Lipstick & Lattes Page 16

  She’s so lucky to be able to afford her own house. “Are you excited to be moving?”

  “Yes, and stressed, too. I’ll have a mortgage soon. Like a grown-up.”

  I’m jealous, I’ll admit, though not to her. She seems to be putting her life together, and I’m stuck. I’m in neutral and need a push to get going.

  “I’m happy to be getting out of that crappy apartment and bad neighborhood.”

  “I bet.” Break-ins are increasing where she lives. I’m thankful she found a place fifteen minutes away from work that is low on crime and surrounded with parks. “Oh, Andrea allowed me off the same day, so I can help if you need it.”

  “Sweet. You’re a life saver.”

  We move forward in line and hand our tickets to the person behind the window. “Enjoy the show.” The woman hands us our stubs, and we enter the hall and find our seats.

  “Have you talked to Ed?”

  Hannah wastes no time asking as soon as we sit down, which is the second row. I can’t believe it!

  I was hoping she wouldn’t bring him up today. The truth is I’ve only really thought of him when he’s texted me. I even started getting my coffee elsewhere. I’m working at the mall, volunteering at the Humane Society, and painting to keep busy. “No. And before you ask I haven’t seen Bryant either.”

  “Hey, I wasn’t going to ask. That man is crazy.”

  “To say the least.”

  The show begins about ten minutes later, and by the time it’s done, we’re both in awe at what we’ve seen. We’re ready to go backstage.

  “Ready or not!” Hannah loops her arm around mine, and we head to the backstage entrance, showing our passes like we’re VIP. We kind of are, aren’t we?

  Even though the show is over, backstage is full of chaos. Actors race back and forth as they change, some visit with loved ones bringing flowers. We both scan the room in search of Vivian. We need to thank her for the tickets. I wave to her when I see her.

  “I’m so glad you made it! We met so long ago I wasn’t sure you’d remember.” Her purple strands are now green, a perfect match for the production.

  “Miss a chance to see Wicked? Never. This is my friend, Hannah. Hannah, this is Vivian.”

  “Pleased to meet you. Are you in the makeup business as well?”

  “I sure am. I work with Whitney.”

  “What did you think of the makeup? Pretty amazing, right?”

  “Yes!” I couldn’t take my eyes off it the entire show. “I especially loved Elphaba. Great job.”

  “Thanks. I can’t take all the credit, though. I have a ton of assistants.”

  Sounds like a dream job to me. Putting makeup on for a production such as this? It sure beats consultations at the mall.

  “Is theatre something you’re looking to pursue?”

  I stop myself before I answer yes. I thought it was. I spent the past year dreaming of ways to move into a career such as this, but now that she’s asking this question, all I can think about is the painting I gave my parents, how I felt when I finished and the look on their faces when they saw it. That’s what I want to do. Now it’s clear to me. But my apartment, the money. If I want to do anything with my painting, I might have to go back to school again. The whole thought is overwhelming.

  “Um, Whitney, are you okay? You’ve been quiet for quite a long time.” Vivian’s hand is on my arm.

  “Oh, sorry. Yes. It’s something I’ve been interested in. Both of us, actually.”

  “I’m in need of another assistant. I only have one opening, but I’d love for you both to apply.”

  “Yes! Thank you.” Hannah reaches in and shakes Vivian’s hand, the glow on her face from sheer delight and not the fluorescent lights in the room. She wants this more than I do. I can handle another few years at the mall while I go back to school and paint.

  “Thank you, Vivian, for the opportunity, but I’m not looking to change jobs right now. Hannah would be perfect.”

  Hannah’s eyes widen as she looks at me in disbelief. I nod to let her know I’m fine with this decision.

  “Great.” Vivian smiles. “I’ll be conducting interviews next Thursday.” She hands Hannah her business card. “Email me and I’ll get you the details.”

  Hannah and I both leave the musical knowing that life will never be the same—for either one of us.

