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Infinity means forever, Cheryl. I am coming for you.
Patience is key in the game we’ve got going on, but one day soon the game will be over, and the rest of our lives will begin.
CHAPTER7
CHERYL
TWO DAYS LATER
“From your secret Valentine.”The girl at the door says holding a bouquet of what looks like chocolates. Once again I open the note, and it brings me to tears. Peeling back one of the foils, I moan when the silky chocolate hits my tongue, and the burst of caramel follows. Oh, God. My hips are so gonna pay for this. I think to myself as I walk back into the kitchen.
The past three days have been amazingly confusing, eye-opening, and nerve wrecking. The day before yesterday, not only was I awoken by a delivery of my favorite hot chocolate and croissant for breakfast, but I was also given a signed copy of my favorite book by Stephen King, The Stand. I almost fainted when I saw his personal message to me about being his number one fan. I mean, he actually wrote it in his own words. Can’t you just die?
Then yesterday, I was given an envelope with a receipt from Flirty in Kansas City. I know, it sounds like a naughty stage review or something, but it is a book signing. Indie authors get together multiple times a year to meet their readers and fans and sign books for them. I have been trying for years to be an author there, but I am always a day or so late signing up. Well, it seems whoever it is, signed me up and paid for me to have an entire table. What do you think I did? I screamed and jumped up and down. The best part is, Rose might still be here so she can go with me.
My mind began to buzz about who this could be. Of course, I thought of Nolan first. I mean, he listens to everything I say, and I talk when I am around him, a lot. It’s like word vomit. I can’t help it. He makes me so nervous and makes me feel things I am not used to feeling then I just say whatever comes to mind.
Then I dismissed that thought though because for months we have been working together and he had ample time to ask me out and didn’t. So now, I am wholly confused trying to think of who it is. Whoever it is, knows me. Like knows me, knows me almost as much as my family. Speaking of my buzzes and I recognize the ringtone for my big brother, Corey, mayor of Arrows Bow.
“Hi Corey.” I am doing my best to change my voice, so he doesn’t do his normal inquisition anytime I sound anything other than happy.
“Baby sis. How is everything? I haven’t heard from you in a few days.” Geesh.
“I am sorry. I have been busy. Writing and helping Mama with the festival setup. What’s up?”
“How have you been enjoying the festival?”
“It’s great as usual,” I tell him, starting to get a bad feeling about this conversation.
“Any interesting booths this year?” The hair on the back of my neck is starting to tingle. This feels a lot like when he used to interrogate any boy in school who liked me and then miraculously, they’d stop talking to me.
“Yes. A few. We have a new electronics booth,” I tell him that, so he knows I know where he is going.
“Fine. You caught me. Who has been sending you gifts, Cheryl?” Is he serious?
“You know Corey, for a mayor you are not real smart. It is anonymous until they reveal themselves so how would I know?” His gruff response of ‘whatever’, makes me smile. I got him.
“Look, you know I am just looking out for you, right?”
“I do know that, big brother, and I love you for it. But, I am no longer a little girl. I can handle myself.” Take that. My declaration is met with silence, and for a moment I think the call dropped then he shocks me.
“I know, Cheryl. I know I spoiled a lot of opportunities for you growing up, but, when mom and dad came home from the hospital with you, so tiny and squeaky, cute, frail and innocent. I was ten years old when Dad handed you to me and said, “She is your baby sister, Corey. You are going to have to protect her and be her big brother. The world is not nice to sweet girls, Corey. Her heart is going to be yours to protect until a man worthy of her comes along,” and that is what I have been doing Cheryl.” Whoa. I am sagging against the wall, mouth open, not sure what to say. What a burden to put on a young boy.
“Corey, I had no idea they put so much on your shoulders. I know they were doing what they thought was best, but what a heavy load to bear, big brother. I want you to know you have done your job, Corey. You protected me. My view of the world is still sunny and idealistic. Maybe too much so, but, I love you for what you have done. Now, though, I want you to focus on you. What do you want, big brother?” He says nothing for a moment.
“The same thing as you, baby sister. The same thing as you.”
“Have you found her?”
“I have. I just have to convince her; she is meant for me.” Wow. I want to ask questions. Be nosy and find out who has my brother tangled up, but right now is not the time.
“Then do that and don’t stop until she believes you.” He chuckles and takes a deep breath.
“When did you get so smart, baby sis?”
“When you were protecting me, I was learning about life, in a bubble. Now go and get your girl.” I just wish my man would come and get me.
CHAPTER8
