Sunday, but I’m hoping once I overcome the hump in the week, Thursday and Friday will be a breeze.
Starting a relationship with Cole feels like the relationships we had in our teen years, where we’d pass notes and talk on the phone into the wee hours of the night. Nowadays, notes are in form of text messages, and our phones are smart instead of blocks like when we were younger.
The house has some interested buyers, as well, and I wasn’t expecting it to get so much attention so soon, especially with the holidays around the corner. Any free time I’ve had, I’ve looked at different sites with rental options. I was hoping this would take a little longer, and I wouldn’t have to move until January.
January.
I close my eyes and breathe like Mikayla taught me. Slow and steady.
January will be another hurdle to leap over. First, I need to find a place to live in case one of these interested buyers wants it now.
I’ll go check my old apartment complex after work.
I loved where I lived before marrying Josh. It’s central and has great amenities. They may have an apartment for lease.
Cole: hey babe, hope your day’s better than yesterday
I read Cole’s term of endearment and butterflies fill my belly. It’s weird. It’s a common word. Liv and I use it with each other sometimes, but coming from Cole, it warms me.
Bri: it’s a little better. this made me smile. thank u
Cole: I’d do anythgin to put a smile on your face
Cole: anything, damn it. So much for trying to be romantic with typos and shit
I giggle.
Bri: that made me laugh. I’ll call u after work
Cole: good
I concentrate on what I have left to do so I can leave on time. A small hint of remorse tries to steal its way into me, but I stand firm in my path.
With the information of a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment, I make it home. As I’m getting out of the shower, my phone rings with Cole’s name displayed on the screen.
“Hello?” I answer.
“Hey, how’d it go?”
“Good. I got info on a 2/2 they’re renting. The pictures look nice, and the owner can show it to me on Saturday morning.”
“That’s awesome.”
I want to lease for a while, until I know for sure where I’ll want to live in the long run. I love my current neighborhood, but this house has too many painful memories. It’s the door the men knocked on to give me that fateful news. My dad suggested I rent it out instead of sell, but if I’m starting fresh, I want a clean slate. I’ll always respect Josh in my life.
“Yeah, and it’s a lower level apartment, so it has a small patio I can let Dixie run around on. It will be tighter than what she has now, but at least it’s open space.” What I’ll miss most is the yard in the house. One day, I’ll own another home with a yard where I can sit out with a glass of wine and a book.
“She’ll be happy with that,” Cole encourages.
“Mm-hmm. How was your day?” I settle on the couch in sweats and listen to what the band worked on today.
After my conversation with Cole, I boil some pasta and sip on wine. Comforting mac and cheese will be the perfect dinner.
Who is that? I ask myself when the doorbell rings. Dixie runs to the front of the house with a shrieking bark.
“Hey,” I scrunch my eyes. “What are you doing here?”
“I thought you could use some Ben and Jerry’s.” Cole holds up a paper bag.
“You’re the best.” I hug him.
His silent comfort means more to me than he knows.
“You sounded a little off. I figured you were already used to me showing up here anyway. Now you just like seeing me.”
“I always liked seeing you, Cole. I was just in a bad place.”
“I know. What are you making?” He peers into the pot.
“Mac and cheese. Do you want some when it’s ready? I�
��ll share since you brought ice cream.”
“So I was right to come over with comfort food. Mac and cheese is the ultimate feel-good meal.”
“I’m just overwhelmed.”
“Well, we have mac and cheese, ice cream, and a yapping puppy.”
“You know Josh thought mac and cheese was the least comforting meal? His comfort food was pickles.” I shiver. “Who likes pickles?”
Cole’s lips press together.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have. Does it bother you that I brought him up?”
“Not at all. I’m glad you did. I’m glad you feel comfortable enough to talk about him so naturally to me.”
My shoulders relax. “Thanks.”
“Hey.” He grabs my chin and turns my face toward him. “It’ll get easier. For the both of us,” he adds.
“Wh—”
Cole shakes his head. “Before you start questioning. What I mean is that with each day I’ll feel more confident of my role in your life.”
