him long enough for Charlie and the mayor to get Helen away.
“How is she?” Felicia asked, almost afraid to hear the answer. So many women were unable to break the cycle and truly end the relationship with their abuser.
“She did what she said. She left the bastard and is starting over in another state under a new name. She’s already registered for classes at her local community college.”
“I’m glad.”
“Me, too. She wanted you to know that you inspired her.”
Felicia poured the steamed milk into the to-go cup and passed it over. “That’s nice. Thank you. I don’t usually inspire anyone.”
Charlie passed over a brightly colored card. “Here. It’s an invitation to a party.” The firefighter shrugged. “We’re having a luau at the new hotel.”
The Lady Luck Casino and Hotel being built on the edge of town was due to open next week. That morning the mayor had mentioned how the business was working to support town events, and the hotel-casino would be mentioned in advertising around the state.
“Thank you,” Felicia said, glancing at the information printed over the picture of a beach with a palm tree. “Should I dress in costume?”
“Not necessary. It will be casual.” She sighed. “Clay and I still can’t agree on the wedding. I want to elope, he wants the big church wedding. Crazy man. We’re getting a lot of pressure from people in town who want us to decide. We’re thinking a big party will calm everyone down.”
“It’s very generous of you to have a large event,” Felicia said, “but I don’t think it will solve the problem. It’s not the party your friends want, but the ritual. A wedding is a statement to your social group that you’ve moved into another stage of your lives. Years ago, changing from single to married often meant different responsibilities in the—”
Felicia stopped talking. “Sorry. You probably weren’t looking for a dissertation on marriage.”
“It was interesting,” Charlie told her.
Felicia wished that were true. “I’m sure the party will be a lot of fun.”
“I hope so. Oh, you can bring a date.” Charlie grinned. “That was an offer, not an instruction. You don’t have to if you’d rather not. There will be plenty of food and good company either way. Just show up and I’ll be happy.”
“Thank you. I will.”
Another woman walked into Brew-haha and hurried over to Charlie. “Stop hiding from me!” she said loudly. “I swear, Charlie, you’re making this we—” She came to a stop and smiled at Felicia. “Hi. I’m Dellina, Charlie’s party planner.”
Felicia smiled back at the pretty blonde. “She just mentioned the luau. It sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
“It is,” Dellina said, glaring at Charlie. “If certain people will ever make decisions.”
Charlie grumbled something under her breath. “Fine. I’ll decide on the stupid flowers.” She glanced at Felicia. “Ignore my complaints. The party will be great.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Charlie grabbed her latte and left with Dellina.
Felicia fingered the invitation. She wanted to go to the luau, but wasn’t sure what to do about the date issue. The only man she would ask was Gideon, but she wasn’t sure how he would feel about both the asking and the event itself. They’d had sex, but she knew that was different than a relationship. Women might bond during intercourse, but often a man was simply getting laid. Unless he was in a relationship, then the experience might be emotionally significant for him, too.
It was all so confusing, she thought, as an older couple walked into the store.
“Hello,” she said with a practiced smile. “How can I help you?”
They placed their order and she went to work.
Considering all the variables, it was somewhat surprising that men and women ever got together in the first place. A testament to tenacity, or a higher power with a wicked sense of humor? To be honest, she wasn’t sure which.
* * *
GIDEON WALKED DOWN the sidewalk, aware he was going to have to make a decision. Go get a cup of coffee or not.
On the surface, the choice wasn’t life-changing. Or even notable. But he knew that his interest in entering Brew-haha had a whole lot more to do with the woman behind the counter than any beverage offered on the marquee.
He’d had sex with Felicia. More startling, when they’d finished, he hadn’t asked her to leave. They’d dressed, started talking, and then before he had known what he was doing, he was asking her to stay.
In his house.
He rarely had anyone over, didn’t like visitors or surprises or change. Sure, the sex had been great, but why hadn’t he encouraged her to leave? And what was he doing walking into Brew-haha today?
He held the door open for a couple of older tourists, then stepped inside. Felicia was behind the counter, her long red hair pulled back in a ponytail, her curvy body covered with a cheerful apron sporting the coffee shop’s logo.
She didn’t notice him right away, giving him a chance to study her. Her green eyes were wide and filled with amusement. She was smiling. Sunlight filtered in through the sparkling windows, illuminating her face.
She was beautiful—the result of a horrible car accident in her late teens and subsequent plastic surgery. After their night together in Thailand, he’d made it his business to find out who she was. It had taken two months, but he’d finally tracked her down. He’d seen the picture of her before the surgery, and while she was more conventionally attractive now, she’d been just as appealing back then. He’d thought about going to see her. Only, he’d known better.
Despite his studies, despite the meditation and Tai Chi, the long runs and the superficial calm, he wasn’t like everyone else. He was broken in so many places, he would never be whole. That which wasn’t broken was missing. He’d known better than to inflict himself on her.
Now he’d found her again, and for the life of him, he couldn’t figure out what to do about her.
He walked to the counter and stood in line. He wasn’t looking directly at her, but he was aware of the exact moment she noticed him. Her body stiffened in surprise, then relaxed.
He placed his order with the teenager manning the cash register, then walked over to where Felicia was handing a latte to another customer.
“Gideon.” She reached for a to-go cup and smiled at him. “A latte? Really?”
He shrugged. “See me as more of a drip guy?”
“Yes.”
“I like to change things up every now and then.”
“I get that.”
She
