by Claire Adams
She jumped up and hugged me. I spun her around in a circle.
“That’s awesome,” I said and smiled to myself. An anonymous donor. I knew a certain someone who had that kind of money to give. But I wouldn’t press the issue. I’d just thank him in my own way, quietly and without calling him out, if Austin was, in fact, the donor. “You get to stay here with me.”
“Yes, I do,” she said, sitting back down and digging into her meal. A weight had been lifted from her shoulders. “Now you need to spill about what’s making you so happy.”
“It’s Austin,” I said, blushing. Kim looked me over. “I don’t think I realized how much I missed him until he came back, Kim. Now that we’re seeing each other again, I am over the moon. You were right about giving him a chance.” I couldn’t suppress my smile.
Kim looked carefully at me. “About that, Rebecca.” Kim cleared her throat.
I frowned at her. “I thought you wanted this, Kim.”
“I did. I mean, I wanted you to reconnect with him and clear the air, maybe have some fun. I just worry that you’re falling for him again when he might not feel the same way. Austin doesn’t live here anymore, and his life is so different now. I just don’t want your heart to be broken all over again when he goes back.” She reached out for my hand. “I just want you to be careful is all. Have some fun, tie up loose ends, and most of all, don’t worry about the future like you tend to do. Just enjoy life and the holiday, knowing that I am not going anywhere.”
“He probably donated it,” I told her.
She nodded with a slight smile. “It was a million-dollar donation, sis. I don’t know who else has that kind of money locally who could help. And the timing can’t be a coincidence. We get this huge donation right after Austin comes back to town. But it’s anonymous. We may never know if it was him. And if it was, I doubt he’d admit it.” Kim shrugged. “I just know that he saved a valuable part of this town, or rather, someone did.”
“Yeah, someone did.” I felt the joy from earlier fade away as I picked at my chicken.
“Look, I don’t want to bring you down. I am glad that you’re seeing Austin again, Rebecca. I truly am. I just don’t want you to think too hard about the future, since this might be a holiday fling that you need to enjoy. There’s slim pickings in this town, so a guy from New York is pretty exciting, even if it wasn’t Austin. Right?” I nodded. “If there’s more to it, then that’s a bonus. For now, just have fun.”
She was right. I needed to lighten up and celebrate the fact that she was staying here, and that I had a date for the next couple of weeks. After that, it was a new year, and there were all kinds of possibilities. “You’re right. You’re always right, Kim.” I held her hand tightly. “I am so happy that you’re staying. This town would be nothing without you.”
We finished dinner while we talked about old memories. Then we went into the living room. The tree that I got wasn’t that big, but it would be beautiful when we were finished. Kim strung the colored lights, and I brought the ornaments in from the garage. We poured another glass of wine before we started hanging the ornaments. Kim would be staying over tonight. We had to celebrate.
Once the wine had gotten in my system, I started to relax. I didn’t even know if I wanted to leave North Reed, particularly now that Kim was staying here. I knew for a fact that Austin wasn’t planning to stay in town after the news about the newest deal. That wasn’t even in the United States. There would be no chance for us if he acquired the company, and everyone seemed to think that he would. It was on the news, which was huge.
I’d have to be happy about what he could give me while he was here.
Christmas songs played in the background as we decorated, using ornaments from our childhood. Mom had split them up between us so they could have some memories of their own in Arizona. Kim talked about making ornaments in school that we still hung on the tree. I laughed at the fact that I wasn’t crafty in the least. Kim was both book smart and crafty. I was just good with hair.
We Skyped with our parents once we were done with the living room, giving them a video tour. They were thrilled that Kim’s job was secure now. They promised to visit soon to make up for missing the holiday with us. Mom was sad about not being able to come down for Christmas, but Kim and I assured her we would get together soon so she didn’t start crying. Dad wrapped his arm around her and comforted her. Kim did the same to me.
Once we ended the video chat, Kim and I both cried a bit. But I was determined to bring the evening back to a happier place. We settled down on the couch to watch A Christmas Story. I’d made cookies earlier in the day, and we ate them and drank more wine as we watched the movie.
I rested my head on her shoulder. “I am so glad that you’re staying,” I told her with a slur. I was pretty drunk. Good thing I had the following day off like Kim did.
“Me too. I didn’t want to move,” she admitted in a shaky voice. “I was so worried about you being here alone.”
“I was thinking that I could cut hair anywhere if I couldn’t convince you to stay here. I thought about so many options, Kim. You’re all that I have here now.”
“We’re staying together,” she assured me. I nodded, and a tear slid down my cheek.
Kim fell asleep before I did on the couch. I sighed and turned off the television. I wasn’t feeling that tired, and I brought the dishes into the kitchen to clean everything up. I cleaned the kitchen completely before I locked up the house. I covered Kim with a blanket and headed to my room, seeing the messy sheets from earlier.
The room still smelled like Austin. Like us. I changed into some leggings and a t-shirt, washed my face, and brushed my teeth before I dropped back on my pillows. I glanced over at my phone. It was charging on the table next to my bed. It blinked with a new text. I checked it, seeing a photo of Austin and another guy in front of the heavily decorated Christmas tree that I was all too familiar with. The other guy had somewhat similar features to Austin, though he was wiry and lean. His smile was broad, and I could tell that he was laughing. I looked back at Austin.
