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“This won’t go well. They’ve been after me to move in with Roman. I love New York.”
“What about hiring someone like a live-in maid?”
Edith frowned. “I like living alone. I don’t need a babysitter.”
“Suppose you hadn’t been able to get to the phone?”
“I don’t know, but I like my independence.”
“I was very worried about you.”
I grasped her hand, and she squeezed. “You can go. I know you don’t want to see Austin.”
That couldn’t be further than the truth. I’d been dreaming of him almost nightly. I still loved him even though he said those horrible things.
“I’ll be fine. I don’t want to leave you.”
I stayed with her most of the day until a weary Austin walked through the door of her room. He stopped short when he saw me. Edith was dozing, and he gave me a disarming smile, which allowed me to relax.
“How is she,” he whispered.
“Fine. She slipped in the kitchen.”
“I got your text. Thank you for taking care of her.”
“I’m just glad I could help. I should go.”
“You can stay.”
“I need to get back to the office. I’ve been out all day.”
“I’m sorry she took you away from your work.”
“It’s no trouble at all. I like Edith very much.”
His grandmother woke, and he went to her. I slipped out of the room and headed back to the office. Austin texted me to say Edith would be staying in the hospital for a few days, and then she would be home. I thanked him for the update. I didn’t expect to hear from him again, but he texted me as I was leaving Tailwind.
Can we meet for coffee?
My stomach twisted in knots as I read the text.
Where and when?
The Bean Nut near my grandmother’s place. Do you know it? I could meet you there at seven.
Yes. I know it. I’ll see you then.
It was just after six, which gave me some time to get back to my hotel, change and meet him at the little coffee shop. I rushed out of the building.
I arrived a few minutes early and scanned the place for Austin. He wasn’t here yet, and I sat at one of the square tables against the wall facing the door. He strolled through the door five minutes later, and I felt my heart begin to speed up at the sight of him. I stood as he approached.
“I need a large cup of coffee. Can I get you something?” he asked.
“Large cup as well.”
“One sugar and a splash of milk?”
I smiled that he would remember how I took my coffee, and I nodded. I watched him go to the counter and order. He still looked as hot as ever except his usually short hair had grown just below his collar and was a bit shaggy. The jeans he was wearing hugged his sculpted backside, and I couldn’t help but fixate there. When he returned, he set my coffee in front of me and sat down.
