Page 49 of Breathe Me In

Ugh, my weakness. “I can do coffee.” I shifted my bag on my shoulder and headed toward his car and hopped in.

“How was your day?” He couldn’t hide the fact that he was pleased that he’d gotten me to agree to join him.

I let out a long-tired breath. “Why don’t we talk about your day instead?”

“Sounds good to me.” He tipped his head in agreement, and we headed toward the coffee shop.

We got our respective brews and sat in a booth together. He entertained me with talk about his struggles in the army, and I tried to keep up, but a few yawns escaped before I could stifle them.

“You’re tired.” He studied my face.

“Yeah, it’s been a day for sure. I’m really sorry, Hayne. I guess I shouldn’t have accepted your invite.”

“Hey, not a problem at all. I kind of caught you off guard. So, Friday, Italian?”

“Oh, gosh, I’m not sure. My days change from one to the next. And to be truthful, Hayne, I’m not looking for any kind of relationship right now. I’m not sure how long I’m staying in town.”

His face fell with disappointment. “That’s too bad, but a girl’s got to eat. Surely you can fit one dinner into your busy schedule for a friend.” He emphasized the word. “I’ll pick you up at six.”

“I’ll have to get back to you on that.”

“You know I’ve got a good feeling about this, so six o’clock it is. Come on, I’ll run you back to your car.” I was too tired to argue.

When I got home, I found my mother in the kitchen, making some of her famous muffins. I dropped my bag on the floor and sank onto the stool at the island.

“Hi, sweetie.” She grinned at me. “How was your day?”

I shrugged. “I’m exhausted,” I groaned. “We interviewed a bunch of hypochondriacs that got us nowhere.”

“People want to help,” Mom said as she slid the batter into the oven, “and sometimes they go about it the wrong way.”

“It was the power of suggestion.” I grimaced.

“I know.” She kissed my cheek and placed a warm muffin in front of me. “You missed dinner, but I put leftovers in the fridge in your cabin. These are for the morning, but try one and give me your thoughts.”

“With pleasure.” My stomach grumbled painfully.

I popped a piece of the pastry into my mouth and moaned. “Mom, these are amazing. The guests are going to love them.”

“I’m glad,” she sighed. “It’s nice to know I’m useful for something.” That caught my attention.

“Mom?”

She turned with an apologetic look. “Sorry, just feeling sorry for myself, I guess.” She sat on a stool and looked at me. “Now I’m getting older, I’m floundering a bit. Not sure where I fit.”

“Not sure where you fit?” I repeated. “I’ve only been back for a bit, but I can see how much this place needs you. You’re a major cog in the wheel. Without you, Lainey wouldn’t have helped with all the food, and Patrick wouldn’t have all those homemade blankets you make and sell on the website. I might add, by the way, you’ve gotten over six hundred reviews as of yesterday.”

“Really?” She raised a brow.

“Yes, and jeez, Mom, Charley would be stuck handling all the guest check-ins himself if you weren’t here. Not only that, but you also put cookies and leftovers and yummy stuff in my fridge to keep me from starving. We couldn’t possibly have all this without you.”

She smiled then and tossed the dish towel onto the counter. “Thank you, sweetie. I think sometimes I just feel that since my hip problems, I’m not as useful as I once was. Add age on top of it and my children all grown up . . . Sometimes you just wonder what your purpose is anymore.”

“You’re more than just a great cook, Ma. Utilize that.” I hopped off the stool. “Let’s be real, this place wouldn’t even exist if it weren’t for you and Dad.”

“Thank you, again, sweetheart. I think I really needed that.”

I kissed her cheek and grabbed my bag. “Love you, Mom, and I especially love your baking.” I swiped another muffin and headed to my cabin.