Chapter 13
Jordan dropped the last of his files into the box and stood back from the empty desk. He couldn’t help looking over at Eve’s empty spot, just a few feet from his. They’d never work together again. He was going to miss watching her throughout the day; enjoying the way her nose crinkled as she concentrated and the pout of her mouth when she was working through some exceptionally difficult accounting project.
There was no doubt that she was one of a kind. He’d never find someone like her outside of Snow Pines. The thought made him want to dump his belongings back into his desk and stay – another month, week, or heck, he’d even take a day. Funny, when he’d been so dead set against coming here in the first place.
“Where are you going?”
Jordan whipped around, nearly throwing the box at the red-headed owner of the voice. His heart felt like it was going to fall right out of his chest. He gasped for breath, willing the adrenaline spike to go away. “You about gave me a heart attack, Laurie. What’d you do that for?”
“Sorry.” She gave him a small amused smile and dropped her purse on her desk. “I didn’t expect anyone would be in here on a Saturday. I left my sunglasses in my desk. Didn’t think we were going to get such a beautiful day.” Her gaze drifted to the box in his hands. “Are you moving out?”
He nodded. “Boss wants me back at eight a.m. sharp.”
“Does Eve know?” She tilted her head slightly to the right. “Have you told her?”
Sighing, Jordan dropped into the nearest chair. “I went to talk to her about it this morning. She about had a cow and slammed the door in my face. Didn’t even give me a chance to talk. It’s not like I want to leave or skip out on the play. It’s not my call.”
Laurie’s eyebrows came together as she frowned and leaned her right hip on her desk. She gazed at him with sympathy, a knowing sorrow filling her eyes. “She was probably upset about her sister and took your news doubly hard. I’m so sorry. We all love Eve for being such a spitfire, but sometimes emotions rule her actions.”
Jordan looked up from his hands. “Sister? What happened to Brianna?”
“She and Aaron broke up. I guess Eve caught him cheating with Ashley Lynn. Awful thing.”
A grim frown slid on his face. So it wasn’t just his news that had put her into such a mood this morning. Things were starting to make sense. “At least I know why she reacted so harshly. Poor Brianna.”
“And poor Eve,” Laurie added with a meaningful glance. “She was so sure they were the perfect couple – destined to be together forever. I’m sure it rocked her world a little bit.”
“Yeah,” he muttered, more to himself than to her. “I guess it did.”
“She really is a wonderful person. I don’t think you’ll ever find someone so passionate as Eve. She wears her heart on her sleeve.”
He pressed his lips together and nodded solemnly. There was no arguing with that.
“You know, she was the reason we started taking in pups at the Foundation.” Laurie glanced over at the empty dog bed on the floor. “It was her idea. She thought that if we gave them a loving home where they could adjust, they might have an easier time finding their forever homes. And she was right. Every single pup we’ve fostered in this office has gone on to find wonderful, loving homes. All because of Eve.”
“She wanted this play to be Daisy’s way to find a good home,” Jordan said, nodded his head. “Even with everything going on, she’s still worried about that crazy dog.”
Laurie laughed and cocked her head. “Yep. She’s determined to help make this world a better place for all living creatures. But sometimes, she forgets that she needs a little help, too. That she’s not bullet proof.”
He chuckled and looked down at the ground. That sounded like Eve, all right. A fearless woman who didn’t stop for anything. No one was going to slow her down. He loved that about her.
“Well, don’t let me interrupt you.” Laurie plucked a pair of sunglasses from her top desk drawer. “I’m sure you’ve got to get on the road. It was lovely meeting you, Jordan Davis. I’m sure we won’t forget you.”
And just like that, she was gone, leaving him to finish packing the last few remnants of his life in Snow Pines.
It didn’t take Jordan long to pick up his motel room. As much as he hated to admit it, he was going to miss the dying singing elf and the Santa bedspread and the reindeer hand towels. With his suitcase in hand, he walked toward the front office and found Ed sitting out on his favorite bench, smoking a Marlboro light.
