Ch 10

Katelyn reopened the store doing her best to forget about Wade. Randy helped her around the store keeping a watchful eye on her. Every time she got very quiet and stared into space he would gently nudge her shaking his head no. Katelyn didn't waste any time when her two employees came in to take over. She updated them while ignoring the curious looks they kept giving her about Randy. She grabbed her things motioning for Randy to follow her out back. She started rummaging through her purse as they neared her car.

"Damn it where are my keys?" she slammed her purse on the hood of her car.

"Katy, relax," Randy moved in front of her. "Take a deep breath. Can I take a look?"

She shook her head yes trying to get her emotions under control.

"I'm sorry Randy," she softly said as he searched.

"Stop apologizing there is nothing to be sorry for. Your keys were buried," he handed them to her noticing she was a little shaky. "Can we leave your car here for a few hours?"

"Yes, why?" her eyes filled with curiosity.

"My rental car is around corner. I can take you to lunch then where ever you want to go. I don't want you driving till you're completely calmed down. Does that work for you?"

"Yes, but do you mind picking up lunch and going to my place. I want to pack up Wade's things just get it done and over with. He will see my car here and not come by my place," she softly spoke.

"We can do that, come on," Randy wrapped his arm around her shoulders guiding her to his car. He opened the door for her before going around to his side. "Do you care what we have for lunch?"

"Nope, there are plenty of places on the way to my place choose whatever you like."

"We will find a place," he winked at her. "How about putting your address into the gps so you can relax not worry about directions?"

"Not a bad idea since I stink at giving directions," she half smiled typing in her address. Randy patted her hand before pulling out.

After they picked up sandwiches, her cell started to ring as they were walking out of the deli. She was relieved to see it was Chris calling.

"Hey, did you break up with Wade?" her brother asked the moment she answered.

"He broke up with me then tried to undo it when I didn't beg him to not end it. I kicked him out of the shop," her voice trembled as she recounted what happened.

"Are you ok? Do you need me to come there?" Chris asked with concern.

"I'll be fine. I'm going to pack his things leave them for him. I want him out of my life," she said knowing she couldn't put up with anymore of Wade's games.

"Are you sure Katy? I can get a flight there it's not a problem," Chris couldn't control his protectiveness hearing the sadness and stress in his little sister's voice.

"I promise if I need you I'll call. I'll text you regularly to let you know I'm ok. I can handle this I'm used to his games but this one showed his true colors," she swallowed hard thinking of what a fool she had been for putting up with his commitment nonsense.

"I'll tell him to leave you alone. I'm sorry he hurt you Katy. If he starts bothering you let me know. I will check back in on you in a few hours. Maybe you should take a few days off from work and get away." Chris suggested making her shake her head no catching Randy's attention as he put the bag in the car.

"I wish I could take a mini vacation but I have too much work to do. I'll be fine. Do you mind keeping Kelly from calling me I don't feel like recounting what happened over and over."

"Sure thing kiddo, talk to you in a bit," he hung up. Katelyn felt Randy's stare as she hung up the phone.

"Are you really going to be fine?" Randy asked as she started to say yes then felt the sadness overwhelm her as the tears started to fall again. Randy didn't even think just went to her hugging her close.

"I feel like such a fool. Why does love have to hurt so much?" she whispered burying her face in his chest.

"Katy, the hurt will stop. You'll be happy again one day," his fingers suddenly under her chin surprised her as he gently pulled her chin to look at him. "Don't forget about our deal I'll be here for you to vent to, cry on, whatever your need," he stared into her eyes.

"Thank you I won't forget," she softly said feeling a mix of emotions stir. "We are not far from my place," she said looking away from him. He didn't say a word just kissed her forehead opening the car door for her. He got in taking her hand squeezing it lightly wishing he could take her sadness and pain away.