A Week At Most by Claudia Shelton

Author:Claudia Shelton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CCS Writings, LLC

Chapter Twenty-Two

Still dark, still the middle of the night, still in crisis mode, Ashley waited in the hangar office at the small private airport until Janie’s plane took off. Between the both of them, in less than an hour, they’d made arrangements with Lorna and Gus to tend the store. And Ashley had quickly packed a bag for Janie.

Back in the car, Ashley dialed the number Mark had given her and reached a recording. When it beeped, she spoke. “This is Ashley. Janie’s plane just took off. Be sure you let me know how Patrick is doing. Take care of yourself.”

Her hand gripped to turn the key in the ignition but stopped. From nowhere, tears erupted, flooding her eyes and rolling down her cheeks. She grabbed a tissue from the box and dabbed at her face. What was wrong with her? She only met these people last month. How could they mean so much? “No. I won’t let this happen.”

After the divorce, she’d shut out all unnecessary emotions. Caring had caused her enough pain, and life could be lived in her own confines quite easily. She’d worked hard to keep it that way.

For the past couple of years, she smiled when appropriate, laughed with the flow, been serious and helpful if needed. But she’d always worn that mask like a coat to be taken off and hung in the closet when no longer required. Shut off and viewing the world, she’d survived.

Now, Mark flooded her mind. What if he’d been hurt? What if he’d never heard her apology? What if…

Finally, her wave of thoughts and tears subsided, and she dried her face. After a deep breath, she started the car and started back to Nature’s Crossing. On the horizon, the sun made its morning appearance. How long had she been sitting there? Too long, way too long.

She loved the sunrise.

Ashley stopped briefly at the house to shower and change before she headed out again. Decided she’d do whatever was needed until Janie and Patrick were back in town. Called the Gregorys to let them know she’d be glad to stay till the usual house sitter returned. And felt a shift in the tension that had been following her ever since she’d accepted the severance from the news station. Life wasn’t just about her. Life was about helping others, also. She’d forgotten that somewhere during the past few years.

It was barely eight o’clock, but Red’s Corner Market was in full swing by the time she arrived. Customers stopped for gas on their way to work and to grab a breakfast roll, coffee, pre-made lunch. Lorna and Gus had everything under control, probably because they had owned the store for twelve years prior.

Hanging her coat on a hook in the stockroom behind the counter, Ashley shoved her hat and gloves in the pockets. A cold front was inching its way through, snatching the warmth of fall as it went. “What can I do to help?”

Lorna moved around behind the deli counter, comfortable in her surroundings.

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