“Have a seat. Rest a moment,” the old man grunted. Plucking the cigarette from his mouth, he patted the open space next to him. “You young people are always rushing off, never taking a moment to enjoy the day.”
Jordan dropped his stuff and willingly grabbed the seat. Ed had become a sort of grandfatherly presence over the past couple weeks. Despite the fact that he smoked like a chimney and could talk your ear off, he was a good man with his heart in the right place. Jordan would miss the slightly sweet scent of his cigarettes drifting on the wind. But not nearly as much as he would miss going to work every morning and seeing the woman just across the room who had captured his heart.
“I sense girl troubles,” Ed said with a slight chuckle. He glanced over at Jordan with a confident nod of his head. “Yep, I recognize that look in your eyes. It’s the same one we all get. A sort of dull trauma that shocks the system. Yes, I know that look all too well.”
Jordan couldn’t help but smile. The man knew his stuff. “Yeah, I guess. My boss wants me back early and I have to skip out on Eve’s big play. She hates me for it.”
Ed took a long drag and blew it out between his puckered lips. “Now son, I doubt she hates you. Probably the opposite. She’s just hurt and confused. You should talk to her.”
“She pretty much gave me my marching orders,” Jordan said with a shake of his head. “Plus, she just found out her sister’s fiancé was cheating on her. I think the best thing to do is give them all some space.”
“Hmmm.” Ed pressed his lips together and hummed as he considered. “Women are complicated creatures, Jordan. They often want the opposite of what they say. My Edna would say she didn’t need an anniversary present. But you can bet, supper that night would be more than a little burnt if I didn’t show up at the very least with flowers. Turns out, what they want and need are completely different things.”
Jordan leaned back and sighed in annoyance. “Why isn’t there some kind of rule book for these things?”
“Because, as soon as you write it down, the rules change.” He gave a gruff laugh that turned into a chesty cough. Drawing on his cigarette again, he turned his gray eyes to the young man. “But let me tell you this – every day it took to learn those rules was worth it. My Edna was worth every single moment. She still is – even if our moments are dwindling.”
Jordan looked up sharply. He’d assumed Edna was waiting in the office, handling the paperwork. But, all this time living at the motel and he had yet to meet her. “Dwindling? What does that mean?”
“It’s what the doc said. She won’t make it to the spring. Been fighting Alzheimer’s for five years now.” His eyes moistened as the smoke curled around his head. “The last time she recognized me was Christmas Eve a year ago, when she spent a few days at home. Those Christmas decorations in your room have been up for an entire year. Now, all my Edna does is stare at the walls. I couldn’t bear to take the decorations down. She’ll be going home soon and that’s all I’ll have left of her.”
Jordan sat silently and watched as several cars drove by – a yellow Dodge pickup, a blue van, and a tan Subaru hatchback. All those people, going about their daily lives, never realizing the agony they were passing. In the weeks he’d been living here, consumed by his own life, he’d never thought to even question Edna’s absence. He hated himself for being self-absorbed. How could he be so clueless?
“Now, young man, don’t you go feeling sorry for me.” Ed was watching hi
m, the cigarette burning low on his fingers. He dropped it on the ground and snuffed it with the toe of his worn out Redskins boot. “We’ve lived our lives. Had a heck of a time doing it. You need to do the same. If this girl, Eve, drives you crazy in the best of ways, don’t give her up.”
A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. Eve certainly did know how to drive him crazy. She was the sassiest woman he’d ever met – the only person he wanted bossing him around. He had memorized her every curve and the feeling of her body pressed to his. Every minute they’d spent together had be spent in conversations that flowed unlike any he’d had before. And he couldn’t get enough of her. Every ounce of his being was telling him he’d never find another woman like her.
Jordan rubbed a hand over the knees of his pants. “You really think I should stick around?”
Ed turned a piercing look toward him. In his eyes was a strength Jordan hadn’t seen before now. “Don’t give up on love, son. If it’s within your reach, grab onto it and don’t let go. Don’t squander it. Life’s too short to focus on worldly things. Don’t let love slip between your fingers.”
