I Choose You

JESSIE

I sat up in the morning and stretched. I had cried myself to sleep again the night before. But this time it was more mourning the life I once had than crying over the hurt other people had caused me.

Liam was not getting any more tears. I made my way to the kitchen and made myself some hot cinnamon tea and sat down in my new favorite spot.

As I sat down on the back deck in my chair, I watched the sun move up past the trees. I sipped my tea and let out a sigh.

“I can’t remember the last time I just let myself sit like this,” I mumbled to myself as I looked out at the natural beauty before me. The forest was magnificent.

When I was a child, I had come to the Redwoods once or twice with school or for a day trip. The giant, towering trees boasting their strength and beauty. Walking through them made you feel small but whole.

My thoughts were interrupted by the grumble of my stomach. I realized I hadn’t eaten since yesterday afternoon. I decided to hunt for some breakfast only to find the kitchen empty.

“Ugh…I don’t want to have to go to the store…,” I groaned as I walked into the bathroom to shower.

After changing into a pair of torn-up skinny jeans and a sage blouse, I walked to the car, determined to find a café and a grocery store.

I drove to the small town I remembered passing through on my way to the cabin and decided to try there first.

As I entered town, I quickly found a small café open for breakfast. “That works,” I said as I turned toward it and parked down the street.

I walked in and the bell on the door chimed as I entered.

“Good morning! Table for one?” a nice older woman sang from behind the counter.

“Yes please,” I nodded before following the woman to a small table by the window.

She handed me a menu before speaking again. “Can I get you something to drink? We have coffee, tea, juices.”

“Can I have an orange juice, please?”

“Of course! I’ll give you a minute to decide what you want—and I’m Ruth, by the way.”

She walked off to give me some time. A few minutes later, she returned with the orange juice. “Have you decided what you’d like, dear?”

I nodded. “I think I’m going to do the eggs benedict. And one of those massive, delicious-looking cinnamon rolls.”

“Oh, good choice!” Ruth smiled. “We make those fresh every morning. They’re to die for.”

After Ruth left me to myself, I looked out the window at the small town around me. It had seen better days. The paint on the buildings was faded and the old storefronts looked a bit dated.

But I could tell there was pride in the little town. There were stone paved sidewalks and large iron lamp posts with old, mature trees lining the sides of the streets.

It was honestly really pretty. I could see locals walking to shops and taking time to speak to each other.

This place was the polar opposite of the city. San Francisco was cold and impersonal and everyone tended to keep to themselves.

“Here you are, dear,” Ruth said as she set down my breakfast on the table, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Thank you, Ruth,” I smiled before taking in the sight before me. “This looks amazing!”

“George is a world-class cook. Enjoy, hun.” She smiled, and I dug into my breakfast.

When I finished, Ruth brought me the check. “Do you know where I might find a grocery store?” I asked.

Ruth gave me an interested look. “Are you staying here?”

“For a little while. I’m renting a house out past town, and I’m a bit low on food. As much as I’d like to eat here every meal, I don’t think that’s in my budget.” I let out a small laugh, and Ruth smiled.

“Oh! You’re Jessica! I’m so glad to meet you! I was hoping you’d come in. I own the cottage you’re staying in. I was going to come up this afternoon to welcome you to town,” Ruth beamed.

I smiled up at her. “Oh, please, call me Jessie. Everyone does.”

“Well, now that you saved me a trip, come in tomorrow. Breakfast will be on me,” she smiled.

I held my hands up in protest. “No, no you don’t need to do that!”

“Oh, but I want to, dear. Besides, the special on Mondays is a coffee cake that is to die for.”

I smiled. “Sold. Are you sure that’s okay, though? I’d hate to get you into trouble.”

“Oh, nonsense, you get to do whatever you want when you own the place.” Ruth gave me a wink before continuing, “Now, Dillon’s Market is just down the road on the right side. Can’t miss it.”

Ruth gave me a smile and pointed down the street. I decided to walk and take in the scenery around me. It was a nice little place and I felt a little bad that I had originally judged it harshly on my way in.

I got to the market and walked inside with a cart. I grabbed the things I would need for the next week of meals as well as some more tea and a small bag of coffee.

After I checked out, I carried my bags back down the street, fully regretting my decision to walk to the store. I had almost made it to the car when someone came barreling out of Ruth’s café and into me.

I let out an “ooof” before dropping half of my bags on the ground. The guy looked at me for a moment before letting out a huff and walking off down the street.

I knelt down and began picking up my things. “Jerk…,” I mumbled, rushing to gather my groceries.

“Here.”

I looked up to see a man above me holding out a bag of coffee. A handsome man, no less.

Get a grip…, I thought to myself. “Thank you,” I smiled as I took my bag of coffee.

He knelt down and began helping me pick up my groceries and took a few bags from my hands, “Let me. Where are you heading?”

“Just the car right there,” I replied.

He put my groceries in the trunk and gave me a warm smile. “I’m Zach.”

“Jessie.” I smiled, shaking his hand lightly and eyeing the man secretively.

He was handsome. His short dirty blonde hair highlighted his steel-blue eyes and muscular jaw. He was tall and fit, his chest was broad, and his rolled-up sleeves emphasized his muscular arms.

My thoughts were interrupted when his phone rang. He turned away to speak for a few moments before turning back to me.

“Well, it was nice to meet you, Jessie. I have to head back,” he said before waving goodbye and jogging down the street.

Goodness… I thought to myself.

I shook my head. “No. This is time for you,” I mumbled to myself before getting in the car and driving back to the cottage.