Fairy Tales and Cappuccinos (Everyday Love #1) - Taylor Rylan Page 0,25

Monopoly or cards. That’s it. We were twenty-eight, and yeah, I understood that there certainly wasn’t a huge nightlife in Pleasant Grove, but there were some things to do. But getting Chris to leave his house was like pulling teeth.

“Your friend won’t care?” Hudson asked.

I shook my head and snorted. “Chris? No, I’d swear he was old if it weren’t for the fact that we’re the same age. He’s in his pajamas by eight, and honestly, I think I might be disturbing his routine. Me staying late isn’t going to matter. Nor would coming in tomorrow morning if needed.”

The first Sunday I was here, we were snowed in. The second, well, we slept in a bit and then…nothing. Not that I expected Chris to go out and do a bunch of stuff, but to do some stuff would be good. Instead, he spent most of his time lost in thought or going about his life like I wasn’t even there.

“If you’re sure. I’d appreciate it. We’re close to being finished, and I don’t like having it like it is.”

We both glanced at the yet unfinished counter. We spent a little time at the home improvement store on Wednesday, and while walking around we happened to go by the kitchen area, and it came to us that we could simply use a large run of kitchen cabinets. That would save us from having to build shelves that would be needed.

Luckily for us, the store had a line that was raw wood, and you could stain or paint it as you wished. For us, Hudson had opted to front it with brick backsplash. It made sense since the wall behind the register and now the coffee bar was exposed brick. The real fun was going to be doing the bar top. Hudson had opted for a complementary tile. We planned on staining the wood trim that would be the edging, and the hope was that it looked gorgeous when we were finished.

“I don’t mind at all. But do you have any experience with tile?” I asked.

“Not a bit. You?”

“Nope.” We stood there staring at the bar, and I was beginning to wonder if we’d bitten off more than either of us could handle. Only time would tell, I guess. The door chimed, pulling our attention toward the person coming in.

“I have them,” Hudson told me as he walked toward the group of teens that had just come in. I watched for just a few moments before I pulled out my phone and sent Chris a message.

Me: Staying late tonight to get the coffee counter finished.

Chris must have been between patients because it only took seconds for the dancing dots to start moving, letting me know he was typing.

Chris: Really? But it’s Saturday.

Me: Yeah. But we didn’t have any plans and I told Hudson I’d help.

Chris: You spend more time there than you do with me. Again, you’re spending all of your time working.

Whoa. What? Where was this coming from?

Me: You’re at work. So I found something to occupy my time while you were there. And I’m usually home shortly after six. We’re just trying to get the counter finished so it can dry for the inspection.

Chris: Yeah, but you work later than me. And lately you’ve been staying late a lot. You were supposed to be here visiting me. Not working.

He was right about that. I had come to see him. But I’d also told him I was more than ready for a change. It was the reason why I was even in the position to be in Pleasant Grove. And it wasn’t like he’d taken time off since I’d been here.

Me: Yes. But you work every day and you’re ready for bed by 8:00. I thought you’d be happy?

“Everything okay?” Hudson asked. He had his hand on my shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. The move was comforting, and it had me clearing up my mind as quickly as possible. I wanted to lean into his side, but I wasn’t sure he’d welcome me.

“Yeah. Fine. Chris is upset about me working late. I don’t understand why though. He’s not asked to do anything yet since I’ve been here.”

“I’m sure I can figure out how to do this by myself. Why don’t you go home?”

I shook my head as I pocketed my phone. “Nope. You’re not getting rid of me that easy. Besides, I’m the one going to be working behind the bar, right? I should get to help you finish