Without another word, Jordan jumped to his feet and grabbed his bags. Tossing them back into his vacant motel room, he nodded his head at Ed and ran toward his car. He had to think of a plan.
They weren’t finished – not if he had any say about it.
Chapter 14
Eve pressed her forehead against the wooden doorframe of the church and gazed at the Christmas Eve service currently underway. The citizens of Snow Pines had packed into the pews, like sardines in a can. Every spot was full – even that pew in the very front that church members avoided on Sundays. They were nearing the end of the service. Pastor Steve had just asked them to stand for the last hymn.
Tonight was supposed to be the big musical performance. Her cast was all here – all except for two important members. Jordan was gone and Daisy was at her parents’ home, no longer able to make her acting debut for the loving families of Snow Pines. It felt strange to be without that silly dog. And stranger still to be missing Jordan so badly. Empty stage settings sat in the back of the church, useless now without her stars.
She hadn’t been able to make it through the whole service sitting on those hard pews. It felt like the air itself was suffocating her, pressing in heavy on her lungs. About halfway through, she’d rushed toward the back to get some air. Rhiannon and Laurie had spotted her hasty exit and followed her to the foyer. They’d wanted to know what happened to Jordan.
“You did what?” Rhiannon demanded after she heard the story of the previous day’s events. “Tell me you ran after him.”
“I shut the door in his face.” Eve closed her eyes and groaned. “You guys should have heard me. I was so awful to him. I told him to leave. He hates me now.”
Her eyes searched over the crowd, hoping against hope that the back of Jordan’s head was there among the sea of attendees. Instead of finding him, they settled on the backside of Ashley Lynn’s perfect blowout and red cashmere cardigan. Sitting stiff-backed next to her was Aaron, their arms looped together. The sight made Eve’s eyes burn. Brianna sat only a few rows in front of them, completely unaware of the jerk behind her.
As if on cue, Ashley Lynn glanced over her shoulder, making contact with Eve’s furious stare. She returned the stare and then revealed her big white teeth in something that resembled a snarl more than a smile. After an exaggerated wink, she returned her attention to Pastor Steve, pulling Aaron’s arm closer to her side. Eve had to fight the urge to pounce on her and tear that little cardigan to shreds.
“Jordan doesn’t hate you.” Laurie placed a comforting hand on her back. “I’m sure he’ll understand if you just call him. Tell him you’re sorry.”
“But you guys don’t understand.” She turned toward them, misery apparent in her eyes. Despite the fact that her play had been canceled tonight, she’d still shown up at the Christmas Eve service in the new outfit her sister had helped her pick out weeks ago – a deep green vintage satin dress that fell off the shoulders and hugged her small waist and hips in just the right way. She had hoped Jordan would get to see her in it. She had also hoped it would make him drool, but that wasn’t to be. “I told him we weren’t meant to last. Basically, that we weren’t even a thing and he didn’t matter anymore. You should’ve seen the look on his face.”
There was silence as each of the women considered what she’d said. Eve hid her face in her hands and breathed deeply. How could she have been so awful? It wasn’t Jordan’s fault that her sister’s happily-ever-after was never going to happen. Maybe she’d screwed up her own happy ending because she’d felt so guilty about Brianna. Or maybe she was just an awful person. Either way, this feeling hurt.
“Why don’t you call him?” Rhiannon pulled a phone out of her purse and nudged it into Eve’s hands. “Apologize. You’ll feel better.”
A wry smile appeared on her lips. “Not if he tells me he hates me.”
Laurie pushed her toward the exit. “He won’t. I promise. Now, do it before you lose your nerve.”
The congregation had just begun the first chorus to Joy to the World. Eve shook her head, but proceeded to leave the church in search of a little quiet. The cool night air greeted her, kissing her cheeks and the tip of her nose. Just across the street and halfway down the block was the entrance to the city park. Thousands of white lights lit up the trees, making for a fantastic sight. Eve spared it a short glance and then looked down at the phone.
