Confessions From A Coffee Shop (26 page)

I didn’t know why, but her tone upset me.

I tugged her arm, forcing her to look at me. “Is everything okay?”

“Of course,” she said, and then glanced at the computer screen again.

“No, something’s bothering you. Tell me, please.”

“I just feel bad about how hard you work, and I‌—‌”

I raised my hand. “Shh…‌let’s go to the kitchen and make some breakfast together. What time is it?” I glanced at the clock on the wall. “We have a couple of hours before we need to leave.”

Kat started to speak, but I kissed her to keep her quiet. I was in a good mood, and I didn’t want to talk about money problems or about her not working. I wanted this to be a good day. I could sense it.

Chapter Fifteen

I had always enjoyed helping my aunt set up a new exhibition. Unfortunately, I never picked up her ability to judge and critique art. When I wandered through the gallery, admiring all the paintings, all that came to mind was, “I like the color and the feel of them.”

Kat beamed, looking lovely in her jeans and a Harvard tee she had stolen from me.

“You like them too?” I asked her.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my mom and aunt exchange a look.

Kat pulled me in for a hug. “I’m not sure, but I’m thrilled that you like them.”

“Hey, now. Don’t get any funny ideas. I’ve never been able to afford a single one of the paintings my aunt sells.”

I thought that would make her smile disappear, but she grinned even wider. “I’m counting on that.”

“What do you mean?” Clueless, I looked to Mom and Aunt Barbara for help. They both pointed to Kat. “What’s going on? Am I on candid camera or something? All of you are grinning like the Cheshire Cat, and I feel like I’m missing the obvious.”

“Roger, can you bring that sign out here, please.” My aunt barked her order, but she didn’t stop smiling.

My uncle gleefully followed her instructions. Even Roger was grinning foolishly.

“Turn it around so we can see the artist’s name,” Barbara told him.

He turned the sign around painfully slowly.

I read the name.

Then I read it again.

Still staring at the sign, I read the name aloud, trying to fathom the meaning. “You?” I turned to Kat. “These are yours?” I motioned to all the paintings. “How? When?”

“You couldn’t possibly believe I went shopping with your mother every day.” Her voice sounded victorious.

“But you were never at home? You haven’t touched your paints at home in…‌I don’t know how long.” I wanted to immediately retract those words. I didn’t want her to know I had been keeping track of her.

“I wanted it to be a surprise.” Her beautiful face grew serious. “Are you surprised?”

“Hell, yes! I’m surprised! Kat, I couldn’t be prouder.” My soft tone lured her into my arms.

Silently, my family left the room.

“But why didn’t you tell me? I would have supported you.”

“I know, but I felt so guilty.”

“Guilty? Why?”

“You’ve been working three jobs while I’ve been playing with paints.” She wandered to the other side of the room and leaned against the wall. “That was difficult to live with. And then you started doing my father’s billing; that nearly killed me.”

“Honey, if you’d told me about this, I would have worked four jobs.”

“I know. That’s what I was afraid of. I barely saw you with your three jobs. And I know I haven’t been much help with not working…‌and with my spending habits.” She added as an afterthought, “I’m seeing someone about that.”

“Seeing someone…‌you mean like a shrink?” I knitted my brows, trying to follow her meaning.

“Yes. Apparently I buy things to fill a hole, and I may have an addictive personality.” She giggled nervously.

“A hole?”

“Growing up with my parents”‌—‌she looked at one of her paintings‌—‌“wasn’t easy.”

I couldn’t even imagine growing up in the Finn household. “I didn’t know…‌I mean about the shrink.”

“The day I told my parents I didn’t want to be a dentist, I ruined their lives.”

I laughed uncontrollably. “I’m sorry, Kat, but that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”

She laughed with me. “Yes, to normal people! But Phineas isn’t normal.”

“Are you two having sex in there, or can we come in?” Mom shouted from the doorway.

“Mother!”

Kat shot me a look that said, “Remember what I told you last night.”

“Yes we are, so stay out,” I called.

My uncle rushed into the room. Did he really want to see us naked? What a perv.

My aunt shook her head in disgust, and my mother shot me a look of admiration. “You made a joke. A sexual joke, sorta?”

