by Sylvia Blake
“In all seriousness, I wish you luck. I know it’s important to you that you get back to work, and the most logical place is close to your family and friends. I just hope we’ll be able to see each other after you go back. Since getting to know you, all I’ve been able to think about is you, and your positive attitude and your smile. I’d hate to think I’m losing you so fast.” He reached across the table and put his hand over hers.
She was taken aback by his admission, but in a good way. It warmed her heart and her eyes brightened instantly.
“No, don’t say that. You’re not losing me. I wouldn’t think of not seeing you anymore. I’m sure we could work something out – it’s not a long drive at all!”
“Good, I’m so glad to hear that.” His eyes were shining, and she knew he really meant what he had said. “I’ve fallen for you hard, and I don’t want this to end before it really gets started.”
With those words, her spirits soared and all she wanted to do was jump into his arms; but the middle of a busy restaurant wasn’t the time nor the place. Instead, she smiled and said, “I want to be with you too.”
He squeezed her hand.
“So, when are you leaving to go back to Boston?”
“I’ll stay here tomorrow to help my aunt with the café. My interview is in the afternoon, so I’ll be fine to leave on Tuesday morning.”
“Where will you stay?”
She blushed. She didn’t want to get into all the details of her engagement, but he’ll know eventually, so might as well be upfront about it, right?
“I could stay at the apartment I shared with my ex.” She saw the confused look in his eyes, so she quickly added. “He moved out, for now. He told me I could stay there until I find a new place.”
“Ok, I see. Well, why doesn’t he find a new place to live? After all, this was all his fault, wasn’t it? Doesn’t seem like much of a gentleman, if I’m gonna be honest with you.”
“I see what you’re saying, but it’s better this way. He lived there first, and I don’t want daily reminders of the past, know what I mean? I’d rather make a clean break and have a fresh start.”
He nodded. “That makes sense.”
“Yeah. So, I’ll stay there on Tuesday night and see my family, and I’ll be back on Wednesday. I don’t want to spend more time there than I have to. I’ve gotten used to being here. The peace and quiet are great.”
“Well, why don’t you move here?” He said it so simply, like it was the most logical solution.
“Hmm, I don’t know. I don’t really know anyone other than you and my aunt. And there’s my family, my future job, if I ever manage to get another one…I don’t know, it just seems like a huge change, that’s all.”
“It might seem like that, but it’s not at all. People are really very friendly here. Plus, rent is cheap, or you can stay with your aunt, although that’s obviously between you and her. And hey, I’ve got a spa in the hotel. I manage it during the summer, but the job could be yours…I should focus more on the hotel, anyways. It would be great to have you close by.”
Suddenly, when he put it like that, it didn’t seem like the most horrible idea in the world anymore. He was right – everyone had been really wonderful so far, and she could save a ton of money by not paying big city rent on a tiny condo. And of course, there was him.
“Well, that’s so nice of you. I have a lot to think about, I guess. I’ll go to this interview and I’ll think about things over the holidays. I can’t make a snap decision. I hope you understand,” she said softly.
“Yes, of course. It’s important that you’re ok with whatever decision you make, so take all the time you need.”
The rest of their dinner flowed perfectly smoothly, and she was shocked at how fast time flew. The more they talked, the more she felt that he was right for her. He was funny, interested in what she had to say, and there wasn’t a dull moment. When he dropped her off later that night and kissed her again, she felt like she was on top of the world.
Chapter 17
She slammed on the brake, and the car screeched to a halt. City driving! She had forgotten what a nightmare it could be. It was Tuesday and she was on her way to the interview in downtown Boston. Everyone seemed to be in a rush somewhere, with zero consideration for others and their poor cars.
She sighed. She couldn’t be late – it wouldn’t leave a great impression. The rest of her day was packed with activity as well, and she didn’t look forward to the exhaustion she knew she’d face at the end of it all. After the interview, she planned to meet with April for coffee, then go to her parents’ house for dinner, and finally, go back to the condo and pack a bit before hitting the sheets.
Her mother and father were anxiously awaiting her arrival; they had both called her that morning, asking what she’d like for dinner. It was one of the perks of being away; suddenly family back home was a lot nicer and more accommodating. She recalled the conversation with her mom about leaving town for the holidays, and wasn’t looking forward to more of the same.
The woman’s voice on the navigation system announced that she’d arrived at her destination, so she went around to the back and found a parking spot. She took a last look at herself in the rear-view mirror, fixed her lipstick, and sighed. Good luck, she told herself.
Debbie’s heels clicked on the sidewalk as she made her way to her parents’ house. She’d had to park a bit down the street, as one of their neighbours was having a massive party of some sort. The interview was done; she didn’t have a feeling about it one way or another. The people were nice, and the facilities were clean and what you’d expect of a high-end spa, but she had no idea whether they liked her or not. They said she’d hear from them by the end of the week, and that was good enough for her.
April had been excited to see her and get an update on her and Luke. She was especially happy when she heard that Debbie didn’t outright refuse to move to Collingville, and pointed out all the positives of making the move. Debbie wasn’t convinced, but she told April the same thing she’d told Luke – she’d consider it.