“Here goes nothing…” she mumbled.
Guilt had been weighing on her shoulders since yesterday. She’d thought about calling Jordan a million times already, but never felt brave enough to press that button. He hadn’t even texted her to say he’d made it home yesterday. No call. Nothing. Not that she blamed him after the way she’d treated him.
“Don’t pick up, don’t pick up,” she said as the phone rang.
Leaving a voice mail seemed easier to her. She could pour out her apology without worrying about his reaction. The phone rang six times and then went to voice mail, making Eve’s pulse race in anticipation. Here went nothing.
“Um…hi, Jordan. This is Eve. Listen, I’m so sorry I didn’t call you before now. I was stupid. I shouldn’t have said those things about you, about us. They weren’t true.”
The last chorus of Joy to the World rang out from inside the church. She pressed a hand to her ear to concentrate on the message.
“I guess I was just really freaked out. You know, I grew up thinking love was supposed to be this perfect thing. Like a story from a fairy tale. But it isn’t. I mean, I just found out from my mom that my parents split when I was little. Obviously, they eventually worked it out, but still, that really rocked my world to hear that. And then Aaron went and cheated on Brianna and now they’re broken up. Sometimes there is no happy ending. Just like for your mom.”
She swallowed and rested her head against the cool stone of the building. The first people were beginning to exit the church. The service was officially over.
“I guess I’m rambling… The point to this message is that I’m sorry. I’m sorry I said those things to you and that I chased you away. We’re not perfect, but we are perfect for each other. These last few weeks have been like something out of a dream. I can’t imagine you not being here, with me. Hopefully it’s not too late. I don’t want you to hate me. I don’t want to lose you.”
Closing her eyes, Eve dropped the phone from her ear and ended the call. She wasn’t sure if she’d said everything she needed to, but it was enough for now. At least she’d said her piece. If she never heard from him again, she could at least have comfort in knowing she’d made an effort.
Still, that slight comfort didn’t fill the giant gaping hole in her chest at the moment. She missed him desperately. She would’ve gladly given up all her hard work and glory of the Christmas musical to have him back, holding her hand. If only she hadn’t been so awful.
By now, the crowds wer
e streaming from the church. A sea of hats and coats surged forth and onto the street. She stood with her back against the wall, watching them all leave. It seemed like they were all headed to one destination – the middle of the park. Standing on her tiptoes, she squinted at the procession, wondering what was going on.
“Are you coming?” Pastor Steve asked as he exited the church. He had draped a black woolen coat over his black suit. Standing at least a foot taller than her, he smiled down at the top of her head. “Don’t want to miss the best part.”
Music began to drift their way. She jumped in step with Pastor and tried to catch the tune. “Did you add a caroling portion to the Christmas Eve service? What a great idea! I love singing in the snow.”
She could use a little pick-me-up. Christmas carols were just the ticket.
A sly smile lit up Pastor Steve’s face. “That’s exactly what we’re going to do. By the way, I’m sorry we didn’t get to see your musical.”
Eve looked up at him with sad eyes. “Me, too. I’m sorry I let the church down. It was too bad Ashley Lynn was too busy to take on the Christmas play this year. She would’ve put on a better show than me.”
He stopped suddenly, causing her to dig her heels in the snow and slide to a quick halt. “Ashley Lynn wasn’t too busy to put on a play this year,” he said with a tilt of his head. His mouth twisted into a wry smile. “She wanted to do it again, but then we also had your application. The board decided to do a blind test and pick the best play. Yours won, hands down.”
Her mouth fell open as she stared up at his brilliant gray hair. “You mean, I beat Ashley Lynn for the job? All this time, she’s been telling me she was too busy. She lied? I won, fair and square?”
The left side of his mouth twitched as a sparkle lit up his eyes. “I suppose you could put it that way. As your Pastor though, I highly discourage beating anyone. It was simply a friendly competition.” He winked at her and continued their walk toward the park. “But off the record, I’m very glad you won.”
'Tis the Season for Love: A Charity Box Set Page 40