Now, if only I could get her mom to call me.
Friday night I head home from work, already thinking about where I’m going to order takeout from. The short drive to my apartment also gives me time to debate whether it would come across as pushy for me to call Abby again. But as soon as I pull into my parking spot, I get a text message that solves everything.
ETHAN: We’re all headed to the Martin Farm to pick out Christmas trees tomorrow, thought you might want to join….
I grin. Looks like my best friend is playing matchmaker. This once, I won’t give him a hard time about it, since I desperately want the excuse to see Abby.
REID: Sounds good. What time?
ETHAN: Meet there at 10. Just to warn you, Summer and Mila want to scope out your girl.
Crap. They mean well, but if those two or their friends Paige and Serena get in Abby’s business, it could definitely scare her off.
REID: Shit. Can you tell them to back off? I haven’t heard from her yet.
ETHAN: I’ll try, but you know how they can get.
REID: I do, which is why I’m asking you to tell them to keep a lid on it.
ETHAN: I’ll do my best. See you tomorrow.
Heading inside my building, I feel a weird combination of anticipation and nerves. What if she hasn’t called because Layla isn’t on board with us dating? Granted, I don’t think that’s true, seeing as the kid was just as lively and chatty with me today as she has been all week. So maybe Abby is the one who changed her mind?
Either way, I guess tomorrow I’ll find out. But somehow, even knowing that I’ll see her in just a few hours and get an answer, hopefully, isn’t enough to let my mind stop wonderingwhat if.I never understood how a woman could ever consume someone’s thoughts the way Abby does mine. If I’m being honest, she has from the night we first met. But as I lay in bed, trying to get some sleep, all I can do is picture her hair spread out on the pillow beside me, her lips on mine, and her body underneath me.
After a night tossing and turning, I drag myself out of bed at seven. Three more hours until I can hopefully do something about this insanity bubbling up inside of me. For how long the night felt, the morning seems to fly by, and soon enough I’m driving to the farm, regretting the third cup of coffee I downed after my shower. Everyone is already there and the excited look on Ethan’s sister Mila’s face makes me inwardly groan. I shoot her a glare, and she seems to get the message because I see her shoulders drop in acceptance. But my warning might be for no reason since Abby isn’t at the entrance or anywhere to be seen when we walk through the farmyard.
“So where is she?”
I startle at Serena’s voice. “Where’s who?” I say, trying to play dumb. I should have known Mila and Summer wouldn’t keep things to themselves. The downside to having such a large, close-knit group of friends is that everyone knows everybody else’s business.
Serena shoves at me with her shoulder. “You know who, your farm girl.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “Don’t call her that. Her name is Abby.”
She lifts her hands in defense. “Oooh, touchy touchy. Sorry. Where’s Abby?”
“If I knew, I wouldn’t tell you,” I mutter, but Serena just laughs.
“Oh, Reid. Don’t you know we’re just messing with you? We won’t really embarrass you. Not when it’s obvious you actually like this one.”
I pause in the middle of running my fingers over my jacket and frown at her. “How would you know, you’ve never seen her before.”
“Because my brother wouldn’t warn us to keep quiet and leave you alone if you didn’t.” Mila walks up and slings her arm over my shoulders. “Not to mention, you’ve been looking for someone ever since we arrived and you can’t stop fussing with your clothes.”
I drop my head in defeat. Apparently I was way more obvious than I thought I was. “Alright, fine. Yes, I like her. Abby, she’s different somehow. So just give me some space, please?” I look at the two women in turn, and they both nod. “And make sure Summer steers clear, too. Abby’s got reasons to want to move slowly.”
“You mean like the adorable little girl beelining her way over here?” I turn at Serena’s words, and feel a grin cover my face. Sure enough, Layla is marching over here in a green Martin Farm T-shirt that is about three sizes too big, over top of a pink sweatshirt. The toque on her head has a giant pom-pom, and her rosy cheeks tell me she’s been outside in the cold air for awhile.
“Mr. Corser! You’re here! Did you come for a tree? I can show you where the best ones are. My Unca Steve told me. But I only told one other person, and that’s my best friend Carly’s dad. I’m going there for a sleepover after the tree lightin’ festival. Did you know there’s a giant tree in town that they light up? And Mom n’ Unca Steve are gonna bring some animals for a nativity scene. I dunno what that is, but it has animals, so I guess it’s cool. I’m gonna help with the goats maybe. But maybe not. I might just play with Carly. Mom says I can. So can I help you find a tree? I’m good at cuttin’ them down.”
By the time Layla stops talking, I can hear Serena, Mila, and Summer all fighting to keep quiet. I manage to hide my own amusement and crouch down to her level. “Hi there, Layla. Wow, I’m glad you found us.” I turn and point to my friends. “I’m not here for a tree, I’m just here to keep my friends company. But they would probably love to see the really good trees.”
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn’t the look of horror on her face. I stand up, quickly trying to figure out what’s wrong. I’ve never felt such an immediate worry, but I can’t stand her looking so upset.
“Mr. Corser, why don’t you need a tree? Everyone needs a Christmas tree.”
The adrenaline surge leaves my body as quickly as it came. Thank God, not a crisis, just a misunderstanding. “I live by myself, and most of the time I spend Christmas day with my friends or with my parents on the mainland,” I say, only after realizing this is more personal information than any other student of mine knows. “I don’t need a tree just for me.”
