Breaking Walls (A Doug Baldwin Story)

Chapter Four

Weeks that followed after I spilled my whole life story to Doug, we've grown closer to each other. Once or twice a week, he'd drop by the café to get some pastries or a drink, or even just to say hello. He'd send me random text messages just to make me smile. Doug was staying true to his word the he wanted to bring my walls down. Slowly, but surely, he was.

Sophia never missed a chance to tease me. She was going on and on how my 'love life' was slowly starting to blossom again. But as happy as she was, she was still protective of me. Funnily, she's never had the chance to meet Doug face to face. They spoke on the phone a few times, while I was present, and it sounded like they were getting along, but their schedules clashed. She wasn't around when he came by to the café, and when he came over, she was out on her own date with her now boyfriend, Paul.

It was the end of August, and the weather was starting to cool down. The café was becoming more popular, which meant that we were becoming busier. Doug was also becoming busier with his job, and he's had to go on a few business trips. Even while he was away, he never failed to forget about me.

"Krista, you've got a delivery downstairs," Kylie comes up, an excited smile present on her face.

I was in my office, working on some papers, when she came in. Sophia, who was chatting with me while I worked, gave me a curious look from across my desk.

We all go down to the café area. It's been a slow afternoon, so there's hardly any customers, just a few sitting around. By the register, a delivery man is standing with his clipboard in one arm, and a large bouquet of flowers in another.

"Can I help you?" I ask as I approach him.

"Miss Krista Weston?" he asks. I nod in confirmation. "Please sign here. And these are for you."

After signing, he hands me the flowers. I take in the beautiful arrangement of red, white, and pink tulips. Spotting a card, I take it and open it up.

These made me think of you. Simple, but still beautiful. I'll see you when I get back. –Doug

"I didn't know you had a secret admirer, Krista!" Kylie pipes up.

"Oh she does," Sophia tells her. "If these are from who I think they're from, then I know that smile on her face isn't going to disappear any time soon," she smirks.

I laugh. "Oh, shut up. Let's get back to work." I head back up, still admiring the flowers. Sitting back at my desk, I get my phone and text Doug, he should be on his flight right now.

Thank you for the surprise flowers =)

I put my phone down, thinking he won't text back until a couple of hours later when he lands. I was wrong, I got a reply.

You're very welcome. Even if I didn't make our run this morning, I just wanted to let you know that you're still on my mind ;)

I smile. Cheesy, Mr. Baldwin.

For you Miss Weston, always. Text you later, about to take off.

It's the simple things that Doug does that is letting my heart open up to him even more. My trust in him grew and he had upgraded from friend, to best friend. The day after he came back, I was confused to why he didn't show up to our run. Not having my phone with me, I couldn't call and ask. When I got back to my place and finished changing, I walked over to his house.

I knocked on his door. "Doug? You home?"

Slowly, the door opens, and there he stands, in a shirt and sweats. I'm hit immediately that something isn't right with him. He's told me before that he can have a temper sometimes, but I've never seen it happen.