Not Now

Part 5

Stevie's POV

~

It was nice of Lindsey to admit that things between us haven't been going all that well. We've both struggled with it, he and I rarely ever say, yeah, I was wrong, sorry. We did go to the movies and then afterwards had a drink together, before going home to cozy up in bed. We made love and I do feel like we've reconnected, however, at the same time... I don't know, the whole thing seemed a bit forced. Nevertheless, I hope we're back on track.

Right now I'm on my way to Lindsey's work. The store is on the way home, so he asked me to meet him there and then we could walk back together. These are the small things that are important to me, it's what I want. I don't want Lindsey to treat me to fancy dinners.

Walking in, I take off my sunglasses and put them on the top of my head. Lindsey's with a customer, but Grace spots me right away and she gives me a smile, opening her arms for a hug. She's one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life and she's also helped us a lot, financially as well as just sharing her wisdom, which is sometimes exactly what Lindsey and I need, since both of our parents are far away.

"You get prettier every time I see you, Stephanie." Grace only calls me by my full name. 

I wave it off, shrugging my shoulders. "I think your eye sight has worsened, Grace."

She chuckles, inviting me into the back for a cup of tea, while Lindsey finishes his shift. "How have you been, sweetheart?"

"Ah, you know... good days and bad." I reply, taking a seat. "And you?"

"I'm waiting for the day the good Lord takes me back home." That's not an answer I was expecting as my eyes grow wide and Grace just laughs lightly again. "You'll understand, when you're my age. However, before my time comes, I'd like to meet your children. I don't have kids or grandkids. You and Lindsey are as close as I've got to having a family."

I feel a lump in my throat and remain silent. "I'm sure you will, Grace, but not now. It's just not the right time."

"That's what I've always said." She shrugs and gives me the tea she promised.

I don't really know what to say nor do I want to continue on with this particular conversation. Thankfully, Lindsey joins us. He approaches to greet me with a kiss.

"I'm just about finished." He says. "I'll lock the doors in about twenty minutes."

"Okay, no rush." I smile and so does he, leaning in for another quick kiss. He then has to go as the door opens and the bell rings, signaling a customer.

"Brandon, it's been a while." I hear Lindsey say and the other person responds. It's Brandon. 

I excuse myself and go to say hi. He seems pleased to see me as am I actually. We share a hug and I catch Lindsey's expression, he seems puzzled.

"You two know each other?"

"This is the Brandon I work with." I say. "I see, you two know each other as well."

"Yeah, I've been a regular here for sometime now." Brandon nods. I think that he senses the tension. "I'll go look around."

"We're just co-workers, Linds." I tell him lowering my voice.

Lindsey has always been jealous, for as long as I've known him. I have never given him any reason not to trust me, but it's just the way he is.

The mood has changed, it's heavier. We say goodbye to Grace and Lindsey and I head outside and take a turn to go home. I thought we were going to enjoy a nice stroll together, hand in hand, but the whole trip home is spent in silence.