Breaking Routine

by Melissa Tereze

  “L-last weekend,” Callie said, her voice barely audible.

  Harper turned around, pulling back the covers on the bed. She’d thought she was doing the right thing by setting up the bedroom when they came by last time so at least they would have had somewhere to crash as soon as they moved in. And, until now, her bedroom had been her sanctuary.

  “And you’ve had her in my fucking bed!”

  “Oh, calm down. I just wanted to show her around. We couldn’t book a weekend away anywhere, so I thought the house was the next best thing.”

  “The house? The house that I own. The house that you lost out on the chance to live in because you’ve been fucking her behind my back. That house?”

  “We only stayed one night. I thought I’d be pushing it if I stayed any longer.”

  “Oh, well that makes it all okay then, I suppose.” Harper’s eyes burned, tears threatening to spill out at any moment. It was one thing to be cheated on by the woman you were engaged to but to find out that she’d brought her new girlfriend to the house that was supposed to be for both of you…that really fucking stung. Way down deep in her stomach. Callie had already broken her heart; this was the final punch in the gut.

  “Look, I’ll come up next weekend and sort my own things. You don’t have to do it.”

  “No, I don’t. But I will. And I’ll do it right now, so you better move your fucking arse and get up here to collect them.”

  “Harper, calm down. Leave them in the spare room.”

  Harper was sick to death of Callie having it all her way. She was more than done with it all. “Nope, doesn’t work for me. They’ll be in the garden by the end of the day. And it’s forecasted to rain, so I’d leave now if I were you.”

  “I can’t get there now. I have to work.”

  “Not my problem.” And then it hit Harper. “Did you put the heating on while you were here?”

  “Of course I did. It was freezing.”

  “So, not only have you fucked that woman in my bed, you’ve caused a leak.”

  “What?”

  “The heating. You knocked the setting off to stop the pipes from freezing. I got here last night to find they’d burst downstairs.”

  “Shit.”

  “Yeah, shit.” Harper clenched her jaw, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Drop the keys you have at my mums. I don’t want you in this house ever again. Your shit will be in the garden. Bring that bitch with you. You’ll need the help.”

  “Harp—”

  Harper cut the call, bile rising in her throat. She rushed into the en suite bathroom, emptying the contents of her stomach into the toilet. Wow. The pain she felt was intense, but it was the anxiety of knowing another woman had been in her bed that really tipped Harper over the edge. She’d been quite content with remaining amicable with Callie, there was no use in being hostile and bitchy, but Callie really had just changed that entirely. If she wanted to treat Harper as though she was something she’d just stepped in, Harper could play that game too. She wouldn’t allow Callie to have the last laugh. Not in this lifetime.

  Making herself look a little more presentable, Harper rushed out of the bathroom and grabbed her laptop from the bed. She couldn’t do anything about her puffy eyes, but she could hold her head high knowing she would never treat someone she loved as though she didn’t matter. Cheating was one thing but to bring that same woman to the house of the woman you’d cheated on…that was low.

  Checking she had the keys to her room at the B&B, she grabbed her set of keys for the house and rushed out onto the driveway. She had so much to do, carpets to rip up and replace, plus gathering Callie’s belongings, but the thought of staying in the house a moment longer had Harper wanting to heave into the nearest toilet again.

  She hurried up the hill towards the B&B, her calves burning as she crossed the small road as fast as she could. The cold air felt good against her flushed skin, but she needed to be inside in the warmth of Cait’s B&B. She felt safe there. Cait makes me feel safe, not the building.

  “Hi.” Cait met Harper at the door, a beaming smile on her soft features. “Darren says you’re all sorted at home.”

  “I, uh…yeah. Burst pipe.” Harper sidestepped Cait, her shoulders sagging as she reached the staircase. Just one flight, and she would be locked away. “Thanks again,” she mumbled over her shoulder, taking the stairs two at a time. Don’t be so rude. She’s done a lot for you already. “I’m sorry.” Harper sighed as she turned around on the stairs. “But I need to take care of some things. Have a nice day.”