I slump and hug him. “Oh, Cole. You have a significant part in my life. I asked for patience, and you are honoring that one hundred and ten percent.” I look up at him and smile. “But I don’t want you to think you’re living in the shadows of a ghost.”
Cole holds the sides of my face and kisses me softly. I tense, and Cole drops his hands.
“Sorry.” I didn’t mean to contradict my words.
“I should’ve asked first. You were looking up at me and I couldn’t resist.”
“Kiss me again.” I want to feel his lips on mine.
“I don’t have to, Bri.”
Then I will.
My initial shock wore off right away. For years, I hadn’t kissed another man. A part of me felt betrayal. As soon as I settled, I wanted him to kiss me again.
I lean up and kiss Cole. His stubble is rough against my skin. After a beat, he holds me again and leads the kiss. It’s tender and innocent.
“You’re the first man I’ve kissed that isn’t Josh. I’m sorry I tensed up. It felt odd at first, but I’m glad you kissed me.” I unhook my arms from around him and check on the pasta.
I hear Cole mumble a fuck and hold in my giggles.
I share my dinner with Cole, and he shares his dessert. We don’t bother getting bowls for the ice cream. Two spoons and a carton of Ben and Jerry’s is all we need to devour the swirls of chocolate and vanilla and cookie chunks.
“This is so good,” I say as I swallow a spoonful.
“Cookie dough is my favorite,” Cole tells me. Dixie wags her tail below us in hopes that some food will fall for her to eat. Poor girl, but none of this ice cream is going to waste. Besides, chocolate isn’t good for dogs.
“Thank you for coming over. It’s been an emotional week.” I turn to look at Cole. His handsome face is soft as he watches me.
“You’re welcome. All you have to do is ask, and I’ll be here.”
“I hadn’t realized I needed that. I was hoping the house wouldn’t sell until January so the holidays would be more laidback. If it sells, I’ll have to pack and move. Yeah, I can tell them I need a month to move out, but I’ll still need to have a place ready for me.” I sigh.
“Then, I thought about January and Josh’s death. It’ll be a year already. I can’t believe that. I survived one year.”
“Yes, you did. I’m proud of you.” He laces our fingers together and squeezes my hand.
“How about we stay in tonight?” I ask Cole. Fridays are usually my lazy night where I like to lounge and eat popcorn while I watch whatever show is playing.
“That’s perfect. I’ll come over when we finish.”
“Sounds good. I’ll see you later.” I hang up the phone.
Apparently, there’s a bidding war on my house. Who would’ve thought? I’m glad I decided to hire a realtor. I was naïve to think I could just put up a sign and deal with everyone wanting to stop by and see the house. Word spread fast that it was up for sale, and since this neighborhood rarely has homes for sale, people are jumping on it.
I kick off my heeled booties and get ready for Cole to come over. We can have dinner delivered.
I look down at Dixie and pet her. “Let’s go for a walk, girl.”
The weather is gray and cold as a dull rain falls. The more I talk to Cole and see him, the more I like him. Staying in on a Friday night may seem boring, but I’m excited about spending quiet time with Cole. Wednesday left me craving for more moments like that with him.
They’re going to Riot tomorrow for their last performance until the holidays pass. I promised him I’d go, so I wanted to lay back today. I made sure to stock the fridge with his favorite beer.
As I’m walking back to the house, Cole sends a message informing that he’s on his way over. I feed Dixie so she’s taken care of and answer the door with a big smile expecting to see Cole.
“Oh, hi.” I look down at the little girl.
“Hi, I’m Maddie.”
“Hi, Maddie. Are you lost?”
Her blonde curls shake as she says no. “I asked my parents to bring me. They’re in the car.” She points to a black car parked in my driveway.
“Okay.” I bend down with furrowed eyebrows. “What can I do for you?”
“I wanted to give you this. It’s a card. My mommy and daddy wanted to buy your house, but the other family has more money. They told me I couldn’t come here to talk to you, but when I walked out of our house to come over, they got in the car and drove me.” She smiles mischievously. This girl can’t be more than seven years old.
