“I can drop him off. It’s no big deal. His school is on my way to the clinic, and if I don’t have to go all the way back home, it makes more sense. If that’s okay with you.”
I could feel Joshua’s gaze darting between us, and I couldn’t say what I wanted to. That it would be too much. Too much like a family. Instead, I knew I should be grateful that I could lean on him.
I just didn’t need it to mean so much.
“That would be good. Very helpful. Pop isn’t opening today because she has a dentist appointment, so I need to get in ASAP.”
“Okay, then. Let’s make this work. You ready to go, Joshua?”
“I still need to get out of my pajamas. And eat breakfast. I want oatmeal.” He started oinking again, and I laughed, with Macon shaking his head. It felt…normal.
And I wasn’t used to that.
Somehow, the three of us got ready quickly, and I swallowed hard as I gave a spare key to Macon. They were planning to leave in the next twenty minutes or so, but I had to go right away. I didn’t know what I was doing, and I felt like I was making all of the wrong choices. But I couldn’t go back now. Not that I knew where I would end up.
“Thank you,” Macon said, meeting my gaze. “Thank you for trusting me.”
“I’ll always trust you with his safety, Macon.” Unsaid was what I couldn’t trust him with. I couldn’t hurt him any more than I likely already would.
He leaned closer, and I could smell my shampoo on him. Why was that so damn sexy? “Have fun at work today. Stay safe.”
Chills broke out over my arms at the thought of Adam lurking, but Joshua would never be alone today, and I would be in a public place. Adam wouldn’t hurt us. At least I didn’t think so. I just didn’t know what my ex’s plans were when it came to Joshua or me.
“Thank you again. Just lock up when you leave and keep my baby safe.”
I had to go, but then Macon tucked my hair behind my ear and gazed into my eyes. “I’ll take care of him. You take care of yourself.”
I wanted him to lean down and kiss me, brush his lips across mine, and tell me everything was going to be okay. And because I wanted that, I moved away, gave him a small smile that didn’t reach my eyes, then hugged my son tightly and left. I didn’t know why it hurt so much that I wanted how I’d felt this morning to be real—to last. And that I didn’t know what else I wanted. But I didn’t have time to worry about it or stress.
I needed to open the café with Jason and get ready for the day. Jason was already at the shop since his day started earlier than mine, and we were both quiet as we prepared for customers and set up coffee and pastries.
The morning rush was intense, everybody seeming on edge for some reason, and I hoped it was just the weather change and finals and the like. But I was tired, and my brain was trying to work on a thousand different important things at once. Thankfully, Pop came in right before lunch, and the three of us worked hard from that point on, keeping up with everything.
The lunch rush came and went, and were finally able to take a break before the next swarm of orders. My feet hurt, and all I wanted to do was check on Joshua, even though I knew he was still in school and I shouldn’t.
“I’d love a double espresso when you have time.” Myra spoke from beside me. I jumped, looking over at her. “I didn’t see you come in,” I said, a little worried that I hadn’t. What else had I missed today?
I looked around as if Adam would jump out from some non-existent bushes or something, but he wasn’t here. And the others were on alert, as well. But we had been so busy, what if I had missed a clue or something important?
My heart raced as I tried not to let my thoughts lead me down dangerous paths, but I couldn’t help where they went. The school would have called me if something had happened to Joshua. I knew that. I just didn’t like that I felt as if I were missing something important or not doing everything I could.
“What’s wrong?” Myra asked as I went around the counter, and I hugged her tight.
“Nothing’s wrong. I’m glad that you’re here, though.”
“I’m glad I’m here, as well. I really could use some coffee.”
“I’m on it,” Pop said.
I smiled over at her. “Thank you, but I’ve got it. We know somebody’s picky.”
Myra just rolled her eyes. “Knowing what you like is not being picky. It’s smart. And I enjoy Pop’s drinks. As well as Jason’s. The three of you have made my list.”
That made me snort. “And I take it that’s a good thing?”
My friend smiled. “I trust you three to make me wonderful concoctions. So, yes, let’s call it a good thing. Now, want to tell me what’s got that look on your face?”
That made me snort. “Which look, so I can figure out what you mean?”
“I’d say it’s worry. And would figure it’s about Adam, but perhaps it’s something else? Confusion?”
“Myra. This isn’t the best place to talk about this.”
“Ah, must be Macon, then.”
I narrowed my eyes, even though the sound of his name did something to me that I didn’t want to admit—even to myself. “I’m still angry at you for sending Macon over yesterday without my knowledge. I can get over the fact that Nate was there without me knowing, considering he came to keep you safe. But you called Macon over. As if he’s part of my life no matter what and has a
