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He wandered out of the shop and into the brilliant sunset, feeling almost dazed.
The town was magical at this time in the afternoon. Shadows disappeared and ordinary things became beautiful as they reflected the pink twilight. The lights around the train station were soft in comparison with the sky, and even the metal trash bin on the corner of Park glowed with the colors of the sunset, something mundane made beautiful.
Like me, Rory thought to himself. In my new coat.
It was such a silly thought that he chuckled to himself as he walked, taking in the familiar sights. A pair of ladies headed out of Jolly Beans, laughing, and the scent of something delicious escaped through the door before it closed again.
It had been a long day, and the idea of takeout was tempting, but Rory kept walking. His pay had a more important job. He would cook for himself at home.
He admired the candy cane decorations hanging from the streetlamps as he walked.
“Rory Dunn,” a familiar voice called out.
He looked up to see Ian Cassidy headed his way.
“How’s it going, man?” Ian asked.
“Great,” Rory said.
“Almost didn’t recognize you in the new coat,” Ian said. “That’s nice.”
“Thank you,” Rory said.
“I guess she’s a good influence on you, huh?” Ian teased. “Are you getting domesticated?”
Rory blinked at him and then realized he meant Maggie, obviously. Plenty of people had seen them out together.
“I guess,” he said stupidly.
“Yeah, I heard you two were out and about,” Ian said with a friendly smile. “When I saw her the other day, she told me you were the very best kind of man.”
“Oh,” Rory said, stunned. “She did?”
“Yeah, man,” Ian said, shaking his head. “She’s got it bad. The very best kind of man, imagine that.”
“I’ll bet Faith would say the same about you,” Rory managed. Ian was madly in love with his wife—everyone knew it.
“Thanks,” Ian said, grinning. “Speaking of Faith, I’ve got to get back with these groceries or I’ll be in trouble.”
He gestured to his very full shopping bag.
“Of course,” Rory said. “See you around.”
Ian took off at a jog for his truck, leaving Rory standing on the sidewalk, feeling like he’d been turned upside down.
Had he really misinterpreted Maggie’s interest so completely?
The very best kind of man…
But at that moment, he felt like the worst.
16
ANA
On Friday night, Ana stood outside the elementary school, willing herself to go inside.
It was just one week before Christmas, and her mom was at the shop with Theo so that Ana could be here to check coats. This was a fundraiser for the elementary school library, where Theo would be learning and borrowing books in a few short years. Surely, she could put aside her own discomfort for an hour or two.