“I really love this house. I was hoping this would help you choose us, even if it’s a little less money.” She holds out the folded white paper. When I unfold it, I read:
“I wrote this all by myself, and I tried to remember all my periods and capital letters. Oh! I forgot some, didn’t I? My teacher is always telling us, capital letters and periods. You’re also very pretty.” She gives me a toothless grin. I laugh at her compliment.
“This is a beautiful card.” I look at her drawing of the house and all the flowers she added to the front. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.” Her confidence is so refreshing. It’s not every day you see a little girl march up to a stranger’s house and ask for it to be sold to her family.
“You make very good points in your card, but…” Her eyes cast down. “Will you promise to plant even more flowers so it matches your drawing?”
Bright eyes look up at me. “Does that mean we get it?” Maddie jumps up and down and hugs me. “Thank you so much!”
“Is everything okay, Maddie?” Her father comes out of the car.
“We get the house, Daddy!” she screeches and runs to him.
“What?”
I follow Maddie and introduce myself to her father. “I will call my realtor and tell him the house is yours. I knew there was a bidding war going on, but I hadn’t received an update today.”
“We can’t afford to surpass the last offer, or even reach it.”
“It’s okay, Mr. Kline. I will make sure you pay the asking price for the house.”
“Really?”
“Yes,” I smile.
“What’s going on?” Mrs. Kline tries to lift herself out of the car. She is pregnant.
“Mrs. Carmichael is allowing us to purchase the house for the asking price.” I feel a pang hearing him call me by my married name.
“Oh my God,” Mrs. Kline yells. “Thank you! Thank you so much.” Tears fall from her eyes.
“Don’t cry, Mommy. This is good news.”
“Oh, Maddie. I know. They’re happy tears. Thank you for coming, baby girl.”
“I told you she’d like my card.” Maddie grins.
“It was a very well-written card. Let me send my realtor a message before you go so he’s aware of what is going on. I do have one request.” Mr. and Mrs. Kline share a worried glance.
“Would you mind waiting until after the new year to move? I was hoping I’d be able to spe
nd one last Christmas here. I’m not sure if you’re aware of my story, but it would mean a lot to me.”
“We heard. We’re sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you,” I tell Mr. Kline.
“January is perfect timing. It would be nice to not have the house full of boxes for Christmas,” Mrs. Kline speaks up.
“I appreciate that.” I shoot my realtor a message. “All done. He may hate me for this, but it’s my house.” I shrug.
“This is the best Christmas gift ever,” Maddie shouts. “Mommy, I promised her we’d plant more flowers in the front. I’m going to buy so many seeds and dig them in the dirt.” She’s twirling around.
“Hello,” Cole walks up to us with raised eyebrows.
“Hey, this is Maddie.” I introduce them. “And this is Mr. and Mrs. Kline. They will be moving here.”
“That’s awesome. Congrats.” Cole smiles. Wait until he hears what happened.
“Aren’t you from Rebel Desire?” Mrs. Kline asks.
“Yes,” he smiles.
“I love your music.”
“Thank you. We love what we do and enjoy hearing people say they like it.”
Maddie interrupts. “Yeah. I wrote a card with all the reason why this was the perfect house for my family.” She sure is proud of her card. “Mommy and Daddy din’t think it would work.” She glares at them, and I laugh.
“I think it’s very brave to do what you did. Always go after what you want.”
“I will.”
“What do you say, Maddie?” her mother prompts.
“Thanks.” She shows-off that toothless smile again and my heart swells. She’s gorgeous. “He’s really cute,” she whispers. I chuckle and agree with her.
“We’ll go. Thank you again so much. We’ll wait to hear from your realtor,” Mr. Kline says.
“It’s my pleasure.”
After they leave, I tell Cole how Maddie knocked on my door all alone and pleaded her case. I couldn’t turn her away.
“I want this house to be a home to a family that will grow and build memories like I did. They’re perfect, and there was no way I could turn Maddie down.”
Love You Through It Page 16