“Morning,” Lenora answers.
“Hey, what are your plans today?”
“Just organizing my life.” She chuckles. “Why? What’s up?”
“Would you mind coming to watch the store for me while I run to the station to see Grayson?” I ask her. Every time I go to put the Help Wanted sign up, I get distracted. I really do need to do that.
“He still acting weird?”
“I called him this morning, but he didn’t answer. I know he’s at the station. I can see his truck.”
“You know that makes you sound like a stalker, right?” she asks.
“At this point, I feel like one. He’s pushing me away, and I don’t know why.”
“I’ll be there in twenty.”
“Thank you, Leni.”
“Remember this moment. I expect your firstborn to be named after me,” she jokes.
“I’ll see what I can do.”
Her laughter fills my ears. “I’ll see you soon.”
I pace back and forth, waiting for Lenora to get here. I don’t want to think that he’s avoiding me since I know the girls have been sick, but something feels off. I feel this disconnect between us that’s never been there. I just need to see him. I want to give him a hug and tell him he’s not alone. Then I’ll come back to work, and all will be well. I just need to see him. My phone rings, startling me.
“Morning,” I greet my best friend, Justine.
“Morning. How’s your week been?”
“Meh, okay, I guess. Yours?”
“Good. That’s kind of why I’m calling. So, I called this photographer in Yellowstone County who does maternity shoots. She’s so good that she’s booked solid. I’ve tried to get in with her, and I’ve been on her waiting list. Well, one of the moms went into labor early. She’s fine, the baby’s healthy, and yes, I asked,” she rushes to say.
“That’s good,” I agree.
“Yes. Anyway, her spot is available. It’s tomorrow afternoon, and Tucker is whining about me driving the hour and a half on my own. Is there any way you can get coverage for the store and come with me? Please?”
“You know I will. I’m sure I can get Mom or even Leni to cover for me.”
“Cover for what?” my sister asks, scaring the hell out of me.
“You said twenty minutes,” I say, placing my hand over my heart.
“I was ready early.” She shrugs. “What am I helping with?”
“Justine, Leni just got here. Let me talk to her, and I’ll call you right back.”
“Thank you!” she squeals, and the line goes dead.
“What was that about?” Lenora asks with a smile.
I tell her about Justine’s call and that she was hoping that I could go with her tomorrow.
“I’ll do it. Trace can either come with me or stay with Mom. In fact, I think it will do me some good. I need to decide where I’m going with my life.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. Call her and tell her you’re in.”
“Thanks, Leni.” I give my sister a hug before dialing Justine. “Hey, I’m covered for tomorrow. What time are we leaving?” We make plans to leave early Friday morning so that we can stop and grab breakfast. Her appointment is at noon. “I’ll be at your place at eight,” I tell Justine.
“Perfect. I’m so excited! I can’t wait.”
“Thank you for today and for tomorrow. I shouldn’t be gone long.”
“Take your time,” Lenora says, settling on the stool behind the register. She has a copy of Lacey Black’s newest romance, Kickstart My Heart, in her hands, and her eyes are already scanning the pages.
After crossing the street, I make my way to the side entrance of the firehouse. I don’t bother knocking, knowing that the guys won’t hear it. Instead, I walk inside. My eyes scan the room, and they land on Canaan and Mark sitting in the common area.
“You here to see your man?” Canaan calls out. I can’t help but offer him a sad smile. A week ago, it would have been one of pure joy. Today, I’m not so sure Grayson is still my man.
“Is he busy?”
“Nope. He’s holed up in his office.”
“He’s been surly this week. Maybe you can help us out with that,” Mark says, wagging his eyebrows.
I smile at him. “I’ll see what I can do.” Turning, I head toward Grayson’s office. It shouldn’t make me feel better that he’s been short with everyone, but it does. At the same time, it makes me hurt for him. Something is going on, and he’s not telling me. Reaching his door, I run my fingers over the nameplate. Grayson Davis, Captain. A smile tilts my lips. I’m so proud of him for all that he’s accomplished, all while raising twin daughters on his own.
Squaring my shoulders, I knock on his door.
“What?” he barks out.
Not the greeting I was expecting, then again, he doesn’t know it’s me. Plastering on a smile, I push open the door. “Hey, you,” I greet him.