  ••••••••

  Summer will be over soon, and for most of it, I haven’t spoken with my parents. Ever since I found out on the Fourth of July they sold my grandma’s house, I haven’t wanted to speak with them. My brother tried calling me a few times and even stopped over once, and my mom sent me a text, but that’s been about it. Ed’s texts have trickled down to almost nothing. I suppose after almost two weeks of constantly trying to contact me and me being breezy about his texts, he gave up. I’m disappointed, but it’s my fault.

  I miss everyone. Josie moved out, Hannah and I seem to be working opposite schedules, and even though I’ve started going to the coffee shop again, Ed never seems to be there, or he’s avoiding me. Not that I blame him. These days the only thing keeping me going is when I see Sienna. Even that makes me sad sometimes. As much as I want her for myself, I really want somebody to adopt her. Seeing her in her kennel at the Humane Society whenever I go makes me so sad for her.

  I can’t go on anymore feeling so alone. I want to, and need to, apologize to Ed. I ditched the most awesome man in the world because he doubted his dream. Doesn’t everyone question their decisions for the future at some point? What Ed and I had—that was a dream. That’s what I should have been chasing. First, though, I need to make things right with my family.

  I want to meet on neutral ground. I ask my parents to meet me at Perc Me Up. Ricky isn’t coming. The library is holding an event for college. I’m happy he’s attending and looking into all of his options. I hope that he will end up accepting a scholarship, but the simple fact that he’s at the college fair means he’s taken our conversation to heart.

  When I arrive at Perc Me Up, my parents aren’t there yet. I’m not too surprised. Tardiness seems to run in the family. The café is the busiest I’ve seen it since the fundraiser. I’m back to waiting in an excessive line. I don’t mind. If there’s a line now, business must be improving for Ed. That’s all I want.

  When I step up to my turn in line, I’m surprised when Leann isn’t standing there. Instead, a petite blonde with her hair high in a ponytail greets me. “What can I get for you today, ma’am?” Her accent proves that she’s clearly not from Wisconsin.

  I’m frazzled. Where is my normal barista? Where is my friend? “Is Ed here?” The question surprises me as it leaves my mouth. Not Ed. Leann. Why am I asking for Ed?

  “Certainly. If you could just wait here a moment, I’ll be more than happy to get him for you.”

  I thank her as she leaves the counter to retrieve Ed. I cross my arms and tighten every muscle in my body. What am I doing? What am I going to say? I’m supposed to be here to apologize to my parents. This is going to send me into a tizzy. Before I have an opportunity to take my phone out and tell my parents to meet me somewhere else, Ed is waltzing to the counter.

  He looks different. His beard isn’t as kept, and his hair is longer than usual. His normally beautiful eyes are overtaken by redness. He’s tired.

  “Whitney. How can I help you?”

  I didn’t expect his greeting to be so cold. The love I used to hear in his voice is almost gone. “I’m surprised Leann isn’t here.”

  “She doesn’t work here anymore.”

  “Oh?”

  “She got a position at the school Ryan is going to be attending. I told her to take it. Better pay, better insurance.” He tells the barista she can use the other register and nods his head for me to take a few steps over. “What you need? It’s pretty busy around here.”

  “I… I’m meeting my parents here, actually. I want to tell you I’m sorry.”

  “For what?”

 
He’s staring at me, waiting for an answer. Does he remember what happened between us? Do I have to spell out how I made such a huge mistake, and I should have come to see him sooner? “About everything. I don’t know what came over me. I got scared.” He’s not budging. He doesn’t want to offer a reply, and he knows there’s more I need to say. “I’m embarrassed. I made a fool of myself.”

  “No. You didn’t.”

  I look up at him with hope, with the possibility of saving this romance between us. “I didn’t?”

  He shakes his head. “No.” I breathe a sigh of relief and start to smile, but everything crashes down when he says, “You made a fool of me.”