  Cait simply nodded, that pretty smile on her mouth.

  Harper heard Jude’s voice in the hallway; he didn’t sound happy, but Cait could run rings around her brother. She seemed like the kind of woman who had everything under control. So Harper slipped inside her room, closed the door, and sunk to the floor against it.

  God, I must have really fucked up in a previous life.

  The sound of sudden heavy footsteps came closer on the landing, a pounding on the door sending Harper’s heart rate through the roof. She quickly got to her feet, wiping a stray tear from her jaw, and opened the door. Jude stood on the other side. “Oh, hi.”

  “Payment or you have to leave.”

  Harper frowned. The vein throbbing at the side of Jude’s forehead didn’t look too healthy. “Okay, um…”

  “This isn’t a hostel.” He folded his arms across his chest. “Payment. Or out.”

  Harper bit back a sob; she really wished people would stop yelling. At her and around her.

  “Can I just find my wallet?” Harper’s voice trembled. “It’s here somewhere.”

  “Ah, that’s a good one. Lost it, have you?”

  Why did Jude think Harper was dishonest? She’d never lied or cheated her way out of anything in life. She wasn’t about to start doing so at the age of 30. She had money, plenty actually; her life just seemed to be up the wall since she arrived. Whatever was going on, she certainly hadn’t tried to get out of paying.

  “No. It’s in this room.”

  Before Harper had time to think, Cait was standing behind her brother. God, this was humiliating. “What the hell is going on?”

  “I’m waiting for our guest to pay for the room.”

  “I’ve told you I’ll sort it out this evening. What’s your problem?”

  “My problem is that I’m not happy with her staying here until she pays up. You wouldn’t do this for any other guest, and she’s no different.”

  “Jude…” Cait, even in her anger, had the softest of voices. She was nothing like her brother.

  Harper found her wallet, grabbing it from beneath the hold-all that sat at the foot of the bed. She removed her bank card, her hands shaking as she handed it over to Jude. “H-here.”

  Jude snatched it from her, shoving it into the end of the wireless card machine he held.

  “You know, you don’t have to be so aggressive,” Harper said, wiping her cheeks once again. “I’m not here for a free ride. And I certainly haven’t done anything to warrant you treating me like I’ve done something wrong.”

  “Mm.” Jude pursed his lips. “How many nights will you be staying? So I can take payment now.”

  “Just last night. I’ll get my stuff together now and get out of your way.” She really didn’t want to leave the B&B right now, but she couldn’t help but feel unwelcome. Very unwelcome.

  Jude snarled. “As you wish.”

  Cait stood outside Harper’s room, the door closed as she stared dumbfounded. Jude had a lot to answer for, but Cait couldn’t bring her feet to move. She could hear Harper sobbing behind the door, but Cait knew it wasn’t her place to console her. They didn’t know one another; it would be overstepping.

  Cait rushed across the landing, almost losing her footing as she caught the toe of her boot on the carpet. She could hear Jude up in the office, the printer whirring to life, but she couldn’t even look at him. Unless she planned to throttle him, she really shouldn’t go up those
stairs. But her feet kept moving in the direction of her brother.

  He sat at the desk, the spot Cait usually sat at because he was never around, his eyes focused solely on the computer screen.

  “What was that?”

  Jude eyed Cait, scoffing. “Well, someone has to run this place. Since you just give guests free rooms whenever it suits you.”

  “I wasn’t giving her a free room, and even if I was, it’s got nothing to do with you.”

  “This is my business, too!”

  “Oh, is it? All of a sudden, you’re taking centre role?”

  Jude straightened his back. “I am. Yes.”

  “Great. That means I can have a life outside of this place.” Cait pushed off the doorframe. “I’m taking the rest of the day off. Tonight too, and I’ll work the afternoon tomorrow. You can take care of breakfast.”

  “What?” Jude’s eyes widened. “I have plans tonight.”

