I probably should have closed for the day. Since we didn't stay at home last night we’re already behind. Not to mention the other crap that needs to be fixed today. I’m going to have to do the baking all by myself.
“You can just drop me off. I’ll do this morning’s baking. I don’t want you late for your classes.” There are only a few months of school left. While I appreciate all the help Ryan gives me at the shop, his studies are the main focus. I want him to be able to have a better life, and getting a good education is vital to that.
“It’s spring break,” he reminds me.
“Oh yeah.” I give him a smile. Guilt hits me. I bet everyone that goes to school with him is out having the time of their lives. They’re probably on some fancy vacation and Ryan is stuck with me. “You know that I can handle the shop by myself if there is something else you want to go do?” I don’t want him to feel as though he has to chip in and work all of the time. I want him to have a social life and hang out with his friends.
“Get out of here. You think I’m going to leave you alone after what happened yesterday?”
“Right.” Fair point. I keep trying to push yesterday’s events to the back of my mind, knowing I’ll have to deal with them soon enough when I walk into the shop.
“Even if that wasn't an issue, I’m not going to drop double work on you, E. You already work too damn much.” He shakes his head, irritation clear on his face. My chest warms at his words.
“I love you.” I bump his shoulder with my elbow. He’s such a good kid. I know he’s going to be a great man too.
“I love you too.” He makes a turn at the light. “Are we staying here tonight or with Miles? I want to test that pool out.”
“We can stay with Miles,” I answer. I’m still a little freaked out, so I’m glad we have the option.
What if someone breaks in again in the middle of the night? They could be in our little apartment before we know what is happening. If I have a way to keep Ryan out of that kind of danger I will. I also want more time with Miles. As crazy and stressful as my life is right now, I can’t remember the last time I smiled this much. It feels good to do something for myself.
“Kick ass!” he says excitedly. Miles' house can be his spring break, I suppose.
“What the hell?”
I sit up, trying to see as far down the street as I can.
“Are those cop cars in front of Drip?”
I nod my head the closer we get. “Oh God.” I put my hand over my mouth as Ryan rolls to a stop. The place is in ruins. “Stay in the car.” I open the door, getting out.
“What? Seriously, E!”
“Yes.” I shut the door before walking toward my shop.
“Ma’am, you can’t come past here.”
“I work here. My apartment is upstairs.” I point at the windows.
“She’s clear,” a cop shouts from inside of the shop. I see it’s Andrew. He was here last night when the cops came and is also a regular customer. Glass crunches under my feet as I walk closer.
All the windows are busted out along with the display cases. When I enter I see graffiti on the walls and floor. The remnants of what were once chairs and tables are strewn all over. Everything is destroyed. The urge to cry is almost overwhelming. I think the only reason I don’t is because I’m in some sort of shock.
“I’m sorry, Eden. I’m glad you two went with Miles last night.” I nod in agreement, unable to find my voice. “The back is in worse condition. They took a sledgehammer to everything. They ransacked upstairs too.”
I put my hand over my face. I slide down against the wall until my ass hits the floor. “Can I have a moment?”
Andrews nods. I pull my knees to the chest dropping my head onto them, not wanting to look at this shitstorm anymore.
I don’t know how long I sit there before two arms grab me, lifting me to my feet. I know it’s Miles before I even see him. My head goes to his chest and he wraps me in a tight hold, telling me everything is going to be okay. It’s then I let the emotions I’ve been holding back come out.
He holds me close as I cry. Every time I have something good, I swear something else comes along and takes it from me. At this point I wonder if we should walk away from this place. I’m tired of trying to keep my head above water.