It's Only Love(32)

Next up was a check of inventory to make sure everything Charley had ordered for the store was in place and ready to replenish supplies as needed. The holidays were their second most profitable time of year, following leaf-peeping season, during which people came from all over the world to view the spectacular Vermont foliage.

They no sooner completed that season than the holidays were upon them. By mid-December they’d be living for January. They got a small break during mud season before the new batch of maple syrup began to arrive in the store, bringing with it hordes of customers looking to stock up. It was the same thing every year, and Ella enjoyed the rhythms and cycles of the seasons outside and in the store. She loved the predictable nature of what they did, ensuring that customers received the same welcoming experience every time they set foot into the store.

She checked her watch. Almost eleven. Thank goodness she was busy and the time was going by quickly. She got up to stretch and was heading downstairs to work the floor for a while when Charley came into her office, shutting the door behind her.

“Good morning to you, too.”

“You look like hell, and is that razor burn on your face?”

Ella’s hand covered her cheek.

“Other side.”

“Stop. Leave me alone.”

“Not until you tell me everything.”

“I’m not telling you anything.”

“I was good enough to unload on when things had gone to shit with him. I think I deserve some of the dirty details.”

Ella laughed, because how could she not? Charley was as outrageous as ever.

“Besides, it’s obvious you’ve been thoroughly ravished, so don’t try to deny it.”

“It is?” She pulled a mirror out of her purse and studied the patch of razor burn at her jawline, as well as her swollen lips and red eyes.

“Told you. Now spill the beans.”

“You seem to already have all the beans figured out. Why do I need to spill them?”

“Was it good? Worth the long, agonizing wait?”

“Yes.”

“To which?”

“Both.”

Charley smiled. “Excellent. I was hoping it wouldn’t be a giant letdown after all the buildup.”

“Still could be. Who knows? We’re taking it a day at a time, but he’s trying. I’ll give him that.”

“Judging by the look of you today, he’s putting forth one hell of an effort.”

Ella couldn’t help but laugh at that. “Indeed he is.”

“I’m happy for you, Ella. You’ve been into him a long time, and you never gave up on him even when it would’ve been easier for you.”

“I couldn’t give up on him. I love him. I’ve always loved him.”

“Sigh,” Charley said, dropping into a chair. “What’s that like? I’ve never met any guy that didn’t drive me bonkers. I can’t imagine falling in love with one of them.”

“It’ll happen someday. When it’s meant to.”

“I don’t know about that. I might be too cynical for love.”

“Somewhere out there is a guy who will love the challenge of defrosting your frigid, cynical heart.”

Charley snorted with laughter. “If you say so. I pity the fool, whoever he is.”

“We all do, Charley.”

“Ha. Ha. Ha. Are you going to Hannah’s to watch The Bachelor tonight?”

“I don’t think so. We’re having dinner with Gavin’s parents, and I’m kinda tired. I’ll be back next week.”

“We’ll give you a pass this one time.”

“Gee, thanks. And you know, thanks for listening during the tough times. It really helped me to unload on you.”

“I was happy to be there for you. I hated seeing you unhappy. Ravished and glowing is a big improvement.”

Ella touched the rash on her cheek again. “You don’t think Dad will be able to tell, will he?”

“Um, am I to say what you want to hear or the truth?”

“Oh God. I’ll be avoiding him today then.”

“Good luck with that.”

“Maybe I’ll also skip my daily walk through the store, too. I don’t want people talking about us until we’re ready for that.”

“I’d say you let that cat out of the bag by bringing him to dinner yesterday.”

“I don’t care if the family knows.”

“If the family knows, the town knows.”

A niggle of unease settled in Ella’s belly at the thought of people in town talking about her and Gavin. They weren’t ready to be the subject of gossip. Not yet anyway. “I’ve got to get back to work. I’m trying to get out of here a little early today.”

Charley dragged herself out of the chair where she’d made herself nice and comfortable. “I won’t keep you.”

“I meant to tell you—congrats on the training and everything. I think it’s awesome—and amazing—that you’re going to run a marathon.”

“We’ll see if it happens. The run on Saturday about killed me. My legs were on fire yesterday.”

“It’ll get better the more you do it.”

“Hope so. The old gray mare ain’t as young as she used to be.”