Page 37 of Storm Warning
“Not admitting shit. But they sure do make a good cup of joe.”
“Uh huh, sure.” Judd waves toward his truck. “Well the chariot awaits, Princess. Let’s go see your girl.”
My girl?Fuck, that would be the day.
“Hey, Sage.” Judd answers his phone as we pull up to the shop. “Go on in, I’ll be there in a minute.” I get out of the truck and make my way past him as I hear him ask, “Is everything alright?”
As always, I’m greeted with a smile when I walk into the shop. The only problem is the smile I hope to see isn’t there.
“Good mornin’, ladies,” I greet once I reach the counter.
“Good morning.” Ginny smiles from behind the cash register. “Are we sticking with the Hoppin’ Hazelnut or are we trying something new?”
The door chimes, and I turn to see Judd still talking on his phone as he walks toward me. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll talk to youlater.” He ends the call and looks up from his feet, meeting Ginny’s stare.
I look between the two, and while Ginny smiles shyly in his direction, he looks as if he’s seen a ghost. It wouldn’t take a genius to spot there’s something there. What that something is, I’m not sure, but definitely something.
“Uh, hey, Judd.” Ginny breaks the silence.
“Hey,” he replies gently. The man is never hushed, his voice always booming nearly as big as he is, but whatever is going on, it sure has my attention.
My eyes dart back and forth between the two of them, the silence starting to feel deafening in its intensity. I can’t help but shift under the discomfort of this moment.
I turn my body back toward the counter, deciding to end their torture for them. “I’m feelin’ wild today, Ginny. Let’s try somethin’ new.”
She breaks eye contact with Judd and forces her focus back to me, managing a strained, polite smile. “That sounds great. Do you have something in mind?”
“Surprise us,” I answer, glancing back at Judd, who looks to be already surprised enough.
She takes my money then hurries away from the counter, grabbing all sorts of different things to add to our drinks, topping each off with a bit of whipped cream before placing the lids on top. I watch as she writes on the side of each of the cups when Judd’s phone begins to ring again.
“It’s Richy, I’ll be outside.” His voice remains low, but this time it doesn’t come out hushed.
I nod, silently acknowledging him before he exits the store. The click of the cap from the marker closes behind me and I smile at Ginny before picking them both up. “Have a good one,” I say, watching her as she watches the door.
“You too. Hope you like cinnamon, if you don’t, his iscoconut marshmallow.” Her eyes don’t return to mine, but I decide it’s best to mind my own business, so I don’t pry.
I grab both cups without saying another word and advance toward the door, using my body to push it open. Judd’s pacing back and forth on the phone outside my truck, so I get in and start up the engine, and most importantly, the air conditioning. I can’t remember for the life of me which coffee is which as I examine them in my hand. A bit of black ink peaks out over the sleeve of one of the coffees.
Thank God she must have labeled them. I slide down the sleeve and in neat cursive writing it reads:
I’m sorry.
A slow whistle passes my lips. Well, one thing’s for sure. That message ain’t for me. Ginny and Judd must have some history. And if that situation back in the shop wasn’t answer enough, I’m guessing that history ain’t all good.
22
KAYLEE - JUNE 30, 2004
“Are you okay?”I ask Ginny as she glances outside.
Is she looking for someone?
She blushes and returns her focus to wiping down the coffee machines. “Uh, yeah, I’m good,” she mumbles. She’s clearly notgoodin the slightest, because I’ve never not seen her cheery.
I blow out a breath. Feelings aren’t really my thing, but for some reason, I have a soft spot for people like her. People who always give their best and ask very little in return. Those who don’t complain and try to force a smile, even if they might have a million reasons not to. The ones who are handed a bunch of challenges and take them by the horns instead of falling to their knees.
I don’t know…people likeme.
