Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
“I insist,” she says in a firm tone. “You need it. I can tell. I’ll be back in a flash.”
As soon as she’s out of the office, I pull up Opal’s contact information on my phone and call her. It goes straight to voicemail, so I leave a message that doesn’t convey what I really want to say, “Hey. It’s William. Give me a call back when you get a chance.” I contemplate ending it there but then add a few more words, “I have a surprise for you. I’ll stop by the bar with it in an hour or two.”
I end the call and stare at my phone’s screen.
This is it. Today’s the day I tell Opal how I ended up on the sidewalk outside of her bar on the day she spilled Dicey Dip on me. I also need her to know that I’m a resident of Tribeca, not Brooklyn.
I can’t expect her to trust me with her heart if she can’t trust me to tell her the truth about everything, so this is my day of confession.
I pray it ends with her in my life forever.
53
Opal
I don’t bother listening to the voicemail William left ten minutes ago because I have nothing to say to him right now. It’s the same reason why I ignored his text messages overnight.
I somehow managed to keep myself together during the dinner celebration for Malvie. I did shed a couple of tears when Posey made a toast to my cousin. Those tears had nothing to do with everything Malvie’s accomplished in her career.
They were tears of grief for what could have been between William and me.
I glance at Chelsie when she calls out my name. Since this is already my third coffee of the day, I practically bolt up from the table I’ve been sitting at to grab the fresh cup.
As I approach the barista counter, Chelsie shakes her head. “I would have given you a free refill, but I was in the back doing inventory. The next cup is on the house.”
I’d tell her there won’t be a next cup, but I can’t say for sure. The coffee is the only thing getting me through my day. Soon, I’ll need to head back to the bar to dive into work. I was there this morning, but it was only to toss out the roses William gave me. I washed out the vase and put it in the back room, hoping Myra or Bristol will take it home.
When Myra showed up at the bar to take care of a few things, I left with the excuse that I needed coffee. I didn’t have the energy for small talk.
I just need a few more minutes alone to think about what might have been before I’m thrust back into a reality that includes telling William I want nothing to do with him.
“Is that another piece courtesy of the former renter?” Chelsie points at the gray sweater I’m wearing. “I love it.”
“This one is mine,” I say. “I’ve had it forever.”
At least, it feels that way. My mom gave it to me when I was a senior in high school. It’s cashmere, and although I didn’t ask for a sweater like this for my birthday, she decided I needed one. It wasn’t my favorite at first, but I’ve come to love it for many reasons, including the fact that it reminds me of a time in my life when I thought nothing could go wrong.
That feeling lasted until everything did go wrong.
“It’s beautiful, Opal,” she comments. “I hope I’m not overstepping, but are you okay?”
I nod. “Sure. I’m fine.”
She reaches across the counter to grab hold of my hand. “If you say so, but just know that I have a break coming up in about thirty minutes. If you need someone to talk to, I’ll have fifteen minutes all for you.”
I manage a small smile. “Thank you. I have a lot on my mind. Coffee always helps me sort things out.”
“Wine always helps me sort things out,” a female voice says from behind me.
“Hildy!” Chelsie greets my great aunt before I get a chance. “It’s so good to see you.”
“You too, dear.” Hildy squeezes my shoulder gently as she steps up next to me. “I’ll have a coffee too, please, and add a couple of those decadent brownies to the order. I think my great niece and I could both use one.”
Trying not to tear up, I glance at her. “I didn’t know you were coming.”
She shakes her head lightly as she pulls me into an embrace. “Your heart is breaking, and my heart heard the call. So, here I am.”
I cling tightly to her, knowing I can tell her anything, even if I’m not sure I have the strength to do that at the moment.