  I stand there, my mouth open wide, trying to comprehend what he said as he walks away. I want to scream out his name and beg him to come back to me. At the same time, I want to curl into a ball and cry. I can’t, though. My parents will be here any minute, and I have to hold myself together.

  “Ma’am? Are you going to order anything today?”

  The barista wants to take my order, this new girl who’s replaced Leann, a reminder that I have lost two people in my life. “Sure.” I look at the menu through clouded eyes.

  “A honey-lavender latte please.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Is there anything sweeter than puppy kisses? It’s the Saturday before Labor Day and I’m headed to my parent’s house for a barbecue. I decide to stop off at the Humane Society. Sienna is still there, and I want to visit with her again.

  Hannah got the job with Vivian. I’m so happy for her. This is the start of her dream coming true. And mine, I’ll get there. I’m enrolling in classes in the fall to start working toward a new career goal. Right now I’m happy to have made up with my parents and that my brother is serious about his future.

  I’ve played with all the dogs, handing out treats and belly rubs, but save Sienna for last. I want to give her all my attention. Russ takes her out for me.

  “She’s being adopted.”

  “What?” His words punch me in the gut, but at the same time fill me with such joy that she’s found a loving home.

  “Yup. Finally. Someone came by and fell love with her. He knows of all her issues and is willing to work with her.”

  “That’s wonderful, Russ.” I put my hands on either side of Sienna’s face and in my most baby voice possible, say, “You’re going home! I’m going to miss you, girl.”

  Russ looks at his watch. “Her new owner will be here in a few minutes. I’ll leave her here with you if that’s okay. I’ll be right back.”

  I sit down on the floor and Sienna crawls into my lap. As much as I want to cry, I don’t. This is good for her, and I don’t want to leave here sad. She’s going to live a long, fulfilling life. She deserves this.

  “We appreciate you coming here every day, Mr. Henrichs.” A voice says as the door behind me opens. “The puppies sure love you.”

  No way. I turn with Sienna in my arms, and Ed is standing there.

  “Ed?”

  “Oh, you two know each other? Whitney comes here all the time. She’s playing with Sienna.”

  “Hi Sienna, did you miss me?”

  Sienna paws at me to let her down. She runs to Ed and licks his face, each tiny lick like a dagger to my heart.

  “I’ll be in front, Mr. Henrichs. Whenever you’re ready bring her out front, we’ll finish the paperwork.”

  Russ walks out the door and leaves me behind with Ed.

  “What did he just say?” I couldn’t have heard him correctly. I thought Russ said he and Ed would finish paperwork. The only reason to fill out papers would be for an adoption.

  “I’m adopting her.”

  “You’re what?” He cannot just come in here and take her away from me. “Why?”

  “You said yourself she needs a good home. I can give that to her.”

  I stick my fingers in my hair and pull. “No. You can’t have her.” Sienna isn’t supposed to go with Ed. If I can’t be with him, she shouldn’t be either. She should go to someone who… who isn’t him.

  “My adoption fee and application says I can.”

  “It’s not fair.” I hold onto the crate next to me as I stand.

  “What’s not fair is me falling in love with you only to have you walk out on us the second you think there might be someone better out there for you.”

  “Is that what you think? That I thought there was someone better?”

  “What else was I supposed to think? Why did it matter whether I was this person from the nightclub or not? All that should have mattered was that we’re right for each other. Whether we met at the Redbox, the coffee shop, the laundromat, or outer space, something brought us together. Us. Not you and this other stranger.” He’s stroking Sienna’s coat, and she’s panting, a smile on her face.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “There you go again, saying you’re sorry. You really need to rectify that.”

  “But I really am sorry. Everything just seemed to be going wrong, and when I found out that you weren’t who I thought you were, I was shocked. But I was fine with that. I got scared when you said you were going to sell the café. I couldn’t believe you were going to give up so easily. What if you did the same to us?”

  He sets Sienna down, and she starts jumping at his leg for him to pick her back up. “Like you did?”