Austin was gorgeous as he smirked at the camera. He looked happy, though. I sensed there might have been some alcohol while they decorated, even though he said his mom kept it out of the house. They looked silly. I traced his face in the image and smiled dreamily to myself. I texted him back.
Me: You look great. Did you guys have a good time?
Austin: Preston loved Mom’s dinner and decorating. I think he’s going to stay here and keep living the small-town life. He bought his second cowboy hat this week. How was your night?
Me: Good. We had a great dinner, and the tree is done. Kim told me the library’s been saved and she’s staying here. Isn’t that great?
Austin: Perfect! The town needs that library, and you need your sister. My parents wanted to invite you to Christmas this year since you’re not going to see your own family. Will you come?
I smiled wickedly as I read the last word again.
Me: Of course. I’d love to come. That sounds wonderful. Just let me know if I need to bring anything along.
We sent a few more messages that were flirty and fun before he told me to get some rest. There were enough references to earlier today so I assumed that he was alone, and I responded in kind. It was great being with him earlier, if not a bit rushed.
I settled under my covers once the phone was quiet, imagining the time that we’d spent together with a big smile. I was going to enjoy this to the fullest because there wouldn’t be another man like Austin in my future. Not living here in North Reed. I looked forward to Christmas over there with a loving family and even his assistant, who I had yet to meet.
I turned onto my side and breathed in the spicy scent of the cologne that Austin wore, smiling to myself. I let myself relax enough to fall asleep.
Chapter Nineteen
Austin
I met up with Preston in his hotel room to go over the deal. We’d both slept in today. He showed up at my p
arents with some beer the night before. Preston was up before I was and in contact with the folks in Singapore.
I sat at his desk, sipping a bottle of water, and looked at his laptop. “So how does it look now?”
“They seem to be coming to their senses. I don’t think you’ll have to go running off anywhere all of a sudden. I wouldn’t want you to miss Christmas with your family.”
“I don’t think Mom wants that either,” I said as I looked at him. “She didn’t even bat an eyelash when you showed up with that six pack, and she doesn’t even like alcohol in the house. You’ve won her over.”
Preston held up his hands. “I had no idea, Austin. I never would’ve shown up with it if you warned me.”
I shrugged. “She got over it quickly once you dropped that accent on her. Did you have to charm my mom? I half expected her to offer to run away with you.”
“She is way too in love with your father. That much was clear. I also noticed how much she’s missed you. She was happy because you were last night.” Preston said.
I nodded and reached for my water. I wanted some coffee since I still felt tired.
“You seem much more chipper here, lighter,” Preston said. “I think being home in North Reed suits you.”
“It’s definitely a slower pace here. I can sit outside and just breathe in the fresh air, you know? There isn’t that sound of traffic and people all goddamn day and night. There’s less complication here and no Mia.”
I explained that she called me, asking to get back together, but I told her no.
“That is a very good thing,” Preston said. “Mia is definitely trouble. And the girls here seem sweet and genuine. Not like the women in the city. You never really know what those women are after. Maybe that’s why you’re so happy here, seeing that you’re spending time with Rebecca.”
I stared at him. “How do you know anything about Rebecca?” I wanted to ask how he knew anything about any of the local women, but Preston merely smiled at me.
“I have been to Jake’s a few times and people talk. I heard all about how you and she used to be together back in school. Once you two went shopping together at the market, that sealed the deal.” My mouth dropped open, and he chuckled. “I saw the two of you driving by as I was leaving this week, as well. I did the math.”
“You went to Jake’s Bar and Grill? That place is straight up country. How the hell did you even survive in there?”
Preston laughed. “The accent works on the waitresses. I just settled in and got to talking. I like the vibe there, Austin. You don’t need to know anyone to get in, there’s no cover, and the drinks are cheap. It’s easy.” Preston smiled. “The lads had a lot of questions about you. They wanted to know all about New York and the women. I guess you were on the news with the deal, and they asked me a ton of questions about that.” I frowned at him. “I didn’t offer too much. I know you like your privacy when you can get it.”
“Thank you,” I said sincerely, appreciating that he didn’t tell them everything.
“It was my turn to ask questions when Rebecca came up in the conversation,” Preston added. “She sounds like a sweet girl.”
“She is. She and her sister are coming to Christmas dinner with us.”
He sat down and stretched. “Very nice. I can’t wait to meet them. Is this the sister who works at the local library? I’m proud of you for using your money for good, Austin. That was selfless of you. Small town living suits you.”
“I’m not staying,” I assured Preston.
He raised an eyebrow at me. “Does she know that?” His voice was serious as he looked at me.
“I’m not making her any promises, Preston. I wouldn’t do that to her.” He nodded. “She’s a good woman, and I’m not going to lie to her.”
“Just stay on the same page. You have a history with her, and I sense that it’s a rather intense one. Don’t let the feelings get out of control with Rebecca.” Preston reached for his own water.
