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“Nice to meet you. I’m Blair.” She sticks a hand out, and I can’t just stare at it, so I shake it.
I stand there for a moment as silence stretches between us. I can’t exactly ask her what she’s doing in Blue Mountain, can I? I’m not really the nosy type, but I really am curious. Mostly because it feels like she’s encroaching on my territory. “Are you from here?” I finally ask.
“Oh no. I’m just in town for the weekend.” She pays for her order and stands to the side.
I step up to the register and order a peppermint mocha that they’re offering for the season, along with a brownie that catches my attention.
“I’m not usually one to intrude,” Blair says after I’ve paid. “But woman to woman, you should be careful with Kaison.”
“What do you mean?” I ask. She has my full attention.
“I got the impression that there was something going on between the two of you.”
I stay quiet. I’m not telling this woman anything. It’s none of her business, and I don’t trust her at all.
When it’s clear I’m not giving her an answer, she goes on. “Kaison and I were in a relationship together for four years. I know him better than most.”
“Okay, what’s your point?”
“That man is still in love with me after all these years. He clearly hasn’t let go of the past. I don’t want you getting into a relationship with someone who doesn’t have a heart to give. Anyway, he’s changed now. He’s not the man he was when we dated.”
“Changed how?” I ask.
“He’s got quite the wandering eye. Always jumping from girl to girl. It’s because he’s still in love with me after all these years. It’s pretty sad, really.”
Wasn’t he the one who rejected her? But still, her words hit me hard. Could there be truth to what she’s saying? Is that why Kaison is such a flirt?
“He’s been trying to numb the pain. It’s not the best tactic. Therapy or taking up a hobby would be better.”
She obviously doesn’t know him as well as she says. He’s written a lot of books since dating her. But it doesn’t sit right with me that he might still be hung up on her. How can I know he’s really over her? He says he doesn’t want her, but what if he’s not being truthful with me?
Am I telling myself this because I’m trying to protect my heart from getting left again? Or is it actually valid? I can’t think about it now. All I know is I want to get out of here.
I get my order and start to say goodbye to Blair.
“Girl, if you ever want to talk, I’m here for you.” She writes her number on a napkin and hands it to me before I leave.
I hesitate before taking it and shoving it into my coat pocket with the plan to throw it away when I get home. There’s no way I want to talk to her again. I step out into the cool air, and a few flurries begin to fall. It’s unusual for this time of year in Georgia, even in the mountains. It’s beautiful, but likely won’t stick.
I climb back into the car just as Kaison is hanging up.
“Sorry that took so long,” he says. “It looks like you already got your coffee. I don’t have to get any if you want to just go. I had an energy drink earlier.”
“Yeah, let’s just head back.” I don’t want him to know I bumped into Blair in there. The last thing I need is for him to see her again and start having old memories coming back to him again.
When we get back to the house, I turn to him. “I’m not so sure about this dating thing.”
“What changed? You were completely on board before you went into the coffee shop.”
“Maybe we ought to cool things off for a bit until we’re both ready for a relationship.” I climb out of the car before he can get my door.
“I’m ready now.” He circles the car and steps up to face me, snow falling all around us.
I look up at his handsome face and search his features. But is he really?
And what about me? Am I ready to put myself in a place where I could be heartbroken again? I’m not sure Blair knows what she’s talking about, but it’s enough to stop me from rushing into a relationship before I know the guy is emotionally available.
Only time will tell if this will ever work between us.