Is This Shoulder Taken?

Chapter 26

Kendall

After Sheila left us alone, Greyson stood before me with his hands at his sides, nervously. To be honest, I was nervous too. I sat the cake on top of the front reception desk. The cream colored box was beautiful with an intricate pattern on the outside. My hands shook as I opened the top. "That's so nice you included a fork."

"That was the cook's idea."

"I'm glad, I was wondering how to take a bite of cake gracefully. I was anxious to try this cake you brought all the way from the ranch."

He laughed. "I'm sure you would have figured out how take a bite. You are the definition of gracefulness. I hope you like it. It's enough to share some with Sheila."

"Thank you," I answered softly.

I know I looked like the character from Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss—when he first tried the green eggs. Everyone in the water eagerly anticipated his reaction. I took a bite of the wedding cake. "This is delicious." I chewed as if I was at a cake tasting, savoring each bite. "I'm going to save the rest for later, with a glass of milk." I stretched my eyes with a smile. The cake really was good.

"See, now you know why I saved you a slice of cake." Greyson said.

"Yes, I'm glad you did." I couldn't believe I was having banter about a slice of the wedding cake. But at least it was a conversation starter. I stayed awake wondering what I was going to say to him and wondering why he insisted on stopping by the gallery today. I didn't know what to say or where to begin after all the time we've been apart. And I didn't know what happened with him and Savannah.

I didn't want his sympathy for him choosing her over me. I had to come to the realization after Mark broke my heart and then Greyson, it's their loss. I've been on such an emotional roller coaster. It's time for this roller coaster ride to come to and end. I don't need anyone's validation. I am worthy of more than they have given me and I am enough. It took a lot for me to finally come to that conclusion. I still have moments of self doubt, but then I shake myself out of it.

I feel like Greyson bringing me the cake, is a peace offering. He had to know how he made me feel. But I'm learning to cope with the disappointments in my life. They say the difficulties you go through in life makes you stronger—in some ways that's true. I should be beyond strong with all of the challenges I've faced these past few years.

"Kendall." Greyson called my name.

"Sorry, I was lost in thought for a moment. So, what brings you here besides dropping off a piece of the wedding cake?" I had a moment of boldness.

He slid his hand through his short brown hair. "I was hoping I could get you to join me for lunch."

"Ah . . . I guess I could leave the gallery for a little while. There is a new restaurant close by." I agreed to having lunch. It came out of my mouth, before I realized it. I couldn't take it back.

"Great! I thought it would be nice to catch up. I feel bad I've been an absent friend." He gave me a small smile.

I nodded slowly. It didn't go unnoticed that he emphasized friend. So I guess he and Savannah are still together. I'm not surprised—I should have known. I wish I could take back my saying yes, to lunch with him.

I held up my pointer finger. "Let me tell Sheila that I'm leaving to go to lunch with you. I'll be right back. You can have a seat on one of the couches if you'd like." I stepped away.

I hurried to the room Sheila was in inventorying new items that were shipped to us. "Sheila. . . ." I put my hand up to my mouth. "Greyson invited me to lunch."