Page 55 of Only You

“She was. Pray she behaves.”

“I’m sure she will.” I laughed.

We stepped into Rooster’s, and a smile graced Delilah’s face when she saw us.

“Hello, you two.”

“Hi, Delilah.” I smiled.

“Good morning, Delilah. Two coffees, please. What kind of muffin do you want?” Alex asked.

“That apple muffin looks good.”

“And two apple muffins,” he told Delilah, pulling his wallet from his pocket.

We grabbed our coffees and muffins and sat down by the window at a small table for two.

“I’m leaving for Chicago tomorrow morning and wanted to see you before I left. Unfortunately, I have back-to-back meetings today with the county commissioners about Athena Harbor, and I won’t be home until late tonight.”

“Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule for wanting to have coffee with me.” I grinned, biting into my muffin.

“You know it’s going to be a great day after having morning coffee with a beautiful woman.” I winked.

We talked for a while, left Rooster’s, and walked back to the flower shop.

“Have a safe trip back to Chicago,” I said, staring into his blue eyes as he held my hand.

“Thank you. I’ll see you when I get back.” He brought his hand up to my cheek, leaned in, and softly kissed me.

I watched as he placed his hand in his pocket and headed toward his car. Walking back into the shop, I smiled at the chaos.

When I arrived home, it was late afternoon. After changing into my bathing suit upstairs, I grabbed a towel, headed down to the beach, and entered the water. It was warm and inviting. I turned around and saw Lucy standing at the shoreline, staring at me.

“Hi, Lucy.” I smiled as I made my way out of the water.

“I’m not allowed to go in there without an adult. My dad won’t let me.”

“Do you want to go with me?”

“No.”

“How was school today?”

“It was fine. I don’t like you living here.”

“Oh, I’m sorry you feel that way. Did I do or say something to upset you?”

I had no idea where this was coming from.

“No. I just don’t like you living here.”

“Lucy, I’ve prepared your snack,” Mara yelled.

She turned and ran up the beach and back to the house.

Sighing, I sat down on the towel and brought my legs up. That little girl hated me, and I didn’t know why. After spending some time on the beach, I went back to the guesthouse, put on my silk robe, pulled out a prepared chicken dish I bought from the market, and warmed it in the microwave. It was ten o’clock when there was a knock at the door. Opening it, I smiled when I saw Alex standing there.

“I hope you don’t mind.” He stepped inside.