Page 119 of One Bossy Date
“They say it should be fine. They’re sending someone just in case.”
“Oh, thank heavens,” my gran said while Jim nodded with a sigh, his hand still on his chest. He appeared less shaken now, but I considered what I could do next to help us all calm down.
“Why don’t you quickly fetch us a coffee from Starbucks, please? I’ll find an electrician in the meantime.” I hoped that the task would give him something to concentrate on and help him regain his normal heart rate.
“Oh.” Jim seemed surprised for some reason. “Of course, honey.”
He disappeared into the darkness, taking the short cut through the back, using his phone’s flashlight. I did a quick search for electricians in the area and made a call. Gran sat down on the bench next to the cats and kept them entertained. The first contact wasn’t available, but the second would be in an hour.
“All right. Here we are.” Jim reappeared, his phone balanced in his apron pocket to light the way, and three cups of coffee in his hands.
“Oh, lovely.” Gran got up to join us at the counter. Having done all I could for the moment, I sighed and took a slurp of my coffee and grabbed a muffin. The three of us stood in silence for a moment, enjoying our afternoon chocolatey snack, while listening to the rain outside the front windows. It was considerably calming.
“You surprise me, Zoe,” Jim said, wiping muffin crumbs from his hands.
“Huh? Why?”
“You’re so calm.”
“I noticed that as well,” my gran added, covering her mouth that was still sprinkled with chocolate residue.
“And that’s surprising?” I teased Jim, knowing he was completely right but not wanting to admit that.
“Yes, obviously. Remember the last time a disaster struck here?” His eyes were wide, brows raised in seriousness.
“Oh, I do.” Gran nodded. “It was the water, wasn’t it?”
“Yes.” He touched her shoulder. “It waseverywhere. And Zoe was—sorry to tell it like it is, honey—a complete mess!”
“Well, obviously,” I said. “There was water everywhere!”
“Yes, but even so. You’re a lot calmer this time around,” he said, nodding and watching me curiously.
“You handled this situation so well, dear.Iwas even standing here like a stunned statue.” Granny Dotty laughed, spurring Jim’s laughter on as well. “But you made a plan and saved your little clients from harm while doing so.”
I looked at the cats, now calm again in their carriers. One slept, while the other licked herself like it was her chore to get done.
Happiness flooded my heart. I had remained collected and managed the situation.
One task at a time…
A pang of sadness hit me.
I could still hear the growly voice vividly—like it was just yesterday—when Anders had engrained the words of wisdom into my brain.
“Are you feeling down? Still depressed because of the jerk?” Jim asked, looking worried.
Granny glanced up. “Is that why you’ve been so placid during all this?”
I frowned—no…that wasn’t it. “I feel fine, no worries. It was just something someone told me, not too long ago. That in a stressful situation, you don’t freak out about everything, but rather tackle one task at a time.”
“Uhhh, yasss.” Jim’s voice peaked. “That’sexceptionallysmart advice. This person must be a genius. In fact, I might just use the tactic for myself.” He beamed, then saw my small, almost sorrowful smile. “I’m so sorry, Zo, I had no idea that would happen when I plugged the blow-dryer in.”
“It’s not your fault, Jim.” I put my hand on his arm and squeezed. “This building is so old. Maybe it was time for an electrical check-up.”
“Wooow! Not only calm, but optimistic as well, huh?” he replied, pulling a smile from my lips.
Gran giggled and set her empty coffee cup down. Jim and his jokes. He was right though. Something was definitely different about my whole crisis mode.