All Good Things Exposed(4)

I took a deep breath in and sighed on release as I stood in the entrance. At first, I was met with the decadent aroma of exotic coffee beans, sugars and pastries. Small circular tables were positioned over the floor by the door and soft cushioned chairs sat closer to the rows of bookshelves. The back of the space held more seating for patrons requiring a little more privacy. There was a small remote fireplace and the lighting was dim - almost romantic. In the far right corner, there was a double door entrance into my private office. The doors were assembled with the same wood as the trim. They looked heavy and elegant. Trey had captured every intricate detail I had ever wanted housed within these walls. He was truly exceptional.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Trey spoke beside me and I nodded.

"It is." If I were my normal self, I was certain I would have been tearing up. But I wasn't. My voice was nearly void of all emotion, but that wasn't a bad thing. As a matter of fact, it was good. It meant I was succeeding in shutting myself down to feeling. I needed that to continue walking within the world of the living. I need numbness. "Thank you." I added politely.

Trey bumped my shoulder with his and my stomach rolled at the heat emanating from his person. "You've got everything in order. You've got the staff trained, the signature lattes and the hottest books. Everything is done. This is your dream and you've worked hard in the last two months to make it a reality. Short of working my men to the bone," he chuckled. "You did good."

"I couldn't have done it without you." I said and I meant every word. I couldn't have done this without Trey. In only seven weeks, we completed the interior set up, ordered product and trained trusted employees. It was more than I could have asked from just any contractor. But in the short time I had known him, Trey had become a good friend.

"What do you say we be the first to order a drink?" He smiled sheepishly. "Before we open the doors to the public?"

I eyed him measuredly before nodding. I wished the heavy sensation in my heart would go away. "I think I could definitely use a coffee."

"Great." I watched as Trey made his way to the waiting barista I'd hired. She beamed at him, obviously interested in more then serving him coffee. I wished her well. As far as I knew, Trey and Trisha had spent one mind-blowing night together before calling it for what it was. Great sex with no ties. I'd asked and she'd told. Trey wasn't interested in anything more with Trisha and she was still searching for the man who made her melt on more than one occasion.

Trey paid for two coffees even though I was more than okay with him putting them on the house and waltzed back over to me with a grin on his face. His green eyes were looking right into mine and I wished I could feel something more than ill. Why couldn't I feel for Trey what I felt for Jace?

At the thought of Jace, a blush crept into my cheeks, warming my pale skin. Trey's eyes flickered with appreciation for the color and I looked to the toe of my pumps in shame. He thought I was blushing for him. Oh dear…

"I would've gotten you a white hot chocolate, but you don't really drink them anymore so I decided we would try something new - a cinnamon honey latte. I hope you like it."

"Thanks." I brought the cup to my mouth and inhaled. It smelled decadent. Like holiday in a cup. The thought made my throat feel tight. Who would I share this holiday with? I had been hoping to be with Jace. "We should open the doors."

As I said the words, Trisha barged through the smoked glass with a takeout bag clutched in her fist. I groaned and she squealed. "This place looks amazing!" At my disgruntled expression she huffed. "We'll open the doors as soon as we eat."

"Fine," I knew there was no way I was getting out of eating lunch. I had promised Trisha I would eat and I knew there was no way I could get out of it. "I'm getting a soup from the café."

"Oh no you don't." Trisha set her takeout on a table and scowled daringly at me. "You're eating with us, like it or not."

"Trisha," I sighed pointing to the bag. "Whatever you have in there is going to make me sick."

"I don't care." She shrugged. "It'll be worth it."

"No it won't." I argued tiredly.

She set steady eyes on me and Trey bowed his head to take a seat at the table. Oh, I was in for it. "I'm sick of staring at your bones. Sit your skinny ass down and eat, Olivia."

I rolled my eyes and plopped down on a chair. "You're being dramatic."

"I don't care." Trisha sang as she opened the bag of takeout. At the scent that wafted from the bag, my stomach rolled. I didn't know how I was going to survive this. It wouldn't be lack of food that killed me. I was certain it would be Trisha and her unrelenting demands.