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“That’s a good idea,” she says but still looks defeated.
“We’ll figure it all out together, baby.”
She meets my eyes and forces a smile. “I know, but it’s just a lot to process and deal with. My to-do list just grew five miles long, and I have inventory arriving at the end of this week. The timing couldn’t be any worse.”
“When is the timing ever right?”
She sucks in a deep breath. “Never. This year has sucked for me.”
Her words are a knife to my heart. I know she’s not directing her anger at me, but these problems of hers didn’t happen until I arrived.
Everleigh’s business is her life, and anyone who paid attention for longer than a minute would know that. Seeing her like this is heartbreaking, and maybe that’s what Krystal was trying to accomplish in the first place.
The next morning, I wake up and cook breakfast before driving back to the B&B for our bags. She tossed and turned all night, and right now, we’re both mentally and physically exhausted.
Before we went to bed, I sent Tyler a text and let him know what had happened. Everleigh texted the girls and gave them an update, then apologized again for having to leave early. Of course Katie wasn’t upset and was more sad to learn about what happened. Relief temporarily covered Everleigh’s face, but it was short-lived. No one could make her feel better, not even me.
“Biscuits and gravy with a side of crispy bacon,” I present, setting a plate in front of her at the table along with her sugary coffee. Today, she looks like she’s ready to kick someone’s ass.
“Thank you,” she says. “You made a true Southern breakfast. I’m proud of you.”
“I watched a YouTube video,” I confess. “That’s homemade milk gravy, not any of that packaged stuff.”
A small smile plays on her lips. “Color me impressed.”
While we dig in, I try to keep the conversation moving, but I can tell she’s not in the mood for small talk.
“When I get back, do you want me to stay home with you today?” I ask.
“No, it’s okay. You should go to work. I have errands to run anyway. I gotta meet with my insurance agent, and then I was gonna call the detective to see if I’m allowed to go to the shop yet. I wanna see the damage and write down what I need to do to clean it up. That’ll probably take me all day, and I don’t want you to cancel with your clients again over my problems.”
“You’re more important than them, baby.”
“I know. I’d just feel guilty if you did.”
Not wanting to push her, I nod. “Well, if you change your mind, just call me, okay? I’ll cancel anything if you need me. Period.”
She smiles. “Thank you. I appreciate that. I dunno what I’d do without you. I’d probably be going more crazy than I already am.”
I reach my hand across the table, and when she grabs it, I bring her knuckles to my lips. “I’ll always be here for you.”
Her phone buzzes with a call, and I continue eating as she chats. Once she hangs up, she sets her cell down. “Cathy. My insurance lady. She wants to meet me to take pictures around eight thirty.”
“Gives you some more time to finish your coffee.”
“Mmm. You made it perfect, too.”
Everleigh finishes eating, then takes Sassy outside as I rinse the dishes. When she returns, she wraps her arms around my waist and squeezes. “I’m sorry if I’m not my usual happy self.”
I turn so I can see her beautiful face. “Sweetheart, you don’t have to pretend that everything is fine. I know it’s not.”
“Thanks,” she tells me, and I press my lips to hers.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. It’s a lot to deal with right now, but they say the comeback is always stronger than the setback.”
“Good because I don’t think I can deal with any more bullshit right now,” she groans. “My life has had enough excitement in the past six months to last me a lifetime. But there’s been some good that’s happened too. Mainly meeting you.”
“Glad I could be your sunshine on a cloudy day.”
