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“So, what if it is? I was only supposed to be spending Christmas with him. I told him I would help remind him of the reason for the season, why Christmas is so magical.”
“Then maybe you did just that… plus, maybe you found each other. Honey, that man looks at you like I’ve never seen anyone else do before. He’s in love with you.”
“But… It's been less than a week since we met.”
“Have you ever heard of a little thing called love at first sight?”
“Oliver says there’s no such thing as love at first sight.”
“He’s lying to himself, then, because the way he looks at you, it’s clear he’s been bitten by the love bug. Christmas magic and all.”
“You think so?”
“I know so.”
“I guess I shouldn’t have run then.”
“Nope, but let him come to you. Give him time to tell her she’s not what he wants anymore. Let him choose you, then you’ll know for sure it’s not just Christmas magic between the two of you. It’s more.”
oliver
My eyes watchas she runs away from me. I keep willing her to turn around, to make eye contact with me so I can assure her this is nothing, but she doesn’t. She keeps moving. Chantelle and Gus go after her and that reassures me that she’s not alone. I just hope she doesn’t assume the worst of this situation.
“Olly… hey, Ol.” My name comes back into focus as it comes from Lindsay’s mouth. I don’t want to talk to her. To be here with her. I want Willow. My eyes find Willow once more before Chantelle pulls her toward the coffee shop. When she disappears, I have no choice but to deal with Lindsay.
“What are you doing here?” My voice is brusque. I don’t want to do this right now.
“I already told you. I came to talk about us. To see if I could fix us. I’ve had a lot of time to think about it and… I want to give this a real try. If you want me to move to this little town, I can do that, too… just don’t tell me no.”
“Why now?” I sound harsh, but I can’t help it. When I proposed and she said no, my heart was ripped from my chest, and I had to learn how to pick up those pieces. Now, I’m in a new town with a new life, falling for a girl I can’t see my life without, and she chose this exact moment to show up? I don’t think so.
“Look, Lindsay. I’m not interested in starting anything with you. When you said no it was the best thing you could’ve done for me. I’m happy now. Happier than I’ve been in years, and I won’t throw it away on something I know I don’t want any longer. I’m sorry you came all this way, but my answer is no.”
“But…”
“I’m sorry. I need to go.” Leaving her standing there, I walk away. I have to find Willow and explain. I have no idea what I’m going to say, but I’ll figure it out on the way.
“Oliver, wait up.” When I first hear those words, I think it’s Lindsay trying to get me to stay, but when they come again, my brain tells me that it’s Tessa. I stop so she can catch up with me. “Why is Lindsay here?”
“She wants to get back together.” Seeing the frown on her face, I reassure her. “Don’t worry, I told her no. I don’t want her anymore. It’s just… I’ve only known Willow for a little over a week now. What if I’m just setting myself up for heartbreak again?”
“You very well could be, but I can’t say you look really happy at this moment either. But with her, you look happy. There’s always a risk when you put yourself out there.”
“I know, Tessa. She’s not Lindsay.”
“Well, if you like her and you want her to know it, then you need to find her and tell her. There aren't any shortcuts. You just have to wait and see if she’s in it for the long haul, too.”
“You’re right. I need to man up and tell her. Even if it breaks my heart.”
“That’s the spirit. Now, get to it.”
I spin on my heel and head toward my SUV. I have a girl to win over. Stopping quickly at the flower shop, I grab a bundle of mistletoe so I can cash in on all those kisses that were promised if she decides to keep me. Hopping in the SUV and pulling away, it only takes a few minutes to get to her house. There’s another car in the drive when I get there and I assume it’s Chantelle’s.
I take a minute to calm the thoughts thrashing around in my head. This may be the one shot I have to get the girl back. I should’ve sent Lindsay away sooner. I should’ve gone after Willow immediately, but I didn’t. Opening the door, I hop down and turn around to grab the mistletoe. The snow is slippery under my feet as I make my way up her sidewalk and the stairs leading to her front porch, but I don’t let it stop my determination.
Knocking twice, I step back and wait for her to open the door. Instead of Willow, I find Chantelle. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to tell her how I feel. I’d say it’s about time.”
