(May 19th, 2009)

The fact that I was always late but also hated being late didn't escape me. What could I say, I was a walking contradiction.

This morning, all of the butterflies from the day spent in Gabriel's presence slowed me down. I had phantom sensations of his thumb running against mine, his lips caressing my own and his gravelly voice whispering in my ear.

I'm sure it would slow down even the most punctual person. A title no one would ever place on my head.

I pulled into the thankfully still-empty, recreation centre parking lot and was getting my swim bag out of my trunk when a truck pulled in next to me. I glanced over at the man who had occupied my thoughts endlessly through the night. His eyes were glittering as he got out, yet again carrying a coffee.

"You know, you should be careful. I could get used to this." He reached out the hand with the cup but when he reached for it he pulled it back, making me step closer and then bent down real quick, his lips lightly touching mine. It was so fast, I had to question if it had even happened.

He brandished the coffee like a grand prize, and then as I took it from his hands he explained, "That's the whole idea, Hails." My heart pounded. What had I signed on for here?

"I figured we were out a little bit later and you might want some  extra coffee in your life this morning." His words were accompanied by one of those panty-melting grins.

Lord, was I in trouble.

"I've got to meet Liam but I'll come by the bar for dinner tonight?" He leaned in for one more kiss, as if we'd been using our lips to say goodbye for years.

Then he was back in his truck, leaning out the door and giving one final wave before the truck backed away.

I blinked. On repeat. My brain  seemed to be backfiring but finally it gave my hand the message to return the wave with my free hand and then he was gone.

What the fuck was that?

I took one deep breath. Then another. I looked down and smiled at the coffee, allowing myself just for a minute to enjoy the thoughtfulness of the gesture.

I closed the trunk of my car and told myself to not overthink it. The years of self doubt and misunderstandings contrasted so heavily with the last few days that my head was spinning and I simply didn't have the mental fortitude at the moment to worry about it.

Instead, I walked through the door of the REC centre and made my way towards the pool, imagining a sign above ROMANTIC MUSINGS- NO LONGER WELCOME.

The pool was busier than normal, school was still in session but we had a couple of aquafit classes and before I knew it I was walking into the bar for the night shift.

As I made my way through the doors, and saw Jon, disappointment flashed. "You sir were supposed to get a couple of days off after the long weekend."

He shrugged and gave me a winning smile, "Day shift called in sick."

More so, he'd been kind enough to give everyone the day off yesterday and someone had too much fun. "You look good. Rested."

He gave me a smile, "You can report back to my daughter that I'm feeling much better. I see what you ladies are talking about and appreciate you forcing me to take a step back."

He gestured around the bar, "It's been really slow today though. If it continues into the night don't stay open. I think a lot of people are partied-out after the weekend."

I wasn't surprised, Tuesday was our slowest day anyway.

"Yah?" He nodded, the idea of more time off beckoned. I was exhausted and he must have seen it on my face.

"Absolutely and I know you and my daughter are trying to give me a break but I would be remiss to not tell you to slow it down.  Enjoy the time that you are home, Hailey."

"I've been meaning to mention that I think we should give Addy some more responsibilities. Slowly let her take over what I've been doing so that at the end of the summer she can take over as your manager."

He gave it some thought before voicing, "I've always been a fan of Addy. You think she would want that?"

My answer was quick. "I think you should ask her, but yah. Liam's trying to stay local more and I know they want to make Fenelon their home. You give her full time hours and I think she'll stick around for the long haul."

I reached down for the clipboard and then pulled back, I didn't need to do my counts, It was Jon working and then only me on tonight. It's not like I needed to keep either one of us honest.

Instead, I pulled out the schedule for the next week and said to him, "Why don't you sit down and have a beer and some dinner and we'll see if we can work through the schedule."

I pointed at the beginning of the week, "We should try to get you a couple more days off next week. My dad's in town Monday or Tuesday, maybe you guys could squeeze in some golfing and some fishing."

Jon's face lit up, I loved the bromance between him and my dad. He looked around the empty bar one more time. "Done but Instead of me eating alone,  why don't you make a sign for the door? We are going to close for the night. We'll have Fred make us some food and then close up and go home. He looks a little green around the gills anyway."

I laughed at that and Jon murmured, "I'm closing down for both Monday and Tuesday next year. Give everyone a chance to recover before we open back up."

Then he pointed at me, "Let's order a bunch of appetisers and then you and I will enjoy some dinner and take a look at how both of us can enjoy some time with your family next week."

I shook my head, going to argue that I wasn't home here for that but he held up his hand, stopping me. "I've gotten some clarity. You and Josie have made your point but I never wanted either of you to work yourselves to the bone, trying to make sure that I take care of myself. Let's figure out a way that the both of us can have a life."

I wanted to argue but he was right, exhaustion was pulling at me and we weren't even into summer hours yet. I pulled a blank piece of paper to write a SORRY WE ARE CLOSED TODAY sign. "You know what, that all sounds better than anything I've heard in a good while."

I finished the sign and handed it to Jon before walking in the back to let Fred know that we were closing up for the night. I laughed when I saw him and he winced at the sound, "You look like shit, man."

He grimaced, "Feel like it too. No need to rub it in Hailey."

I giggled again, I wasn't sure what it was about other people feeling so horrible from their own choices that I found humorous but I always had.

"Well your gem of an employer just decided that if you make us a plethora of appetisers, you can go home to nurture your hangover for the night."

Fred's face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. "He's closing for the night? I love that man. You two are going to get a feast."

I was laughing as I walked back to the main bar floor through the kitchen doors but it died in my throat as I caught sight of Gabriel talking to Jon.

Jon glanced over as I walked up to them and then pointedly looked at his watch, "I'm so sorry Hailey, could we talk tomorrow I forgot that I have to be somewhere right now."

He did not.

Jon and his daughter were both horrible liars. I should have just let it go but I wanted to see what he could come up with, so instead asked, "Oh? Where do you have to be?"

Gabriel stifled a laugh next to me. Jon on the other hand ran a hand through his thinning strands. The movement obviously gave him an idea. "I've got to get my hair cut."

He grabbed his jacket and flushed, obviously uncomfortable and scrambling out the door, "Sorry about this. Eat and drink on me tonight. You'll lock up, eh?" He yelled it over his shoulder, then he was gone.

What an old matchmaker.

Gabriel snickered and I turned to look at him as he explained, "I can't wait to tell him how good his hair cut looks tomorrow, when it doesn't look any different."

Frig. I forgot how much I liked the way his brain worked.

Then he pulled me into a hug, "I hear you are about to be inundated with all kinds of food and I should help you clean it up like a gentleman."

I laughed, "Well that would be mighty considerate of you, kind sir."

I walked behind the bar as he pulled up a seat. "Would you like a beer?"

He threw me a wink, and his words set off those pesky butterflies. "I'll have whatever my date is having."

A/N- Oh my goodness. I'm sorry for the delay but if you're back here reading this again. Thank you.