Escape Across the Pond

Chapter 19

Dear Dad,

Is the key to being happy cutting all of the toxic people from your life? Are they like cancer eating away at the things that you love most and eventually making you as miserable as they are? Are you supposed to remove those people in order to thrive and be happy? I'm starting to believe that to be true.

The next few days pass by in a blur of working on lemon tartlet recipes, having lunch with Charlotte, seeing Alex at the garage in the afternoons before going home, and looking forward to Grandmama's visit. I've been so busy but not busy enough to realize Kate still hasn't returned my call. I'm starting to get worried, but if she's trying to keep things quiet before she leaves, she may not need me calling her every couple of days. I've tried not to text her either.

Today is Thursday and Grandmama will be here this afternoon. Hopefully, she's heard from Kate and can tell me what's going on with her and when she'll be here. I'm not sure what time Grandmama is coming but I'm really looking forward to it. However, I think Charlotte is correct about the party being this big charity event for the hospital. There's going to be some fancy dinner, a speech, a silent auction, and a little dancing according to my friend. It's been a long time since I've been to an event like this. I'm usually the wallflower and try not to stand out too much. Although, that was when I had to go with Elizabeth and Blair and listen to both of them pick apart everything about me, including the things they helped pick out or put together for me. I should make the most of this experience with Grandmama. I know she said we had an appointment tomorrow to pick out dresses, and I know she'll be much better help than my stepmother or stepsister ever were. That makes me feel a lot better about everything. If all else fails, at least Grandmama will make sure I look impeccable. I'm wiping down the counter thinking about the party when Alex comes into the coffee shop. I light up immediately. "Hey, there. I was going to stop by on my way home. Your grandmother is coming today so I didn't plan to stay long. What are you doing?" I ask throwing down the rag to wash my hands.

Alex leans against the counter looking at the empty pastry case. "You sold out today? The shop is doing really well." He smiles and then sighs, "Grandmama did mention she was coming. I have an appointment in Newcastle this afternoon. I wanted to see you before I left." he says while I dry my hands and walk around the counter and wrap my arms around his waist and he pulls me into him.

I breathe in his masculine smell and feel content. "Oh well, that was nice of you. We didn't sell out completely. I have a few things set aside for you and the lads. Well, I suppose just the lads since you're going into town. Will you text me when you get home?" I ask and wiggle my eyebrows. Alex and I have been sending each other risque pictures of ourselves at night. We seem to be masochists and enjoy torturing each other. It's been a lot of fun but the anticipation has been killing me. We've both been really busy this week but I know Sunday will be our day.

Alex groans and I think he may be more frustrated than I am. "You know I will, love. You're mine this weekend, and I plan to enjoy every second of it," he says before pulling me in for a deep but chaste kiss because we're standing in the middle of Ollie's.

"Mmm, I'm looking forward to it." I breathe into his ear and walk with him as he heads towards the door and I make my way back around the counter. I see Ollie standing in front of the kitchen and he approaches me when I return to my post.

"I see ye' and the lad is an item. E's a good one he is, lass. I wouldna steer ye wrong." he says and winks. "I hear ye got some party to go to Saturday. I know ye' only wanted off tomorrow but me, Anna, and the lass can manage Saturday. You enjoy ye're weekend." he pats me on the back and gives me a weathered smile.

I turn and give Old Ollie a real hug. "Oh, thank you, Ollie. Whenever you're ready to take a holiday, let me know. I'm positive we can keep everything afloat so that you can have some time off yourself." I say pulling away.