Her attention turned to the evening ahead of her: she’d share a wonderful dinner with her family, catch up, and before the conversation could turn too serious, make an exit and head back to the condo to sleep. She wanted to wake up bright and early the next day so she could get back to her aunt’s chalet. The Christmas shopping she still had to finish also weighed on her mind. There was just one more week until Christmas, and she wasn’t even close to being done!
She rang the bell and waited, admiring the elaborate wreath hanging on the door. She smiled, knowing her mother always pulled out all the stops.
An excited voice from the other side yelled, “mom, it must be Debbie!” The door swung open, and before Debbie could say anything, her sister lunged at her and engulfed her in a tight hug. “Debbie! Finally, you’re back! I’ve missed you so much!” she said, almost out of breath.
“I missed you too. Let’s go inside, you’re gonna get cold out here.”
They entered the foyer and Cathy watched while Debbie got out of her boots and coat. Seconds later, both her mom and dad joined them and embraced Debbie, telling her they had been counting the seconds until she arrived. She felt overwhelmed; she’d only been gone for two weeks, if that, and look at how they were acting! You’d think she’d been gone for a year!
Cathy’s smiling eyes were especially a sight for sore eyes.
“What happened, Cathy? I haven’t heard from you since I left. I tried to call but dad told me there was something wrong with your phone.”
Her sister’s blue eyes were apologetic. She twisted a strand of dark blond hair between her fingers.
“Yeah, well, I dropped it, and every time I wanted to go back to the store to have it looked at, something came up. But I have an appointment for tomorrow, and this time I’m forcing myself to go. Classes are done for the semester, so I’ll have more free time.”
Cathy was three years younger than Debbie, but t
o Debbie it felt like it might as well be a ten-year difference. She loved her sister, but sometimes found her immature and irresponsible. She was in her final year of a fashion design program and hoped to find work either at a design house or at a magazine.
Her dad put an arm around her shoulders and led her towards the living room.
“We roasted a turkey, sweetie. Your favorite,” he noted, extremely satisfied that they’d gone all out for her visit. She specifically hadn’t told them what to cook, but they had gone to all that effort anyways. Debbie was touched.
“Aww, thanks dad,” she said, leaning her head on his shoulder very briefly.
They sat down on the couch, cookies and coffee already sitting on the long coffee table.
“I can’t believe that each year, you manage to make the tree even more beautiful than the year before,” she gushed, admiring the tree, which this year was decorated in a blue and silver theme.
“Well, you know your mother. Always the perfectionist,” he said, pointing at her mom in the kitchen, checking the internal temperature of the turkey.
Debbie chuckled. “I know.”
Her mom came and sat down. “Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.”
“Thanks, mom,” Debbie said. “You really shouldn’t have gone to all that trouble.”
“Don’t be silly,” her mom said with a wave of her hand. “So, how was your interview?”
“I can’t really tell. I guess it was ok, but they gave me no clue as to whether I got the job, if that’s what you mean.”
“That’s ok honey, I’m sure you did fine. And what’s it like, staying with Wendy?”
“It’s great. She’s lots of fun and we get along. Working at her café keeps me busy and I’m getting to know a lot of the locals.”
“That’s great, honey. And your skiing? How’s that going?”
Cathy let out a stifled laugh and immediately tried to disguise it with a series of coughs.
Debbie looked from her mom to Cathy. “Actually, I’ve been taking lessons!”
“Really?” Cathy’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. “But…you’ve always been terrified to ski!”
“Yes, true. What happened?” her mom asked.
“Why would you think anything happened?”
Her mom gave her a look. That kind of look.
“Ok, ok…so there was a little incident. I went out on the slopes with April, and as I got to the bottom of the hill, I couldn’t stop! I swear I did what April told me, but there must’ve been something wrong with my boots or skis.” She shrugged.
“Right…” said Cathy, rolling her eyes. “So, what happened next? Why did that make you want to take lessons? I would’ve thought that would have you running for the hills…well, away from the hills.”
“Good for you, never give up!” her dad chimed in.
“Well, I guess I might as well tell you. I was about to crash into a group of kids, when I was knocked down by this…guy. He was actually the kids’ ski teacher.”
“Aw, that’s so sweet…he saved the kids!” said Cathy.
“I suppose.” Debbie wasn’t pleased that she was being viewed as some menace to children and was already regretting her confession. “Anyways, that instructor offered me free lessons, so I took him up on it.”
“Oh, he must have been cute!” Cathy blurted out.
Debbie gave her a look that could kill. “That had nothing to do with it. I simply decided it was time to learn, that’s all.”
“Well, whatever the reason, I think it’s a great idea, honey,” her mother said.
“Thanks, mom.” Finally, her mom was happy with a decision she’d made. It was a rare occurrence, in Debbie’s opinion.
“So, when are you coming back?” her mom gave her a pointed look.
Debbie cleared her throat. She wiped her damp palm on her jeans.
“Um, I’m not sure exactly when. I’m enjoying it, and it’s nice being away from the city, to be honest.” She cringed internally, anticipating her mom’s reaction.
