Read Jessie Belle: The Women of Merryton - Book One for Free Online Page B

content with that. Now we
barely noticed each other, or we stayed out of each other’s way.
    I
held back the tears. I had already redone my makeup twice before I left the
house.
    I
spent the morning working on payroll and scheduling, then my stomach growled. I
supposed I should try and eat something. After talking to Blake that morning I
had lost my appetite. Besides, I really needed to quit closing myself off. I
never used to spend this much time in my office. My favorite place was out
among our customers. I even liked taking orders. I had just gotten tired of
people feeling sorry for me, so I did what I could to protect myself.
    No
more, I decided. I stood up, took a deep breath, and walked out to the main
area that was bustling with the lunchtime crowd. As soon as I came around the
corner it was like the whole café turned and looked my way. Instead of
retreating like I wanted to do, I smiled. Several patrons smiled back and then
returned to their food, papers, phones, or people. All except one person,
Easton Cole. I was surprised to see him there for lunch. He frequently stopped
by in the morning on his way to his practice, but I never saw him for lunch. In
the morning he always ordered the same thing, an orange roll and herbal tea to
go. The orange rolls were to die for, if I did say so myself. They were the
reason I originally took up Zumba and kickboxing.
    As
Easton kept looking at me thoughtfully I made my way to his table near the
unlit fireplace. Looking at the fireplace reminded me of my husband. A few
years ago when I took over the café from my mom, I had wanted to redesign the
interior. I wanted Summers Construction to do the job, but Blake insisted I get
several other bids besides his before he would agree to do it. I couldn’t
understand his thought process. He was my husband and he was the best. I knew I
would never choose anyone else. His bid ended up being the best and he did a
beautiful job, but he never did explain to me why he made me go through the
motions. I’d asked several times and all he would say was it was a good
business practice—I just wanted him to be my husband.
    I
guess in way he ended up being more than a contractor. He took my original
designs and budget and went above and beyond what I could afford. The fireplace
was a testament to that. I wanted something simple, but he ended up building a
circular stone fireplace with stone benches coming out of it. It looked like
something out of an upscale ski lodge. It was breathtaking and it totally
transformed my café. I couldn’t tell you how many people inquired who the
builder was. I know he has had requests to replicate his handiwork, but as far
as I know he’s declined.
    “Jessie,”
Easton said as I drew near.
    “Hey,
Easton. How are you?”
    Unexpectedly,
he stood up and pulled the chair across from him out for me. “Do you have a
minute to talk?”
    “Sure.”
I was more than curious. I sat down and he quickly took his seat. I studied him
for a moment and he, like my husband, looked worn. It wasn’t from just being a
busy doctor, either. It made me wonder if the rumors about his wife were true.
    He
ran his hands through his curtained golden-blonde hair that was darkening and
had some gray mixed in. I think he was a few years older than Blake. “How are
you, Jessie?”
    I
wondered if he knew. I would have been highly surprised if Blake had mentioned
Madeline to him. That wasn’t Blake’s style at all. He was a very private
person, which made living in Merryton difficult for him. Privacy was like an
extinct animal around here.
    “I’m
trying,” I responded.
    He
gave a knowing nod and grin. “It’s better than the alternative,” he replied.
    “I
suppose so. How’s Emmy?”
    His
demeanor instantly changed to that of a concerned father. His brows furrowed
and his brown eyes darkened. “She’s doing … as good as can be expected.”
    “Anything
I can do?” I wasn’t sure why I asked. I was a complete wreck and