SevenAspenThank goodness for work, Ruthie, and Stella. Not to mention the small market the town put together to kick off the fall season. This is so much better than the bitter cold back home. Something I constantly think of when I’m able to walk out the door with a pair of flared corduroy bell bottoms, a vintage Dolly Parton shirt, open-toed wedges, and a sheer floral cardigan. Heck, with the lack of humidity in Texas today, I was able to curl my hair in big loose curls and call it a day.
“It’s a gorgeous day and the town is hot to trot!” Ruthie is gleeful this morning. It causes me to smile brighter than I have all week.
“It is. I think we’ll keep the door open today, maybe put a rack on the sidewalk? You think Stella would mind meandering out there every now and again?” I ask her.
“Come here, you.” God, I’ve been trying to hold my shit together. Apparently, I suck at it because the moment her arms wrap around me, I sink into her.
“I’m so sorry, Ruthie. I know this isn’t easy on you either. I swear I’ll get used to it, but between my mom finally getting better and Jasper working more than I’m sure he has in a long time, I’m frazzled.”
“Don’t you worry about that. I leaned on my best friend when my Keelan was working the rig life and Jasper was in diapers. It doesn’t get any easier, honey, but staying busy will help.” She wipes under my eyes, fixing my eye makeup as well.
“Thank you. I think he spoiled me when I was in Virginia. We got to talk more and FaceTime. The past week, we’ve been coming and going at different times, and it sucks.” I want to stomp my feet and throw myself a pity party.
“It’s just for now. Fingers crossed they’ll get back on track this weekend and it’ll get easier. For now, let’s turn on some music and pull out the new fall line. As soon as we close, the three of us are going to get some chips and queso from the food truck. My treat.” I start to interrupt and tell her I’ll pay, but she stops me.
“None of that. It’s my damn money. You and Jasper are going to drive me to drink. Plus, don’t tell that cranky man of ours, but tomorrow I’m going to look at a small SUV. Want to go with me?”
“You love us, and of course I do. Who else will kick the tires for you?” I’m so happy she’s finally retiring her old car. I know Jasper will be too. I was left with instructions that if something happened and she needed a vehicle, to stop by his apartment. He owns an older truck that he doesn’t take to work. It’s nothing fancy, but it runs like a charm and is newer than his mom’s car. Hell, the man even gave me his apartment keys. And don’t think for a minute I wasn’t tempted to use those keys, steal a shirt of his out of the closet, and climb into his bed just to be surrounded by his scent.
“Good, let’s get this show on the road. Stella should be here any minute.” I watch as she flutters around the store before I get out of my stupor and head to the office. Surely, after today it’ll be easy. I mean, it’s just been a full week. At least that’s what I tell myself.
The office phone ringing stops me from heading back out to the front.
“Hello, Vintage Threads, this is Aspen. How can I help you?” I answer.
“Fuck, but I missed your voice.” Jasper’s tone is soft with a hint of a rasp. If I know anything by now, it’s because he’s had to shout a lot to be heard over the machine noise when they’re in the midst of chaos.
“God, Jasper,” I all but sigh. It’s as if he knew I needed this today. I haven’t spoken to him since the day after he left. He was working nights and sleeping during the day. Plus, he was raking in the overtime, and when he wasn’t working, there was no way I was going to keep him from sleeping.
“I know, wildflower. Tell me what you’re up to. I don’t have long, maybe five minutes or so.” Jasper must be in his truck. I can hear the music playing softly in the background.
“Well, you know where I’m at, obviously. We’re holding the annual sale, and your mom just bribed me with beer and queso for dinner, so all of us girls are going to do that after closing. Other than that, it’s been working, and when I’m not doing that, there isn’t much going on. I think my sisters and Berkley are coming down still, not sure when. Enough about me. Are you okay? Are you getting enough sleep, staying safe?” I ramble off. There’s no way I’m going to tell Jasper I broke down on his mom only minutes before he called.