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I stow my buildin’ anger, and go to talk to Carly Jo. I knock on her office door, only enterin’ after she invites me in. When our eyes meet, her eyes grow wide, then soften, fillin’ with defeat.
“What are you doing here, Colton?” She whispers, turnin’ her face back to the computer.
“Brought your car to ya, need to get my truck.”
“Thanks. You can take as much time off as you need.”
“Don’t worry ‘bout me, I’ll be back after shut down’s over.”
“Sounds good.”
“Talked to Luke.” I smirk.
Her eyes flicker up, meetin’ mine as her face pales. “Colton, you and I aren’t together. It’s none of your damn business what happens with Luke and me.”
“Ya know, baby, it’s funny you say that, ‘cause Luke told me that he knows he ain’t the man for you, and that I should fight for you, regardless of how hard you keep pushin’ me away. So don’t be tryin’ to make me jealous of Luke. I know there’s nothin’ there.” I chuckle. “Now, are you still plannin’ on spendin’ Christmas with Heidi Jo and me?”
“I’ll come by on Christmas Eve and see Heidi Jo for a little while before heading to Savannah’s. Is that okay?”
“Whatever you wanna do, sweetheart. I ain’t pushin’ no more, Carly Jo. I’ve spent these last four months tryin’ to make you see how much I love you, and that you can trust me. I know I screwed up with
Eric, but that ain’t got a damn thing to do with us. But push me away. I ain’t goin’ anywhere. I’ll still be here, whether it takes you a week, month or a damn year. Just like I’ve waited the last seven damn years, I’ll still be waitin’ for ya.” I press my body up from the chair, lay her keys on the desk and turn to leave. I can’t look at her, or I’ll lose my strength.
“Colton, I’m sorry.” I hear her whisper, but I don’t even acknowledge her apology with a look, I simply walk away.
Chapter 36
Carly
Over the last five weeks, I’ve tried picking up the pieces of my shattered heart, but I don’t even know where to begin.
I spent Christmas Eve with Colton and Heidi Jo, but the tension between us was undeniable. Every time he tried to offer me even the simplest touch, I pulled away. I could see the hurt in his eyes. We’ve pulled each other through the trenches of hell, and yet, here we are like two love struck fools, refusing to let go.
After Heidi Jo opened her presents that I had put under their tree, I got ready to leave. As I was walking out the door, Colton stopped me, and slid a small wrapped present in my hand. He asked me not to open it until Christmas night. I promised him I wouldn’t, then left.
From Colton’s, I went to Savannah’s to spend the rest of Christmas with her and the kids. Braden, Brailee, Savannah and I all baked cookies for Santa, before reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.
We tucked them into bed, then hurried down the stairs. First, we had to move that silly little elf. Savannah placed him by the fireplace with a skewer topped off with a marshmallow in his hand. She is so over the top! After laughing at her antics, she explained the story line behind this little guy, Dexter, they call him. It’s a cute, fun-filled way to keep the spirit of Santa, alive.
Next, we started assembling the Barbie Dream House and Tool Shop Santa would be leaving under the tree for the twins. Josh came straggling in after midnight, drunk off of his ass. I could smell the stench of alcohol as soon as he walked through the front door. Damn dick.
He stumbled into the living room, cussing about the wrapping paper that was scattered all about the living room floor. Then, grabbing a beer from the fridge, he stalked off to his man cave, slamming the door behind him.
I asked Savannah if things were okay between the two of them, but she plastered her perfect little smile on her gorgeous face and acted as if everything was okay. I could tell that she was hurting, but she refused to let him ruin such a wonderful holiday for her kids. There wasn’t much I could offer her.
We both hurt the same way, and rather than dealing with our issues, we always bottle them up tightly, until the bottle is full and the cap burst off. I just wonder how long before her cap will burst, setting her emotions free? If she’s anything like me, it could be any day now.
After I got home from Savannah’s on Christmas, I piled up on the couch with some hot chocolate and a stack of old movies. Half way through The Christmas Story, I remembered the gift Colton gave me when I left. I pulled it from my purse, and contemplated opening it. Maybe I shouldn’t have accepted it? I removed the card, then peeled the paper back, revealing a hot pink jewelry box. I lifted the lid, revealing a gorgeous white gold infinity loop necklace, lined with small glistening diamonds. I rubbed my fingers across the cold metal, admiring its beauty, before putting the necklace on. I opened the card and lost my breath at the message inside.
~Carly Jo,
When two people are meant for each other, no time is too long, no distance is too far, no one can ever tear them apart.
You are my infinity, my always, my forever.
Merry Christmas,
Colton
