I Choose You

JESSIE

“Good morning, dear!” Ruth sang out as I walked into the café in the morning for breakfast.

“Hi, Ruth, is here fine?” I pointed to that same table I’d had next to the window the day before.

“Yep, sit down. I’ll be with you in a minute.”

I sat and watched the morning out the window again. It was busier than the day before, which I thought was odd.

“So, what can I get you this morning, Jessie?” Ruth asked.

I turned my head to face her with a smile. “Oh, I’m definitely having some of that coffee cake. Can I get some eggs with it as well?”

“Comin’ up. Any coffee or tea?”

“Coffee this morning, please.” I gave her a smile and sat back in my chair.

“Here’s your coffee. Your food will be out in just a minute, hun.”

“Thanks, Ruth.”

When Ruth brought out my food, she set the plates down and then sat in the chair across from me with her own cup of coffee.

“So, Jessie, what brings you out here?”

“Just need a change for a little while,” I shrugged, taking a bite of the coffee cake. “Ruth, this is amazing! Tell George I’m going to need his recipe!”

Ruth laughed. “Over his dead body! He won’t give that to anyone! I’ve tried stealing it for years.”

I laughed. Ruth was a sweet lady. She reminded me a lot of Kathy from the office.

“So, a change, huh?” Ruth prodded lightly.

“Things at home kind of fell apart. I decided I needed some time for myself. I’m not sure how long I’m staying, but I like it here for sure. It’s a lot different than San Francisco.”

Ruth squished her nose. “Yeah, not a big fan. I’ve only visited a few times, and I didn’t see what the fuss was about. So, what do you do for work?”

“I’m a lawyer. Corporate law mostly.”

“Oh! A smarty pants, huh?” Ruth teased.

I shrugged. Not according to some people…, I thought to myself, still a bit bitter over that promotion.

“Well, dear, whatever your problems were at home, I’m glad you’re here. I can tell you’re a sweet girl.” Ruth gave my hand a squeeze.

“Thanks, Ruth.” I smiled warmly at her. Just then the door chimed, and Ruth turned to see who it was.

“Hey, Ruthie!”

It was the man from yesterday, Zach. I tried not to stare, but it was hard. I couldn’t deny he was hot.

“Hey, hun!” Ruth got up and gave Zach a hug.

Apparently small towns are all really close to their neighbors, I thought.

Ruth turned around. “Jessie, this is my nephew, Zachary Townsend. Zachary, this is Jessie. She’s renting the old cottage.”

Never mind…

Zach’s eyes widened. “Ohhh.”

“Hi, again,” I smiled.

“You two met?”

“Zach rescued me yesterday when I dropped a bunch of groceries.”

Ruth’s eyes gleamed. I knew that look and laughed internally at the fact that she was going to try and set us up.

“Well, I have work to do. Zach, honey, you sit in my seat and keep Jessie company. I’ll grab your usual.”

“Uh, okay. If that’s alright with Jessie.” Zach looked at me with hesitation.

“Oh, she doesn’t mind. Sit.” Ruth practically pushed him down in the chair.

“I’m sorry, my aunt can be a bit pushy.” He gave me a warm smile and I returned it with my own.

He quickly cut eye contact, though, which bothered me a bit. He’s probably just not interested, I thought to myself.

“So, what brings you out here?”

I looked up at him, preparing the same answer I had given to Ruth. “Just needed a change.”

Zach nodded. “I see.”

I was grateful that he didn’t push further, but also curious how he seemed to have known the reasons behind why I was there. That’s silly, I thought to myself.

“So, what do you do for work, Zachary?”

He winced. “Oh, Zach please. Ruth just calls me Zachary to push my buttons.”

I laughed. “Oh, I understand that one. I hate it when people call me Jessica.”

“It’s a nice name, but I think Jessie suits you.” He caught my gaze and I almost thought I saw attraction flash through his eyes.

But it was gone as fast as I saw it, and he broke eye contact to look over at Ruth. He almost seemed hesitant to be warm to me.

Ruth brought his breakfast in a little to-go bag and he got up. “Thanks, Ruthie. Well Jessie, good to see you again.”

I gave him a warm smile as he left and then turned to Ruth. “You’re shameless.”

Ruth shrugged with a chuckle and walked off.

“Hey, Ruth?” I asked as she passed by again.

“Hmm?”

“What’s going on today? Why are there so many people in town?”

“Oh, on Monday mornings they have the farmer’s market and bazaar in the park. Everyone loves to go. You should head over and look around! I bet you’d love it.”

I thought about it and decided to walk over. “Thanks for breakfast, Ruth,” I hollered as I left.

I made my way down the street and turned when I passed the grocery store. Down a little bit was the park, and I could see all the tents and canopies from the different vendors.

It was busy and lively, and I became excited as I got closer. I walked around to each vendor, looking at the different fruits and vegetables.

Some were selling breads and desserts, and others had different types of candied nuts. It all looked and smelled so good.

I bought a few things and wandered farther to the Bazaar. There were tents of people selling handcrafted goods. I stopped to look at some carpentry work when I was bumped into.

“Excuse me, I’m sorry,” the man said, grabbing my shoulders to stabilize the both of us.

“No worries.” I smiled at him warmly and then turned back to the booth.

“You know they say redwood is a symbol of wellness and vitality,” the man said.

I looked at him curiously. “So if I eat cake out of this bowl made of redwood, then it’ll be healthy?” I asked, mildly sarcastic.

The man laughed with a shrug. “Worth a try, right? I’m Dean.” He offered his hand to me.

I looked at him and was impressed with how good he looked. Is every man in this damn town attractive? I thought.

He was tall and fit, but not super muscular—just trim and athletic looking. He had dark hair and golden-hazel eyes that caught the sunlight. His chiseled jaw was emphasized by the light scruff he had.

I took it with a shake. “I’m Jessie.”

“Want to walk through together? I can tell you all of the other useless facts I know.”

I laughed. “Sure, I’d love a tour guide.”

“Are you a local?” he asked as we walked, browsing the booths.

“No, just visiting.”

“Same. I’m staying at the resort east of town.”

I nodded to him but didn’t give him more. I wasn’t about to tell a man I just met where I was staying alone.

“A resort? Sounds relaxing.”

“It’s definitely a change from the city, that’s for sure,” he replied.

I laughed, but it was cut short when my foot stepped into a divot in the ground and I tripped, twisting my ankle.

“Are you okay?!” Dean bent down to help me up.

I winced. “I think I twisted my ankle.”

“Can you put pressure on it?” he asked, wrapping my arm around his shoulder.

I shook my head. Dean asked one of the vendors where the local clinic was, and they pointed us down the street to a large brick building. It looked like it had been a house once but was converted into a doctor’s office.

When we entered, I sat down in the chair, and he told them what had happened. We waited for the doctor to finish up the appointment he was already in, and I sat uncomfortably in a chair trying to keep my foot still.

“Jessica Hanson?” The doctor walked out, and when our eyes met, he looked at me curiously.