“Move on, Mother. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

She put her palms up, acquiescing. “Not to ruin the moment, but I think you two should scoot so you can get ready for the opening.”

“But what about our double date with Harold and Amber?” Then it hit me.

“I didn’t want you to make other plans for this evening. No Red Sox games. No unexpected dinners with Sam. I wanted you to be here, with me.”

“I feel foolish. I even sent him a text saying I’d see him later.”

“You will. He’s coming.”

“What? You told Harold, and you didn’t tell me!”

The look she flashed me turned me on. Confidence suited her.

I pulled my mother to one side. “How much money do I owe you?”

“What are you talking about, Cori?”

“Kat’s therapy. I know her parents aren’t paying for it, and the money hasn’t come out of my account.” I crossed my arms.

“Kat’s like a daughter to me. I won’t accept a dime from you.” She walked off in a rush, but I dashed after her.

“Mom, wait.”

She spun around, ready to do battle.

“I started my novel over. I promise you I’ll have the first draft done in four months.”

“You are full of surprises today. Any chance I can talk you into joining our book club?”

“Not a chance in hell.”

“Good, I was afraid you were becoming a stranger to me. Keep an open mind, but stay true to yourself. That’s all I’ve ever wanted from you.”

“You could have told me that sooner.”

“Yes, but where’s the fun in that.” She smiled. “Besides, you’re just like your father. You wouldn’t have listened to me anyway.”

“Speaking of that, where is Dad?”

“At home‌—‌working. He’s decided to open his own business. He’s not that handy anyway. Better he stays at home. Do you remember the time he rewired the lights?”

“Yes. I’m still afraid to turn on a light switch. That bolt of electricity hurt more than when my knee blew.”

“Your hair stood on end for hours.” Mom smiled at the memory. “Have you started your blog yet, missy?”

“Not yet, but soon.”

“You better do it before the end of the week, or I’ll put you over my knee and spank you.”

“Oh, please, Mother. I’m half a foot taller than you.”

“Yes, but I’m cunning. Now go get ready for tonight. Kat and I picked out a dress for you to wear.” Her malevolent smile returned. “And a stunning pair of heels.”

“Heels!”

“Yes, and you’ll wear them. It’s Kat’s night, not yours. Besides, we both know you love to dance in heels, like Ginger Rogers.”

I let out a rush of air. “All right, but when it’s my night to celebrate, I’m making you two wear sweats out in public.”

“Deal.”

* * *

Harold, dressed in a black suit and white socks, made a beeline for us, dragging poor Amber on his arm. When he reached us, he dropped Amber’s arm like a lead weight and pumped Kat’s hand enthusiastically with both of his.

“Congratulations, Kat. They’re amazing.” He motioned to the paintings surrounding him.

“Thanks, Harold.” My girlfriend pried his hands away delicately and placed one of his hands back on Amber’s arm. Harold continued to grin like a fool. I don’t think he even noticed what Kat had done.

Amber patted his arm. “He’s been gushing the entire time, telling everyone he knows the artist.”

To my surprise, Kat didn’t act embarrassed. “Thanks.” She turned to me, all smiles. “I have my first raving fan.”

“Second.” I raised Kat’s hand to my mouth, and kissed it.

“Third.” Samantha appeared before us, with Lucy by her side. Lucy had an arm around Samantha’s waist like a lover. I arched my eyebrows to catch Sam’s eye. She confirmed their romance by blushing and looking down at the floor instead of at my face. They were dating again.

Kat’s sly look also confirmed my suspicion.

Everything in my life was falling back into line. It felt good.

Kat wandered off to mingle with some of the guests, and my mother approached, beaming.

“Did you two have a quickie before getting changed? You know, if you’re doing it right, it should only take seven minutes to get Kat to climax.”

I glared at her. “None of your beeswax.”

Kat and I did have sex, but I wasn’t going to admit that‌—‌and it lasted longer than seven minutes.

Instead, I said, “I’ve booked our tickets to Italy. We’ll be gone for the first week of January. I’m hoping you can arrange for everyone else to show up, as a surprise, after I give her the ring. I’ll know she’ll want you there. With the success of Kat’s show, I feel confident she’d be ready for me to pop the question.”

“And you?” Mom raised an eyebrow.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

My mother stared, dumbfounded. “So my independent child really is getting engaged?”