Just as she expected, her mom frowned. “Could you repeat that? I must have heard that all wrong because what I heard was that you’re not sure? And that’s crazy talk, darling. Didn’t you just have an interview today? You have a future to worry about hon, and a small town is not where you’re going to fulfil your dreams. Trust me.”
Debbie sighed. She knew she’d get opposition from her mom. Trouble was, she never knew quite how to counter her mom’s constant anxiety and criticism, so she usually just nodded and agreed with whatever she said, just to prevent a confrontation. She contemplated telling her family about Luke, but decided against it. It wasn’t the right time. Not just yet.
“Don’t worry mom, I’m sure I’ll come back. I might just wait until I actually have a job, that’s all,” she said, mostly to calm down her mom. “I need to get my own place, and I don’t feel comfortable doing that until I have a job.”
This seemed to placate her mom, because she just shrugged. The rest of the evening went smoothly, and she found herself enjoying her family’s company more than she thought she would. She realized she might miss them if she stayed at her aunt’s place. But there was someone else she might miss even more if she didn’t stay.
She was on her way back to her old condo when her phone rang. She connected to the call and a familiar voice came over the car’s speakers.
“Hi, Debbie.” His voice deep and warm, as always.
“Hi Luke, so nice to hear your voice. You wouldn’t believe what a day I’ve had!” She had so much to share, and she couldn’t think of anyone she’d rather share with than Luke.
“Sorry to hear that. How did it go?”
“Well, the actual interview came first. And I have no idea how it went. Nada, zero, zilch! They had perfect poker faces, and told me I’d hear from them later this week.” She told him about the rest of her day, including her family making fun of her for skiing.
“Oh, well, don’t worry about it. They don’t know what they’re talking about, and don’t know that everyone has to start somewhere.”
“True. What are you doing? You sound like you’re driving too.”
“Yeah, I am. Just finished some grocery shopping.”
“I see. Well, I’m arriving at the condo and have to go park in the garage, so the phone will cut off.”
“Ok. I just wanted to say…” his voice trailed off, as if he wasn’t sure he should finish what he started. “I want to tell you that I miss you.”
She pulled over to the side of the small road her condo was on, and listened.
“I miss you more than I thought I would. This morning I went to the café, and even though I knew you were going back to the city, I still expected to see your sweet smile. It’s like a fix for me, to get me going. When I don’t see you, I feel anxious, like I’ve forgotten something.”
“I miss you too. I can’t wait to see you. I almost told my family about you tonight, but it didn’t seem like the right time.”
“That’s ok. Soon enough, princess, soon enough.”
After a few minutes of idle chatter, they hung up. She parked in the underground garage and with her overnight bag and purse in hand, she headed to the elevators and up to her old suite. It had been a few weeks since she’d been there, and she realized that she didn’t miss it at all. In fact, she almost couldn’t wait to get back on the road and go back to Aunt Wendy’s chalet and back to Luke. She already missed his company, his easy smiles, and his jokes.
A cold chill went up her spine as the elevator doors opened and she made her way to her old condo. She took a deep breath and opened the door. She’d have to do this – she had to pack as much possible tonight so she wouldn’t have to worry about it too much later on.
“Hello?’ she called out as she stepped in, just in case anyone was there. She really hoped that no one would be there, and there shouldn’t be, considering she’d sent Jake an email letting him know she’d be there that night. He shouldn’t be in there anyw
ays; it was officially still her territory until she moved out.
The place was dark and quiet. She switched on the light and was relieved to see that everything was just as she’d left it. The couch looked inviting, so she sank into it and turned on the tv. It was only 8:30pm, but a wave of exhaustion washed over her and she lay on her side. If she just got to rest a little bit, maybe she’d have enough energy to get all that packing done…
Thump thump. Thump thump thump. She opened an eye and looked around for the source of the noise. She figured maybe it was just her imagination or maybe it was the tv, so she closed her eyes again.
Thump thump. There it was again! She sat up and rubbed her eyes. How long was I asleep? She squinted and glanced at the cable box. It was 9:30pm! And the noise…it may have been the door, she thought, so she walked over and looked through the peephole.
No! It couldn’t be! She saw the top of a man’s head – he seemed to be looking down, so she couldn’t see his face, but she recognized him anyways. What’s he doing here? He knew I’d be here!
Her heart pounded in her chest. It was Jake.
Chapter 18
Debbie was shocked, and wondered to herself what she should do. Maybe, just maybe, she could pretend she wasn’t there. No, that wouldn’t work – she had specifically told him she’d be there that night to pack. She also remembered her car in her regular spot in the garage. He could have easily checked her parking spot and he’d know she was there. Besides, whatever it is he wanted to talk about, it’d be best to get it out of the way.
She took a deep breath and opened the door, not knowing what to expect. There he stood before her, her ex-fiance, the man who broke her heart.
She didn’t say a thing. Instead, she just stood there, fixing him with a look that told him everything he needed to know.
He raised his eyes from the floor, and she knew immediately what he wanted.
“Debbie? I’m so sorry.”
She stood aside to let him in. There was going to be no forgetting or forgiveness; but she needed closure, and hashing this out was the best way to get it.