“You know it, Chief, you’re going down,” I yelled back with a wave.
“You wish, Collins.”
I simply shook my head and kept walking toward where Hattie and Hazel always set up.
“Morning, ladies,” I said as I approached. “Where do you need me?”
“Hi, Mitch,” Hazel replied, while Hattie said, “Morning.”
“You can start setting up for the hand-churning contest over there,” Hazel said, pointing to an empty table. “Some of the boys already helped us bring everything over; it’s right on the ground there.”
“You got it,” I assured them and moved to get started.
After I’d been working a few minutes, Hazel moved closer and whispered, “So … I hear there’s something brewing between you and Faith … Isn’t that sweet? First loves finding each other again.”
“I don’t know about all that, Hazel, but we are on friendly terms,” I said vaguely, hoping she’d drop it, but knowing in my heart she would not.
“That little girl of hers is darling. It’s a shame she doesn’t have a daddy. Every girl needs a father.”
I decided to keep my mouth shut on that one, but she persisted. “I hear Faith’s got a basket in the auction this year. Might be a good chance for you to get some alone time with her and rekindle that old flame. I’d hate to see one of the other young bucks beat you out and get that time. You never know when sparks are gonna fly.”
I made a noncommittal response, but damn if Hazel didn’t have me imagining Faith on a romantic picnic with Malcolm Wright or freakin’ Grayson for that matter. Two of Mason Creek’s most eligible bachelors.
“Food for thought,” Hazel added, before walking away with what could only be defined as a wicked grin.
Once I was finished helping the twins, I took a lap around the square, my free ice cream cone in hand, and checked out what was going on.
It was a little after lunch time, so the festival was in full swing, with music playing, picnic tables full of people finishing up their lunch, and kids shouting happily as they ran from booth to booth.
I stopped on the edge of the dance floor and noticed Hope dancing wildly to the upbeat song Tucker was singing. I chuckled as she spun in circles with her hands in the air, moving her body back and forth as she did. It was a move that would have had me breaking a hip but looked like second nature to her.
“My granddaughter is something else.”
I turned my head to see Faith’s mother, Grace, standing next to me, her eyes on Hope.
“She really is,” I agreed. “I’m sure you and Richard are really enjoying having her home.”
“Yes. It’s been wonderful having her and Faith back this last year. I’m hoping it’s permanent.”
That had me glancing back at her.
“Do you think it’s not?”
Grace shrugged and said slyly, “I hope so, but you never know. Now, if Faith were to fall in love and get married to someone who lives here as well, it would give us more of a guarantee.”
“Oh, yeah?” I asked with a laugh. I’d always loved both Faith’s parents, but Grace held a special place in my heart. She’d always made me feel like family, and that hadn’t changed even after Faith moved to Chicago.
“Yup. Now, I’m going to go watch my granddaughter so Faith can get to the auction. You’d better get on too. Don’t want to miss it,” she said, giving me one final smile before moving across the dance floor to Hope.
Just then, I heard the announcement that the auction was about to start, so I turned and moved at a quick pace through the crowd toward the gazebo.
I entered the crowd gathered in the front and kept toward the back as the auction started. After a few other women, it was finally Faith’s turn, so I straightened up and got ready to jump into the bid.
Before I could even raise my hand, three other eligible men had already entered, including Malcolm and Grayson.
I knew it…
“Two-fifty,” I called out, finally finding my voice, and raising my hand.
Faith looked up and found me in the crowd, and I swear she looked pleased at my bid.
“Three hundred.”
“Three twenty-five.”
“Three fifty.”
Shit, I’d gotten distracted looking at Faith. Enough of this.
“One thousand,” I yelled, and I swear the entire crowd turned to look at me and I heard Faith gasp.
“One thousand going once, going twice, and sold to Mitch Collins.”
13
Faith
Did he just say one thousand dollars?
Someone was calling my name. I’m not sure for how long, but it finally registered, and I followed the directions to move off the platform.
I was in shock.
People were murmuring as I walked past them with my basket. My eyes were on Mitch, who seemed pretty proud of himself and not at all regretting the amount of money he’d just spent to have lunch with me.
Once I reached him, I stopped and asked, “What did you do?”
He grinned and said, “Bid on a fancy picnic lunch with a beautiful woman and donated to a good cause.”
“Mitch,” I whispered. “That was too much. You could have lunch with me anytime.”
“Could I?” he asked, tilting his head slightly as he looked at me. “Maybe I got caught up in the moment.”
I shook my head and let out a small laugh. “You’re insane. Let me go make sure my mom is good with watching Hope for a while longer and we can go find a spot to set this up.”
Mitch nodded, took the basket from my hand, and said, “Lead the way.”
Once I spoke with my mom, who looked inordinately pleased to see Mitch carrying my basket, we started to the edge of the square.
“Where are we going?” I asked as we walked away from the open grassy area.
“Trust me,” Mitch said mysteriously, holding out his hand for me.
I looked at it for a beat, then made a decision and placed my hand in his. My heart gave a little jump and my hand tingled.
