Monday she’d barely spoken to him, and yesterday she dripped aloofness. Yes, Mr. Henderson, no Mr. Henderson, until he thought he would throw up his hands and stalk from the building.
His thoughts were interrupted by the bell. Heidi entered the store hesitantly, a hint of a smile on her lips. She also looked him in the eye, which is something she hadn’t done for two days. Had she come to tell him she quit? She’d decided to return to Oklahoma City after all?
She drew in a deep breath. “Good morning, Michael.”
He watched her warily. “Morning.”
“I have fresh muffins, with butter and jam for our breakfast.” She held up a basket.
“Good. I like biscuits.”
“Well, I’ll set them out in the back, and, um, when you’re ready…”
He nodded and continued to pull off dust covers, folding, and tucking them under the counters. Heidi scooted behind the curtain, the lemon yellow and white flowered cloth waving back and forth as she disappeared. His mouth dried up at what her actions most likely meant. The final breakfast before she took the train to Oklahoma City, and married that lecher.
It’s none of your business.
With a heavy heart, he headed to the back area. She stood in front of the table, set with plates, cups and saucers. A dish of golden biscuits, shiny with butter, sat in the center.
After viewing the table his gaze moved to her face, and his eyes grew wide. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Her fingers twisted the scrap of linen handkerchief in her hand.
“Michael.” She began, her voice cracking. “I’m so sorry…”
He held up his hand. Her distress tore him apart. “It’s okay. I understand.”
She shook her head, and curls sprang from her bun and fell onto her forehead. “You don’t understand.”
“I hate seeing you so upset. You don’t have to be. If you think this is the best thing for you, then I respect that.” He crossed his arms and leaned against the counter, his heart thudding.
Her tears stopped and she regarded him, her brows furrowed. “What are you talking about, Michael?”
“What do you mean, what am I talking about? About you…you going back to Oklahoma City and getting married, and…” He stopped when she laughed, her eyelashes clumped together with tears.
She shook her head, her brows furrowed. “I’m not going back to Oklahoma City.”
“You’re not?”
“No.” A bright smile lit her face. More curls escaped her bun. She pushed them behind her ears.
“Then what are you so upset about, and why in heaven’s name haven’t you spoken more than a few words to me for the past two days?”
She sat and looked up at him as she fanned her face with her hand. “I have to sit, I don’t think my legs can hold me any longer.”
He pulled out a wooden chair, turned it around, and straddled it.
She continued to wipe tears from her cheeks as she smiled. After taking several large breaths, she spoke. “Someone told me something, that against my better judgment, I believed.” She stopped, staring at him, as if she expected him to speak.
About what? What the devil did she mean? He simply nodded, as confused as ever. His life used to be so peaceful. Boring, in fact. Lately he’d felt like his life played out on a runaway horse. And all because one tiny, blue-eyed woman walked into his store, and had him in knots most of the time. “Go on.”
“That’s all.” She jumped up, hitting the table, sloshing coffee over her saucer. “Sorry. I’ll open the store now.” And she was gone.
Michael picked up a biscuit and bit off the edge. What the hell just happened? He shook his head, and took a sip of coffee. If any man tried to figure out women, he’d surely end up crazy.
****
“Have a good day, Mrs. Martin.” Heidi smiled as she handed the woman a small wrapped package. After a busy morning, she felt more than ready for lunch. Having skipped the biscuits and coffee earlier, her stomach had gone through a great deal of trouble to chastise her. Things between her and Michael were back to normal. Well, as normal as possible with him looking at her with furrowed brows every once in a while.
She hadn’t explained herself very well, but when faced with actually telling him what Clarence had said, her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. Anger washed over her, causing heat to climb up her body. She would certainly have a word with Clarence when he returned Friday night.