Page 80 of Love, Second Chances and Other Nonsense
27
Chapter 27
Caitlin
“Earth to Caitlin,” Daniel says, waving a hand in front of my face. “You’ve been staring at that sandwich like it personally offended you. You ok?”
I blink, forcing a smile. “Sorry. Just thinking.” Picking up my sandwich, I take a bite and then set it down again with a sigh.
“Well, don’t leave me in suspense,” Daniel wipes his mouth on his napkin and leans back. “Although if I had to guess, I would say you’re thinking about a certain tall, dark-haired server who looks at you like you hung the moon?”
Heat rushes to my face. “He doesn’t look at me like that.”
“Please.” Daniel rolls his eyes. “The man has the subtlety of a puppy. Do you realize every time I come in for lunch, he glares at me? I half expect him to challenge me to a duel someday.”
“That’s ridiculous,” I say, but I can’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. “Adam’s not the dueling type.”
“Maybe not, but he’s definitely the staring-longingly-across-the-room type.” Daniel takes a sip of his sparkling water. “So what did he do now?”
I set down my sandwich, abandoning the pretense of eating. “He offered to help with my grandmother’s house. To look at the reports from the contractors and maybe even do some of the work himself.”
Daniel’s eyebrows lift slightly. “That’s… actually really nice of him.”
“I know, right?” I run a hand through my hair. “That’s what makes it so infuriating. He could have been a jerk, and then I could just keep hating him, but he has to go and be helpful.”
“The nerve of some people,” Daniel deadpans.
“You know what I mean,” I sigh. “I don’t know what to do. Part of me thinks I should say no on principle. Like, who does he think he is, swooping in to save the day? But another part of me…” I trail off, not sure how to articulate the conflicted mess of emotions.
“Another part of you really wants to save your grandmother’s house,” Daniel finishes for me.
“Yeah.” I nod, grateful for his understanding. “And I’m running out of options. Uncle Peter and I both know the restaurant can’t afford to fund the renovations. I’ve been saving, but it’s nowhere near enough. And Aunt Charlene mentioned maybe taking out a second mortgage on their house. I think they feel guilty for not keeping closer tabs on the condition of the place while Whitney was living in it. But I can’t let them do that.”
Daniel studies me for a moment, his green eyes thoughtful. “Can I ask you something? And feel free to tell me to mind my own business.”
“Sure.”
“Is your hesitation about accepting Adam’s help because you’re afraid of what it might mean? Like that, it might lead to something more?”
I stare at him, startled by his directness. “Maybe?” I fidget with my napkin, avoiding his gaze. “I guess I’m afraid that if I let him help me with this, it creates this… obligation. Or expectation.”
“And you don’t want that.”
“I’m just really confused where he’s concerned,” I admit. “Sometimes I look at him, and all I can see is the man who let his family treat me badly, who chose Millie over me over and over again. And other times…” I pause, struggling to find the words.
“Other times?” Daniel prompts gently.
“Other times I see glimpses of the Adam I originally fell in love with. Before Mount Pella, I never doubted his love. He treated me like the most important person in his world.” I shake my head. “But I can’t trust those glimpses. I can’t trust him. I was the most important person in his world, and then Mount Pella and Millie and everything still happened. Even if I could forgive him, how could I trust him? I’d always be waiting for it to happen again.”
Daniel nods, taking a moment to consider his words. “Look, Caitlin, I’m not going to sit here and tell you what to do about Adam romantically. That’s your decision, and only you know what’s right for you. But do you want my advice as your friend?”
“Of course I do.”
“As your friend,” he continues, “I have to point out that accepting his help with the house doesn’t have to mean anything beyond that. It doesn’t mean you’re getting back together. It doesn’t even mean you forgive him. It just means you’re letting someone with relevant skills help you with a problem.”
I consider this, turning the idea over in my mind. “That’s… actually a really good point.”
“Plus,” Daniel adds, “from what you’ve told me, this might be your only shot at saving the house. Since Adam has construction experience and can help make those renovations more affordable, isn’t that worth the potential awkwardness?”
