"So, getting back to the Donovans, why don't you just set a hard and fast deadline? Just stress that you have to settle on a final design so that you can adhere to a schedule."
"It sounds easier said than done. I'm trying to move them along, but you know how it is. Even after we're finished, I still have to help out with their fundraiser, so I want to tread carefully while trying not to lose my mind."
"Fundraiser?"
"Yeah, Lexi laid the pressure on to help out with their annual fundraiser, and I caved."
"About Lexi."
I gathered up the nerve to say what was on my mind for quite some time.
"With everything going on, I didn't have a chance to talk to you last week."
"What's up?" he said.
"Cole, I'm almost certain Lexi is trying to drive a wedge between us."
He looked surprised by the statement.
"Are you serious?" He laughed it off.
"Yes, I'm very serious."
"I know she can be a handful, but she would never try to do something like that. What makes you say such a thing?"
To me, it was obvious. But sometimes, men had a way of letting matters like this fly completely over their heads.
"Let's see. Shall we start with my encounter with her last week? I tried to come in and bring you lunch like I normally do, but I couldn't because she was too busy grabbing the food and shoving me out the door."
"Shoving you?" he said.
"Well, not exactly shoving, but she did take her foot and slam the door closed. Which was totally uncalled for."
"She told me you had to run along because it was about to storm."
"See, that's what I'm talking about right there. Yes, it was about to storm, but I tried to come in and say hi. What she was doing was intentional."
"I'll admit she has a way about her, but I'm sure she didn’t mean any harm."
If I didn't know any better, it seemed like Cole was defending her.
"Really? Well, I wasn't going to say anything, but to me, it's nothing but a continuation of the way Lexi and her mother treated me when I was working for them."
"What do you mean?"
"Mrs. Donovan made it very clear that she thinks her daughter Lexi is a better choice for you. And, she didn't mind letting me know face to face."
"Keywords being 'last year’. I'm sure she knows by now that we're together."
"Okay, Cole. It seems like no matter what I say, you have it all figured out."
"Payton, that's not what I meant."
Thankfully, I was finished with my food. I thought it might be a good idea to start cleaning up before the conversation became even more irritating.
"Paytonnn…come on. Don't be like that."
He took the napkins out of my hands and laid them down.
"Come here." His hands slid around my waist.
"Look, the Donovans are long time clients and friends. I know they can be a handful at times, but I don't pay attention to any of that."
"What kind of client or friend tries to come between you and your love life?"
He paused.
"I can't explain her actions. All I can do is assume that Lexi was being her usual irritating self, and it probably just came off the wrong way."
"Well, you know what they say about those who assume?"
I probably was pushing it with the last comment, but my level of annoyance was at an all-time high.
"So, you don't believe me?"
"Cole, of course, I believe you. It's just Lexi and her mother that I don't trust."
"Come here."
"I'm right here."
"Closer," he said.
Cole kissed me. Then he paused to look me in the eyes, draw me in closer, and kissed me again. Being in his arms always made me forget about everything else. Sadly, the sound of the front door opening brought me back to reality.
"Hello, love birds." Rebecca grinned.
"Hey, Rebecca. How are you?" Cole said.
"I'm well, thank you. It looks as if you two are even better."
I balled up the paper bag on the counter and tossed it at her head.
"Payton Matthews, you don't want to start that with me. The last time you threw something at me, you ended up soaking wet."
"That means I still owe you one. Better sleep with one eye open." I teased.
We both inherited our playful spirit from Dad, which Cole found to be amusing.
"You two are funny. Listen, I need to head back, but try not to hurt each other while I'm gone."
He gave me a final kiss before leaving.
"Payton, before I forget. Emmie wants to know if you can come over for dinner tonight. I told her you might be really busy planning for the opening, but of course, she still wanted to extend the invitation."
"I wouldn't miss it. What's on the menu?"
"Whatever my Mom decides to get together. She's watching Emmie until I get home."
"Cole, your Mom deserves a night off. Why don't you ask Emmie if she would like for us to cook together?"
"Me? Cooking? Hey, I already warned you about my cooking a long time ago."
"I know. Don't worry. We'll show you a thing or two. I'll pick up the groceries on the way to the house if you want. Just send me a text and let me know."
"Sure thing. I love you."
"Love you too."
"See ya, Rebecca."
"Bye, Cole."
Rebecca pressed me for information once he left.
"Sooooo…" she said.
"So, what?"
"So, it looks like things are going really well with you two."
"Yeah."
"That's it? That's all you have to say? I'd give it a year tops before the two of you are making wedding plans."
Rebecca had come a long way from being the one who initially had a crush on Cole.
"We're just enjoying each other right now if that's okay with you."
"Yeah, well, don't get too comfortable in that space because I can tell that man is head over heels about you."
"You think so?" I said.
"Yes, of course, I think so. Wake up and smell the coffee, Payton. He waited for you when you were uncertain about dating after the divorce. He dropped everything to come be with you
