Page 111 of Thirst For Me
June’s arms are still crossed. Mason’s hands are on his hips. His jaw is locked; her mouth is compressed into a tight line.
“Look, Sierra. I hear what you’re saying,” Mason says gently. “But—”
“Just think about it? Why don’t you both just think about it, and then maybe actually talk about it?”
“There’s nothing to talk about,” June says. “Mason knows where I stand. I’ve made it very clear.” She moves toward the door, and I step out of her way. But she pauses. “Thank you for all your efforts, Sierra. Your energy is ... admirable. It’s truly inspiring how you’ve come to care about this town.” She puts her hand on my shoulder, squeezes.
Then she goes back into the house.
My shoulders drop. “Well, that went well.”
Mason sighs. “I’ll talk to her.”
Hope surges through me. “I really think it’s the best thing for the town. And I think, deep down, you do, too.” I take a step toward him. Look up into his gorgeous eyes. “Imagine, you could be running a restaurant at the pier, like you wanted to. You just have to open your mind to the idea that June could be involved, that you could do it together. Your businesses are so similar, it makes sense.”
I feel kind of desperate to convince him. To convince them.
I tell myself that it really is what’s best for the town. And what’s best for Mason. What’s best for June, too.
But honestly ... maybe it’s also a selfish proposal.
Because wouldn’t it be amazing if they asked me to be involved somehow, too?
“I can’t promise anything,” he says. “You know June.”
“Yeah. I know. Just ... think about it?”
“I will.” He comes closer, slings an arm around me. “You’re a real sweetheart, Sierra Daniels.” Then he kisses me on the forehead.
It’s the last thing he says to me for five long days.
My hope that Mason and June might consider the brilliance in my proposal fades day by day as the week progresses, and I get closer to the end of the month and the day I’ll be leaving Orchard Cove. I don’t hear a word about it from either of them.
I only see June a couple of times, speed-walking about her property, though we barely exchange words. She’s busy. I’m busier than I’ve been since coming to town.
I’m still working on the cottage, replacing some of the decor with cute thrift-store finds from Duncan and Ladysmith and Nanaimo. It’s busier at the smoothie bar without Sophie there, even with the part-time help I’ve brought on.
And yet I still can’t seem to find enough work to do to take my mind off Mason.
Mason, who hasn’t gotten back to me about my proposal.
Mason, who I’ve only seen in passing around town because, at this point, I’m steadily avoiding him.
It’s now Sunday, and the smoothie bar is busy all day. Since we’re always closed on Monday and Tuesday, and Tuesday is the end of the month, today is Cutie Fruitie’s final day operating in Orchard Cove. Layne and Kaylie, Trish, Pam and Maria, Jace, Evan, and so many others drop in to thank me for coming to town, to buy a final smoothie, and wish me well.
Mason does not.
I spend the evening dismantling the shop and packing everything into my van. Mason comes over to help, along with Bill and Chloe. So at least the work goes fairly fast. Chloe helps me clean up, then I go back to the cottage to shower and start packing up my things.
While we were tearing down the shop, Mason brushed against me, asked me if we’d see each other tonight. I told him I wasn’t sure. That I had packing to do.
I know I’ve been avoiding him because I’m fearing the rejection. Fearing the end. Fearing goodbye.
All the worst things in life, really.
Things haven’t been the same without Sophie here, and it’s a painful reminder of the life I’m going back to. No Sophie. No solid future plans for my business. I haven’t even been able to secure my next location yet. Places I’ve leased in the past are all booked a year out. I’ll have to do some serious searching and financial gymnastics when I get back to the city to make things work. Maybe find some farmers’ markets or festivals I can crash.
Meanwhile, it feels like summer is just kicking off in Orchard Cove. It feels wrong to be leaving.