“God, I hope so. Kat is a hot mess, but she’s mine.”

“And you are hers,” said my mother. “You’re perfect for each other. I knew that the first time I saw you with her.”

Kat turned to smile at me. I lifted my champagne flute, saluting my soon-to-be fiancée. Kat nodded, with a look in her eye that meant we wouldn’t be getting any sleep tonight. Life was good.

Epilogue

Quickening my pace, I pushed through the crowded Financial District, swearing under my breath as I checked my watch again. Five minutes late.

Move aside people, seriously.

I shoved past two businessmen who had stopped in the middle of the sidewalk to chat.

Dread inched up from my gut. Being late was part of it. But truth be known, it was mostly that I was heading to the one place I swore I’d never return to. Every time I thought I was done with Beantown Café, something lured me back. A scene from
The Godfather
flashed through my mind. “Just when I thought I was out…‌they pull me back in.”

As I approached, I could see the coffee shop was hopping. I’d almost hoped no one would be there. I sighed, dragged my apron from my bag, and put it on. The fucking cherry-red apron I swore I’d never put on ever again. Kat had chuckled this morning when she’d seen me folding it into my bag. She thought it was cute. Yeah, real cute.

“Cori! Over here.” Harold waved from behind the counter.

I tried my best to act normal. This was just another day. Nothing special.

“Do you remember how to do this?” He smiled. “It’s packed. I’m going to need a hand.”

I nodded. Remember? I still had nightmares about the place. Of course I remembered.

He pushed me towards the cash register. I sighed heavily and prepared for the onslaught.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the program will start shortly,” announced Harold. “If you haven’t had a chance to order a drink yet, please come to the counter now.” He pointed to me.

I plastered a well-practiced fake smile on my face. “What can I get you?” I asked the first customer.

A frizzy-haired woman looked down from the large menu that hung behind me and started to order, but then stopped abruptly. “You look familiar. Do I know you?”

Before I could speak, Harold jumped in with, “She used to work here…‌and now she’s back.” He nudged my arm, grinning.

More than a dozen customers ordered and moved aside, waiting for their drinks. As I closed the drawer to the cash register, without looking up, I asked the next person in line, “What can I get you?”

“Hey, I know you!”

My head snapped up and I rolled my eyes at Mom and my aunt. “Like I said, can I help you?”

Mom looked to Aunt Barbara. “Didn’t this person write a book or something?”

“Huh, now that you mention it, I think she did,” my aunt confirmed. “But I don’t remember her name.”

“Very funny you two. Are you going to order?”

“Four cappuccinos, please. Bean Supremes.” Mom started to hand over the cash, but I shook my head.

“Oh no, this is on the house.”

“Well, well, well‌—‌look at the coffee house big shot.” Mom winked and moved to the side.

Harold chuckled and tapped me on shoulder, gesturing for me to follow him.

“It’s like riding a bike.” He beamed at me.

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

He held up his cell phone, revealing a photograph of me waiting on Nell Tisdale. “I’m going to hang this up on the wall.” He pointed to the wall on the far side. “Right between Kat’s paintings.”

“Oh that’s perfect, Harold.” Kat strolled up and looped her arm through mine. “You ready for the big night? Look at the crowd!”

I stepped from side to side, like a child who had to pee.

“You’ll be fine.” Kat tried to reassure me. “If you get nervous, just picture everyone naked.”

Sam and Lucy were right by Kat’s side, nodding.

“And just to help you imagine that, I think you should know we’re going commando,” Lucy whispered at me with a wink.

Harold’s eyes nearly boggled out of his head as Lucy pulled at the waistband of her jeans to prove it. His girlfriend, Amber, swatted his arm.

“That’s my cue.” Harold excused himself and walked to the makeshift stage in front of the gathering crowd.

I felt my pulse quicken and rubbed my sweaty palms on the apron as I slipped it off. This time, I didn’t allow myself the luxury of thinking I’d be removing it for the last time. I didn’t want to jinx myself.

Much sooner than I wanted, I heard Harold boom, “Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please.” He paused dramatically. “I would like to introduce our guest tonight, who is launching her first novel. Some of you may recognize her, since she just took your coffee order.” He winked at me.