Hope Always by Karen Blair

Author:Karen Blair [Blair, Karen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

I woke up next to Mathew, the smell of sweat and regret tinging the already rank air. Now I feel like it’s seeping past my skin and coloring my soul. My heart sinks even further into my stomach when I realize that he still has an arm around my waist. I manage to slip away, a wince on my face as I stand with a small sigh.

Like a zombie I plod over to the bathroom to take a shower, running the water until it is just under boiling hot. This time, despair was bubbling up in me. Slowly, as I wash and scrub away what I’d rather forget, my skin reddens. It reddens because of the water, because of my own deep shame.

Seven or eight years ago, I’d have been able to cry. I’d cry and shrivel to the ground, praying that the water would cover me and keep me hidden until someone would come for me. But I didn’t have anyone in my life who cared… no one would hear my cries… and if I really thought that Vincent was any different, I knew I was setting myself up for more disappointment… right? But maybe, as I looked into my hands through teary eyes, I hoped that somehow, he could be different from absolutely everyone else I’d met along the way.

****

I place the woman’s order down on the counter, her smile wide as she thanks me for being so quick. “No worries Ma’am,” I say. I wasn’t smiling, but she doesn’t seem to notice as she hurries off out the door.

“Another late night huh?” A familiar voice asks, my eyes meeting that rich earth-colored gaze. “When did you get to sleep this time, one in the morning?” Vincent leans on the counter, as per usual, observing me carefully as he tips his head.

“No… what can I get you today?” I ask, looking up at the menu. “Something weird and wonderful?”

“Something weird and wonderful? Oh, come on, I’m not that bad, am I? I’ve gotten a latte and an espresso. If you mean me switching it up every now and again, sure thing. I’ll get an iced coffee.”

“It’s freezing outside…”

“And I’m being a goofball like you claim I am.” He smiles, watching me prepare what he’d asked for.

When ready, I head over slowly, giving a grin. “Here you are good sir. Your order… will that be all?”

He takes it, looking at the cup before chuckling. “No, thank you. Actually, since you asked, get me a cookie. Lots of chocolate chips. I have a friend who really needs it.”

I nod, heading for the small pastry cabinets. “Lots of chocolate chips?” I ask, looking back at him as he nods.

“Lots and lots.”

“Will do.” I browse the cookies, looking for the one with the most chocolate chips. They all seemed to be about the same really, so I just grab the biggest one and head back over. “I did as good as I could.” I plop the cookie in a bag, smiling and handing it over.

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