“Tea, please.” Sadie sniffed, pulling more tissues out of her purse. The woman carried everything in that large bag, and right now, I was glad.
I approached the counter where Aunt Jackie was already making Sadie’s tea. “Man trouble,” I whispered.
“I didn’t even know she was dating.” She put the cup on a tray and added a brownie. “You look like you’re on your way somewhere. You want me to handle this?”
I felt torn. I should stay with my friend, yet Greg and the rest of the cast was probably at the winery getting ready for practice. “Let me ask Sadie. But I’m sure she’d like to talk to you about the problem.”
I’d never had a kid or felt like I had anyone to protect in a relationship besides myself. My aunt hadn’t raised children, but she and Uncle Ted had had a long and happy marriage. Maybe she had some insight for Sadie that I couldn’t provide. I took the tray and walked back over to the couch.
Sadie looked like she’d been told her best friend had died. I handed her the cup. She sipped the still-brewing tea and set it down. “Thanks for this. I didn’t realize how upsetting the conversation would be. I should have just called him rather than coming to visit.”
“What happened?” I still had time to walk the rest of the way to the winery and be there before seven. Sadie needed a sounding board.
“We just want different things. I mean, I knew a future with a man, any man, would someday turn physical, but I’m just not ready. Besides, Nick’s still at home, and I can’t tell him that premarital sex is bad while I’m spending the night with someone myself. How would he ever trust me?” Sadie tore a tissue into small bits while she talked. Her tears had dried, but I could tell her heart was still in pieces.
“He should understand. I mean, he must have dated women with children before, right?” I thought about all I didn’t know about Dustin Austin, like had he been married, ever? Did he have his own kids? Since I’d moved to South Cove, I’d never seen him with anyone. I pushed the brownie closer. “These are amazing. Of course, you know that since they’re yours.”
Sadie attempted a smile. “Thanks, but I’m not hungry. Austin made it clear he wasn’t interested in helping to raise a child. And we both agreed that Nick would be my responsibility, just like always. I wasn’t looking for a father for my son. I just wanted some adult companionship.”
“But your timetables are different.” I understood the problem even if I didn’t have the same experience as Sadie.
“Why couldn’t we have started this next fall, after Nick went to college? I know my beliefs seem old-fashioned, but I know what’s right. And this isn’t right.” Tears shone in Sadie’s eyes. She took her cup and sipped the now-brewed mixture. She took in my dress and makeup and sighed. “And you’re on your way to meet Greg.”
“I’ve got a few minutes, but yeah, we have play practice tonight at the winery.” I smoothed the skirt of the dress with my palms.
“Then you go ahead. I’ll just sit here awhile and get my composure back so I can drive home.” She took a deep breath.
“Maybe we could talk?” Aunt Jackie appeared with what appeared to be a steaming cup of coffee for herself. “I’ve had a few heartbreaks in my life.”
Sadie nodded. “I’d like that. And I wouldn’t feel like I was imposing on Jill any longer than necessary.”
“You weren’t imposing. We’re friends.” I stood and gave Sadie a quick hug. “Come by the shop in the morning and we’ll talk.”
Sadie squeezed me once and then let go. “We’ll see. Thanks for rescuing me.”
As I left the shop, I checked my watch. Five minutes to seven. I was pretty sure if I didn’t show up soon, Greg would take the opportunity to leave and come find me. Then who knew if I could get him back to the winery. I lengthened my strides—and ran right into Josh Thomas.
“Watch it,” he sputtered, spinning off-kilter with my weight. I watched as he went from crouching to sitting on his butt on the sidewalk, his camera swinging around his neck. He checked the display, then looked up at me. “I should have known. Can’t you leave me alone?”
“I didn’t intend to run into you. What are you doing anyway?” I straightened my dress and considered his camera. My eyes narrowed as I considered his angle. “Were you taking pictures of my shop? Of Aunt Jackie?”
Josh leaned forward and used his hands on one of my outdoor tables to push himself to a standing position. “Of course not. I told you at the meeting I’ve been tracking the issue of trash on our streets. Sherry King said if I got enough evidence, the council couldn’t ignore my petition anymore.” He glared at me. “She cares about what’s going on in South Cove. Too bad our Business-to-Business committee doesn’t seem to give a crap.”