We walked across the street, past Java Jitters and the barber shop, and crossed another street until we were at the public picnic area by the creek.
When we stopped right next to the bank and Mitch put the basket on the ground, I turned to him and said, “This is where we had our first date.”
He simply smiled and laid out the blanket.
I sat down, my gaze on the creek as Mitch began pulling items out of the basket.
“It’s so peaceful here,” I murmured. “I can still remember that day … We were, what? Fifteen? I was so nervous I must have changed twenty times, but by the time my dad dropped me off here I was practically vibrating with excitement. You looked so handsome in your letterman’s jacket and your mom had packed enough food for four people.”
“It was a good day,” Mitch stated.
“Yeah, it was.”
“Wow, this is quite a spread,” he said as he pulled a bottle of wine out of an insulated bag.
“I wanted to make sure whoever bought it got what they were paying for, although never in a million years would I have guessed I needed a basket worth a thousand dollars. I still can’t believe it.”
Mitch grinned and said, “Don’t worry about it, Faith, truly. I’m a bachelor who rents a place pretty darn cheap and owns his own business. I’m doing okay.”
“Okay,” I replied, fiddling with the edge of the blanket as I admitted, “I am flattered. I was worried no one would bid at all and I ended up with three gorgeous men in a bidding war. It was pretty nice, actually.”
“As long as you’re pleased with the victor,” he said, watching me in that thoughtful way of his.
“Very pleased,” I told him softly, leaning forward to reach into the basket. “Here, let me help.”
I pulled out the cutting board and knife and then grabbed the French bread and chicken salad. Once the sandwiches were made, I placed them on the plates next to the fresh fruit and asparagus sala
d Mitch had plated up.
“This all looks delicious, where did you get it from? I’ve never seen any of this at Wren’s or the deli.”
“I made it,” I replied, laughing when he looked over at me in surprise. “I’ve learned a few things over the years.”
When his face fell, regret filled me.
I knew we needed to talk, but I hadn’t wanted to ruin the picnic by bringing up our past.
“Do you want to…” I let my sentence trail off because I couldn’t bear to bring it up, but I didn’t want him to think I was unwilling to talk about it either.
“Uh, yeah, I guess we should get it out of the way, right?”
He opened the wine, poured two glasses, and handed me one.
I took a fortifying sip of the cool, crisp liquid and said, “Okay, I guess I should start at the beginning, unless you have questions.”
“Please, go ahead.”
I started off by telling him about my panic attacks, my need to be perfect for everyone and everything, and the pressure I was under. I told him about the decision to move to Chicago and the talk with my parents and how I’d found a therapist and eventually the right medication.
“Why didn’t you tell me? I knew you were stressed about school and getting good grades so you could get the scholarship, but I had no idea it affected you like that. You know you could have come to me, right? I would have understood and tried to help you.”
After taking a deep breath I replied, “I know you would have wanted to, but, Mitch, I also knew you’d either try to talk me into staying, or you’d give up everything and come with me, and I didn’t want either of those things to happen.”
“Why?” he asked, and the look on his face broke my heart.
“I loved you, Mitch. With everything I had, as only a teenager with her first love does, but I was terrified. The first time I had an attack I thought I was dying. And when I thought about going to school or settling down to get married and have kids with you, it would send me into another panic. I needed to get away and I needed to do it on my own. Maybe it was to prove to myself that I could, or maybe it was because I thought if a part of my life here came with me, nothing would be different in Chicago.” I reached out and placed my hand over his. “My therapist helped me realize I was putting all of this pressure on myself to be perfect. The perfect daughter, student … girlfriend, and taught me how to deal with it. I can usually stop a panic attack from happening now, once I feel it coming on. The medication helps too.”
“I’m so sorry you were going through all of that, and I was clueless. I wish you would have told me, but I can understand now why you had to leave. We were just kids, I’m sure it was terrifying for you to go through that.”
“Thanks. I can’t tell you how many times I picked up the phone to call you over the years. To apologize and see how you were doing, but I was afraid you hated me.”
“I don’t. I never could.”
“I am sorry, Mitch. I know I handled things badly.”
He nodded and took a drink, then asked, “It seems like Chicago was a good choice. You’ve got the salon and Hope. I was sorry to hear about your husband.”
My stomach clenched at the mention of Jed, and I gave Mitch a pleading look.
“Can we save talk of him for another time? I’d like us to enjoy the rest of this meal and I’m afraid any talk of my ex would spoil it.”
“Yeah, of course. No more talk of the past, let’s focus on the present.”
“Thanks,” I said with a smile and settled in to enjoy the rest of our time together.
14
Mitch
The rest of the picnic went by smoothly.
No more talk of the past, only anecdotes about Hope, talk of the town, and amazing food.
I hated hearing what Faith had gone through, basically right under my nose. What kind of self-involved douche must I have been to have no idea the pain and struggle my girlfriend was suffering.