“I know. I’ve thought of all of that. She’s just not like Mia or any of the others.”
I didn’t know where I stood with Rebecca. I didn’t know if I wanted to leave her in a few weeks without any chance of seeing her again. I didn’t know what the fuck I wanted to do.
“You seem happy here. Your family seems happy with you being here. If you wanted to, you could still do business remotely from here and travel as needed.”
I shook my head. “Not with this new deal. That’s going to make me have to leave North Reed, as well as America in general.”
“So, maybe you offer Rebecca a new life altogether? Would she go for that?” Preston asked me.
I frowned. “She’s a small-town girl, Preston. She loves this town, and now her sister is going to be staying here. I can’t imagine her packing up and leaving to go to New York, much less anywhere else. I just need to enjoy the time that I have before I go back to reality.” I shrugged again and rolled my neck. “Want to go and get some coffee? I am wiped out.”
We both grabbed our phones, and I drove us to the local coffee shop. Preston walked inside and took in the various couches and tables, along with the books that lined the shelves. “This is nothing like the corner Starbucks in the city, is it?”
“No. This place begs for you to make yourself comfortable and stay a while. They have great pastries, too.” I led him to the front counter, and the moment he spoke to order, the eyes of the two teenage girls went wide.
“I’ve never heard an accent like that in real life,” the blonde said. “Nobody comes to North Reed.”
The brunette beside her spoke up. “That’s Austin Harris, Brittany. He went to our high school.” She looked from Preston to me and blinked. “You live in New York, don’t you?”
“I do.” I held a finger to my lips. “Don’t tell anyone that I’m here. I’m visiting my family and want a break from the press. Can you do that for me?” I winked at her and gave her my crooked smile that always got my way.
“Sure, Mr. Harris.” The girls took our orders, and one went to make the drinks while the other rushed to get the pastries. I dropped a generous tip into the purple jar and waited with Preston at the end of the counter, before taking our cups and plates to a table near the roaring fire.
I sipped the strong brew gratefully and closed my eyes. “I used to come here in high school with Rebecca a lot. We’d order coffee and just talk and laugh for hours. Sometimes, some of our friends would come with us.” I smiled at the memory of holding her hand under the table, both of us thinking about finding somewhere private to go where we could fool around.
Rebecca was great back then, and now she was an animal in bed. How the hell was I supposed to leave that behind?
“It sounds like a good way to grow up. I didn’t live in a large town myself. This reminds me a little of it, though I’d forgotten all about that life once I moved to New York.” Preston looked at me. “I don’t think it would be a bad choice to stay here, Austin. Your family could use your help, and they damn sure don’t want your cash as much as they want you. I noticed that within a few hours.”
“I know. Preston. I fucking know that. I offered to find someone to take care of the house and yard for them, but Mom said Dad wouldn’t have it. He’s got a bad heart and is supposed to be taking it easy. He looked so tired the other night. I worry that he’s pushing himself too much.” I shook my head. “I have so much going on already. What am I supposed to do?”
“I can’t answer that for you. Sleep on it and spend the next few days with the people you care about the most. It’s entirely possible that you’ll be fine leaving in another week or so.” Preston’s eyes looked worried. “Just don’t lead any of them on. Don’t make promises that you can’t keep.”
“I know,” I said, and I reached for my cup. “I know.”
I worried about Rebecca and my family, but what about the promises I needed to keep to myself? What path should I take for my own well-being?
Fuck me.
We finished the pastries and drinks and waved to the girls before we left. Preston chuckled as we walked out the door, admitting that he’d slept with a girl the first night he went to Jake’s. Preston wasn’t as cocky as I used to be with women, and he treated them well, but when he told me her name, I responded with laughter. It was the girl who Rebecca had been jealous of back in school, and she was quite easy, from what I’d heard.
“I hope you used protection. She has a reputation around town, and you will be the big story among her friends now. I hope that you can live with that.”
“I will take pride in it. She was a cheeky girl, and we had a great time. I have no regrets.” Preston grinned at me. “Will you?”
“No. No matter what happens, Rebecca is terrific. Reuniting with her is worth all of it, even if I end up leaving again. I mean, I live in New York. My business is there. What options do I have?” I stared at him. “I asked her to come with me before, when I went to college. I was willing to give her everything that she wanted if she would live that life with me. The only thing Rebecca wanted was to stay here with her family, Preston. She wanted to stay a small-town girl. I don’t think that’s changed this many years later.” I shook my head. “I saved the library to make Rebecca happy, but now I know that it will keep her here.”
“Just enjoy every moment that you have here. Think about everything and decide later, since you aren’t leaving right away. Life has a way of changing when you least expect it.” Preston shrugged. “Don’t run from it. Embrace it. You aren’t the same boy who left North Reed, Austin, and you don’t need to think like him.”
I dropped him off at the hotel, telling him to let me know if anything changed. I drove past Rebecca’s house, seeing all her lights out, and continued home. Once I was home, I got out and stood in the driveway. I looked at the soft layer of snow over the countryside and breathed in the fresh air. I compared it to New York and admitted that I loved both places.