  “Wrong. I have plans.” Cait stepped into the office, clearing her throat. “And don’t ever speak to a guest like that again. The way you’ve just treated Harper was disgusting.”

  “She wasn’t willing to pay.”

  “She was. I’m the one who told her there was no rush for payment. She showed up last night and asked me for a price. And she said she’d come to find me this afternoon to pay for her room. But you go in there like a bat out of hell and treat her like a squatter. How fucking dare you, Jude!”

  Jude lifted his hand. “Go away.”

  “Go away? That’s all you have to say after the way you just behaved? You know you’re in the wrong; you’re an embarrassment!”

  Cait shot down the stairs, running directly into Harper as she left her room. Their bodies collided with an oomph; Harper startled as she looked up at Cait gripping her upper arms. But it was the tingle throughout Cait’s body that she focused on. The warmth of Harper against her as they held one another, time suspended as it slowed around them.

  “Sorry,” Harper whispered, quickly unravelling herself from Cait. “Thanks for the room. Bye, Cait.”

  “Don’t go.” Cait reached out, closing her hand around soft fingers.

  “I’m going home. It’s fine. I need to get the carpets up anyway.”

  Cait realised she’d held Harper’s hand for too long. But Harper didn’t seem to be in a rush to remind her of that. Instead, Harper looked back at her with those heavenly deep blue eyes. “But you have nothing there. How are you supposed to sit down with dinner tonight?” She let go reluctantly.

  “I’ll go to the chip shop later.” Harper took the stairs slowly, Cait following behind.

  Robert, the local florist, waited in the hallway, a huge arrangement of flowers in his grip. “Well, if it isn’t the lovely Cait. I have a delivery for you. Which makes a nice change. I can’t recall the last time some lucky bugger had the chance to send you flowers.”

  “For me?” Cait asked, frowning.

  “For you. Ordered today.” Rob thrust the arrangement towards her, offering the screen of his phone so she could sign her name. “How are you? Keeping well?”

  “Great,” Cait lied. “Sandra?”

  “Sandra is well. She’s holding down the fort while I bring these to you. I should get back.”

  “Thanks, Rob. See you around.” Cait brought the flowers up to her nose, smiling as she inhaled the fresh scent. She’d never seen an arrangement quite like it; they were truly beautiful. And so colourful. “Wow.” She plucked the card from them, and her forehead creased.

  You’re a saint!

  Who the hell would send her flowers with a note like that? As she turned to rush out after Rob—this had to be a mistake—Harper caught her wrist. That single touch ignited something inside Cait. A new sensation she didn’t recall ever feeling before. “They’re from me, if that’s what you were wondering.”

  “Oh.” Cait’s insides fizzed. Harper was delightful. Which made this all the more awkward, and, in some ways, painful. After how Jude had just spoken to Harper, Cait was struggling to look her in the eye. Cait didn’t want her to leave. She wanted Harper to remain here where she could see her daily…multiple times. But Cait understood how Harper must be feeling. Jude was obnoxious.

  “Just a thank you for your help last night and this morning.” Harper hauled her bag up on her shoulder, her laptop under her arm, and stepped outside. “See you around, Cait.”

  Chapter Four

  The last of the light really had disappeared for the day, leaving Harper sitting in a darkened bedroom, her back to her bed. She couldn’t bring herself to get in it. Her laptop was showing she had 30% battery left, her phone wouldn’t survive the night, and she was surrounded by the few candles she’d packed and thankfully brought up with her bedroom furniture. Her fingertips ached; it really was cold this evening.

  This move, so far, was a complete disaster.

  Harper had changed her mind when she arrived at the house around two hours ago, deciding that she would text Callie and ask her to come for her things another day. She wouldn’t have it sorted through in time, and the less trips her ex made here, the better.

  She’d also managed to evade her mother’s calls and questions this afternoon. Harper had texted and explained that she was busy settling in, something her mum thankfully believed. If she’d heard her mum’s voice, Harper would have broken down and that would have been the end of the world for them both. Katherine would have been on her way to her daughter’s house without a second thought. And while Harper would love to see her mum right now, she was already feeling homesick enough.