I’d loved her and thought she was my whole world, and when she’d left without so much as a goodbye, I’d been devasted and resented the hell out of her for it. But she was right, we’d been kids. At the time the love we’d had felt all-consuming, but now that I was older, I could see that although I’d felt like the sun and moon hung on Faith’s every word, that kind of love was childish, and often selfish.
I’d loved the way she made me feel. The way her face would light up when I came in the room. The way our bodies trembled when we touched. But it wasn’t the kind of love that stood the test of time.
It obviously wasn’t even the kind of love that ensured trust.
I know I’d loved her with all my heart and now that I understood everything that happened, I knew I’d always cherish the memories of our young love, but that wasn’t what I needed from Faith now. Not some memories…
The attraction was still there, but different. As was our chemistry. So maybe, if she’d give me a shot, we’d have a chance to get to know each other as we are now. Adults who have lived life and had scars and experiences to share.
I was ready for a mature relationship. The opportunity to fall in love as a man, with a woman, and everything being in an adult relationship entailed.
Sure, I wanted it with the same woman, and after everything she’d told me today, there was no guarantee that she would want the same thing, or that the outcome would be different.
But I’d always been a man of Faith … in more ways than one.
After our picnic, I’d walked Faith back to her parents and Hope, who was still dancing, although Grace said she’d stopped for some ice cream, and then went off to find my friends.
Before I left, I pulled Faith to the side.
“Thanks for a wonderful meal and conversation,” I told her, leaning in close so only she could hear me.
“Thanks for bidding on my basket.”
I pulled back so I could look into her eyes, which were still so blue I swear I could see waves crashing.
“Can I take you out Saturday night for dinner?” I asked, praying she’d say yes.
“I have to see if my parents can watch Hope, but if they can, I’d love to.”
I couldn’t stop an answering grin from spreading across my face.
“Great. Just text me and let me know.”
Faith nodded and I gave her hand one final squeeze before letting her go.
As I moved through the festival, I felt lighter than I had in years. Optimistic even. And it felt good.
“There he is…”
I looked over to see Wilder, Grayson, and some of the other guys standing close to the beer tent.
“Big spender,” Grayson said, tipping his cup toward me.
“Sorry about the bidding war,” I said sheepishly.
“S’okay, I should have known the golden couple was destined to get back together.”
I accepted the beer Wilder offered me and said, “From your lips to God’s ears.”
Wilder looked at me curiously and asked, “So, it went well?”
“It did. And it’s funny to learn new things about someone you thought you knew everything about, but it turns out Faith’s a fantastic cook.”
“Now you’re just rubbing it in,” Gray joked.
I chuckled and said, “Sorry, man.”
We chatted, drank beer, and hung out until Tucker wound down for the night.
When it was only Wilder and I left, he asked, “So, did you and Faith get everything aired out?”
“Yeah, we did, and it was a relief to finally talk about what happened. We didn’t go over everything the occurred in the past decade, but that’s okay. There are many more conversations to be had and I’m looking forward to it.”
“That’s great, brother, I’m happy for you.”
“I asked her out,” I told him, keeping my voice low even though if we did end up going out, the whole town would know before we even opened the door to the restaurant.
“And?”
“She said yes,” I said happil
y. “She’s got to lock down a sitter, but said she’d go to dinner with me.”
“I’m happy for you, just be careful, okay?”
“How so?” I asked, watching him as he looked out over the people who were milling around, getting ready to leave.
“Faith has been the one that got away forever. I’m afraid you’ve built her and your relationship up in your mind as the end all, be all. I just don’t want you to get hurt again.”
I looked at my friend, the guy who’d been there for me over the years unconditionally, and knew he was coming from a place of friendship.
“I appreciate that, Wilder, I do, but I’m going into this with my eyes open. I swear it.”
He nodded and said, “I hope it all works out for you. You deserve nothing but the best.”
As we headed out, I thought back to how I’d felt during the picnic with Faith and really hoped Wilder was right.
15
Faith
“Here she is now … Ms. One-Thousand-Dollar Basket,” Cheryl called out as I walked into the salon.
“Girl, your coochie must be magical to bring in that kind of dough,” Anna quipped, causing Cheryl and Stacey to erupt into peals of laughter.
“Oh my gosh, Anna,” I chastised, feeling my cheeks flame.
Thank goodness we’re the only ones in the salon.
“But seriously, how’d your date with Mitch go? Did it bring back memories? Restart your heart?” Stacey asked, taking me by the hand and spinning me around.
“It was really nice,” I said lamely. “I couldn’t believe he spent that much on me, but I thought it was a really sweet gesture. We had a good time.”
“A good time? Lame,” Anna said, sticking her tongue out. “Did you at least make out a little?”
“No, there was no making out or anything else. Totally PG.”
“Well, that’s disappointing,” Cheryl said. “I was hoping for at least a little hand stuff.”
“He held my hand. That’s about as intimate as it got,” I lied, thinking about our conversation and how great it felt to get it all off my chest. Then, not wanting to come off as too much of a prude, I said, “But he did ask me out for Saturday night.”
Perfect Summer: Mason Creek, book 7 Page 5