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Elena walked around the counter and gently put her hand on Cat’s shoulder. “I’m really sorry.”

Cat sighed, but didn’t look up. She was afraid if she looked at Elena she wouldn’t be able to hold back the tears that suddenly stung the back of her eyes.

“I’m here,” Elena said softly.

It was all too much. She knew Hattie would come back someday, but instead of being angry, she was filled with sadness. Cat turned and Elena immediately put her arms around her and hugged her close. It felt like she was protected and surrounded by warmth. Yeah, that’s what she felt. Protected.

Cat pulled away and looked into Elena’s eyes. She saw concern, affection, and perhaps a little flash of anger. “I’m not sad because Hattie left. I’m sad because I failed at our relationship.”

“Oh, no,” Elena said, shaking her head. “You didn’t fail. You didn’t do this all by yourself.”

“I know that, but it doesn’t make it any easier.”

“What do you need from me right now?” Elena asked.

Cat was almost surprised, but not really. Elena had proven over and over that she would always be nearby to help Cat in whatever way.

“I need you to go home then come back and pick me up for our family dinner tonight,” Cat said.

“Are you sure? I can stay.”

“You came in this morning and spent time with me. Cory and Vi’s dad hung around to have lunch with us. Go home and come back this evening.”

“I enjoy being here with you. I always do.”

“I know, but I’ll finish with the inventory and be right here waiting when you come back,” Cat said, dropping her arms.

Elena didn’t move.

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to be thinking about Hattie. She’s taken up enough of my life.”

Elena nodded. “Okay, but if you change your mind I can be here in minutes.”

Cat chuckled. “I know you will. Thanks, El. I’m so thankful you walked into my bookstore.”

“Me too.” Elena put her hands on Cat’s shoulders and squeezed. “I’ll see you later.”

Cat nodded and watched her walk away. She took a deep breath and let it out. It was time she did something about the house.

“I almost hope you will come here so we can finish this, Hattie,” she whispered to herself.

A few hours later, Jessica was at the register finishing up a sale while Cat walked around the store, tidying the shelves. She didn’t usually wear jeans to work, so she’d decided to run home and change her clothes before Elena came by to get her. The soft flannel shirt she wore over a T-shirt felt warm and cozy. It reminded her of Elena’s hug from earlier that day. She smiled, closed her eyes, and imagined Elena’s arms around her once again.

The ringing of the bell over the door brought her back to her task. She looked towards the register and saw Jessica finishing a sale, so she stepped out from behind the bookcase and walked towards the front of the store.

Cat rounded the corner of another bookcase and stopped. She stared into the once familiar eyes of the woman she thought she’d spend her life with.

“Hattie?”

“Hey, Cat.” She looked around the store and smiled. “I heard you opened a bookstore. This is great.”

“Yeah, thanks. What are you doing here?”

“Is there someplace we could talk?”

Cat released a shaky breath and walked over to the reading nook. She started to sit down in the chair she always sat in with Elena, but then stopped and went to Elena’s chair instead.

Hattie followed her and sat in the other chair. She smiled and gazed at Cat. “You look great, but then again, you always do.”