  She closed her laptop; she would need the last of the battery this evening to surf the internet. She was already bored to tears with no electricity or living room, but it would all come good in the end. It had to.

  She’d considered calling around the other B&Bs for a room for the night, but Harper knew how close everyone was around here. Jude had likely already called them and told them all to turn away the red haired, blue eyed squatter who was prowling the area. And right now, Harper couldn’t deal with that rejection. She felt embarrassed enough.

  She wanted to see Cait, to explain she wasn’t anything her brother thought, but Harper was truly devastated. The last thing she needed was the town to think she was here to cause trouble. And if Cait did believe anything Jude thought, Harper would be truly devastated. Because in some ways, Harper wanted Cait to see what she was capable of. To be impressed with the woman she was.

  Callie wasn’t impressed with anything. You’re out of your mind if you think someone like Cait could be. Failure!

  A light knock on the door had Harper wary. If it was Callie, she would curl into a ball and die. And if it was Callie with whatever her name was, that would just tip this entire day onto its head.

  She used the torch on her phone to make her way out onto the landing, peering around the corner and looking down the stairs. She could see a head of dark hair and a bobble hat, but she couldn’t make out any features.

  Harper descended the stairs, her knees weakening as she reached for the lock on the door. The body on the step turned around; it was Cait. Thank God. She could deal with Cait, but she couldn’t deal with her ex. Emotion wasn’t on the agenda tonight.

  “Hi, sorry. I didn’t know who it was.”

  “Well, maybe if you put some lights on…”

  Harper smiled weakly. “I don’t have any. Darren is coming back in a couple of days to do the electrics. He said it was too wet at the minute.”

  “So, you’re sitting in a dark house with no electricity?”

  Harper shrugged. “I found some candles.”

  “And what about food? Drink? The ability to shower?”

  Harper loved the concern Cait possessed for her, but she didn’t need to trouble herself with those worries. Everything would iron itself out soon.

  “I haven’t ventured out yet. I can’t see what clothes I’m picking out, and it’s really cold tonight.”

  Cait stepped closer to the door, re
moving her hat. “Can I come in?”

  “You’ll have to come upstairs. I’m huddled away on the floor in my bedroom.” Harper stepped aside, the warmth from Cait’s body welcome this evening. “I’d offer you a drink, but well…”

  “Harper, about before.” Cait turned, devastation in her brown eyes. “Jude was way out of line. I’m so sorry.”

  “He doesn’t like me, I don’t think. But you’ve been lovely, so you don’t need to apologise. Especially not on behalf of someone else.”

  “I’ve taken the night off work. He got the shock of his life and had to cancel his plans, but I’ve just left for the evening, and I honestly have no idea where to go.”

  “Maybe you could visit some friends?”

  Cait lowered her eyes, toying with the hat in her hands. “I was thinking of walking down to the lake and getting some dinner. I’ve called around a few of the girls but it’s too short notice. Next week I have plans with them if Jude doesn’t do a disappearing act because I walked out this evening.”

  “For a business partner, he’s kinda shit.”

  Cait nodded as she lifted her head. “He is. But that’s not why I’m here.”

  “Okay.” Harper truly had no idea why Cait was here. It wasn’t exactly warm and inviting.

  “Would you like to come into town and have dinner with me?”

  Harper immediately wanted to say yes. It would be considerably warmer wherever she went. But Cait surely had better things to do than sit eating dinner with her.

  “Come on. I finally have a night off for the first time in…six months. And I’d love it if you joined me.”

  “Six months?”

  Wow. Jude really was a dick.

  But then Harper felt a swell of appreciation that Cait had even considered her to spend the evening with. She could get some good food inside her and then sleep this god-awful day away. What was left of it anyway. And she could get to know Cait better. What else could she ask for?

  “So, will you join me?” Cait looked like a nervous wreck. But Harper could use the company. And since Cait had escaped the B&B tonight, with neither of them having anything to do, Harper struggled to turn down her offer.