  Ouch. He’s right, though. I walked away the second things didn’t go my way.

  “I don’t care about any of this. I can move past it if you can.” He moves closer to me. “What happened that day at the fundraiser is in the past. I’ve missed you. Terribly. Look at my eyes.” He points to them and smiles.

  They’re still bloodshot and bags are forming. But he’s still handsome.

  “I’m losing sleep over you. Sienna and I, we need you.”

  “You do?”

  I pick Sienna up and she licks my cheek.

  “Yes. And the café was featured in a magazine so business is picking up. With Leann gone, I’ve had to hire more people. I have you to thank for that.”

  The fundraiser worked. He doesn’t have to sell the café. We worked together and achieved excellence.

  “Besides, Sienna is going to need a mommy. She loves you as much as I do.”

  “You do?” He’s saying he loves me. Loves me. The actual words left his mouth and rolled off his lips naturally. Loves.

  He puts his hands on my waist, and the only thing between us is Sienna. She’s bouncing between us, offering kisses to us both. “Let’s start over. We’ll make a new story. Our own.”

  Both he and Sienna are focused on me, waiting for a decision. I think of those moments in The Wedding Singer, Never Been Kissed, and Fever Pitch. What would Drew Barrymore do? It doesn’t matter. My life isn’t a romantic comedy that demands a grand gesture to define love. All I need is right in front of me. I don’t need to live by expectations set by Hollywood.

  “Yes,” I say as I plant a kiss on Ed. “Let’s make our own story.” Our lips meet again, this time Sienna coming between us and offering her own sloppy kiss.

  Today Ed’s adopting Sienna, and he and I are together again. This time for forever, and as our own little happy family.

  The End

  About the Author

  Tracy’s love of writing began at nine years old. She wrote stories about aliens at school, machines that did homework for you, and penguins. Now she pens books and short stories about romance. She loves to read a great book, whether it be romance or science fiction, or any genre in between, or pop popcorn and catch up on her favorite TV shows or movies. She’s been known to crush a candy or two as well. Her first romance novel, Pieces of it All, released in May 2014 followed in December with Caching In, a romance mixed with the hobby of geocaching. She also has written several short stories.

  Thank you so much for reading LIPSTICK & LATTES. If you liked this book, consider my other works. You can find purchase information at www.tracykrimmer.com.

  Novels

  C
ACHING IN (Pastime Pursuits Book 1)

  JAY WALKING (Pastime Pursuits Book 2)

  SPARING THE HEART (Pastime Pursuits Book 3)

  DATING FOR DECADES

  PIECES OF IT ALL

  Short Stories

  THE RIGHT EQUATION

  EARLY BIRD SPECIAL

  MIXTAPES AND ROLLER SKATES

  Newsletter sign up at http://www.tracykrimmer.com/newsletter.

  Follow me on Twitter at

  http://www.twitter.com/tkrimms

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  http://www.facebook.com/KrimmerAuthor

  Thank you so much!

  Acknowledgements

  I never know where to begin when it comes to writing acknowledgements. There are so many people involved in creating a book. Sure, I write the book, and as an independent author, I wear many other hats, but the truth is, I couldn't do this without a community of other people.

  The most important person I need to thank is my husband. I'm grateful I'm able to do this and that he supports me. With the love from him and my family, I believe I can do anything.

  Second, I need to thank my beta readers. Tiffany and Kathryn are honest, helpful, and most of all, plain awesome. This book became something a little different after they read it.

  My critique partner, Stephanie, without whom I may never keep going. She's a shoulder to cry on, and I do the same for her. Writing is tough. We help each other through.

  Brea, I thank you for helping me with the title. I had this idea in my head for a long time, but couldn't come up with the right title. Leave it to Brea!

  I belong to so many writing groups online that help me through. There are too many to name, and I don't want to leave anybody out. Let me just say that Facebook groups are incredibly valuable to me.