Chapter 19
The next few days were a whirlwind of activity and avoiding Zoe’s knowing looks and Hanna’s curious questions. I did my best to resist the urge to text or video chat with Wes, but even if I’d wanted to, there wasn’t time. Things had picked up at work and I was often working through lunch.
I did manage to have a few calls with Hancock. I noticed as we spoke that he seemed a bit old-fashioned about things, but I knew that not everyone would share all my views. I was relieved when he mentioned that he preferred a more traditional relationship and didn’t want to rush things physically.
On Saturday, while the boys were visiting with my mother for the afternoon, I headed to Common Grounds. Normally I would take the time to catch up on cleaning and maybe even watch a “grown-up” television show, but I decided that could wait. I was curious about Hancock and I hoped that he might help to get the bad taste out of my mouth from my last date.
When I arrived at the cafe, I waved to Alex. She waved back with a smile and pointed me toward the private table once more. I appreciated how much extra effort she made for me. She was always there for all of us whenever we needed advice, and her attitude was always upbeat and inspirational. I wondered if she realized just how many people she impacted each day with her great personality.
As I settled at the table, I thought about the conversation I’d had with Nicole earlier. I knew she might be a little hurt that I’d rejected the possibility of a visit so easily, but I just didn’t see how it could happen.
Yes, I could steal an hour or two here and there thanks to my great friends and family, but it was hard to imagine having an entire long weekend away, especially since I was already leaving the boys with my mom next Saturday so that I could see Samantha. I didn’t like to rely on others too much, even if they were willing. And of course it was hard to imagine being away from my sons for several nights in a row.
Still, seeing Nicole would be a great treat for me. It was hard when friends lived far away. I missed Blu all the time. She was like a second sister to me, as she and Hanna had been best friends growing up.
Once the boys were grown, I’d have a lot more freedom—that’s what I told myself. But at the same time, I hated the thought of looking forward to them growing up. I loved every minute I had with them, even the messy, crazy moments.
“Noella?”
I’d been so lost in my thoughts that I hadn’t even been watching the door. Now a man I assumed was Hancock stood beside my table with a nervous smile on his lips.
“Hancock? It’s nice to meet you.” I smiled warmly, hoping to put him at ease.
“You too,” he stammered, then sat down across from me. “You can call me Hanc if you want. Most people do.”
“Oh, great. You have such an interesting name.”
“Thanks. Trust me, it wasn’t interesting growing up. But my father wanted to give me a sense of refinement, I suppose.” He chuckled. “Noella is a beautiful name and unique as well.”
“Oh, trust me, I had my share of teasing too. No-yella was one my sister would always use on me when she stole my stuff.” I laughed.
“Clever. I don’t have any siblings myself. Only child.” He shrugged. “I suppose that’s why I’m a little socially awkward—like you couldn’t tell.”
“Don’t worry about that. I’m a little shy myself—and new to this. Well, I’ve tried a couple of times, but—I don’t know—I don’t seem very good at it.”
“Well, then we can be bad at it together.” He smiled again.
I decided that I liked his smile. His lips were thin to the point of almost being nonexistent, but when he smiled, his face lit up and revealed a dimple.
“That sounds good to me.” I glanced up at Cyndi as she walked over to take our orders.
Before I could begin to give her mine, Hancock jumped in.
“I can only have a certain kind of coffee and I need to be sure that it is actually that coffee, so please bring me the package so that I can verify it. It’s Green Brew. I saw it listed on your website.”
“Oh yes, we have it.” She nodded. “Are you allergic to other coffees?”
“I just need to be sure it’s Green Brew, please.”
“Sure, no problem.” She glanced at me with a light smile. “Do you want your usual, Noella?”
“Sure, thanks.” I smiled in return.
I could understand people having dietary needs. It was a little unusual, but I did my best not to judge.
“You come here often?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, my friend owns it. Isn’t it a wonderful place?”
“I suppose.” He glanced around. “It’s a little bright.” He squinted at the brightly colored chairs. “For a single mother it seems a little financially unsound to waste money on places like this. Have you considered how much money you could save by making your coffee at home?”
“Oh.” I stared at him, unsure how to react. My gut wanted me to tell him that he had no business thinking about my financial situation, but I figured that would put an end to the date pretty quickly. “Actually, I do make coffee at home. I come here more for the company than the coffee, though the coffee is spectacular.”
I waited as he verified the bag of coffee beans that Cyndi brought out. He even checked the expiration date. I gritted my teeth and tried to be patient.
“The thing is, I see it a lot, especially the women I meet on Forty and Free. They’re all struggling financially, but they get their hair done and their nails. They wear the latest fashions. I see that you’re not as frivolous as that. Good for you.”
I tucked my hands under the table. No, I didn’t get my nails done and I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had a haircut, but those things just didn’t interest me.