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It’s getting way too easy to keep this up.
“Oh good! Ben is the best, I’m sure he will have it ready as soon as he can. Until then, I’m happy you’re here. We should do this again.” She reaches across the table and covers my hand with hers.
For the next hour, we chat about anything and everything as we sip our coffee. I want more than anything to tell her who I am. What I really do for a living, but I can’t. It would change everything, and right now, I’m content. After a while, our coffee turns cold, and we both look at the time.
“I should get the car back to the inn in case Suzanne needs it. Thank you for the coffee and the girl talk. Promise we’ll do it again before I leave?”
“We better.”
Standing, I give her a hug before heading for the door. During the short walk to the car, I’m greeted by people who wave and smile as they pass.
As soon as I climb into the car, Christmas tunes pump through the speakers. I find myself singing along, so I take my time getting back to the inn.
When I pull into the driveway thirty minutes later, I peer eagerly out the windshield and notice that Brent’s truck still isn’t in the driveway. My shoulders slump and my frown deepens. As soon as I step inside the inn, the smell of cinnamon hits my nose. I take a deep breath, letting it fill my nostrils.
“Hi Suzanne, here are the keys to your car!” I call as I stroll through the inn. “Thank you so much for letting me borrow it.”
“Oh anytime! Did you get a chance to explore our little town while you were out?”
“I didn’t unfortunately. Actually, I helped Sally out at the diner and waited tables for her. One of her employees called out and she was running around like a chicken with her head cut off. We sat and had coffee after, but my feet are still killing me.”
“That is so nice of you! I bet she was grateful. Why don’t you sit by the fire for a little and rest your feet?”
“I think I’ll do just that.”
Going upstairs to my room, I put my coat and purse down on the bed, peel off my boots, and grab the book I was reading last night. Heading back downstairs, I notice that the chair by the fire is unoccupied. It’s the perfect reading spot, so I sit down, curl up, and spend the next two hours completely immersed in the story.
I read until dinnertime, then I help Suzanne and Tom set the table for dinner. The same few guests from last night join us, but there’s no sign of Brent.
“Will Brent and Nora be joining us?” I ask as nonchalantly as I can.
“Actually, he texted me earlier that they wouldn’t be coming over tonight. Something about a friend from school.”
“Oh. Okay.” I try to keep the disappointment out of my voice as I finish setting the table and sit down to eat with everyone.
If Suzanne notices the change in my demeanor, she doesn’t let on. The conversation flows throughout the meal.
Afterward, I jump in and help Suzanne clean up. Side by side, we wash the dishes and clean the kitchen.
“Thank you for the help, Penelope.” She pulls me in for a side hug before releasing me. “You know, I could get used to you here.” She smiles. “Time for us to turn in. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Me too.”
She makes her way out of the room. It scares me how much I could get used to this after only being here for one full day.
Back in my room, I take a shower and my thoughts spiral. Has anyone tried to contact me? How long can I hide out in Winterberry before I have to go back to my life in the city?
Is Brent avoiding me? Maybe he feels uncomfortable after that heated moment between us last night. The one I can’t stop thinking about. It was only one innocent touch, but it’s played on repeat in my mind.
I read to distract myself, finishing the book before drifting to sleep.
The next four days go by in the blink of an eye, and I spend them the same way— drinking coffee, helping Suzanne around the inn, walking in the snow, reading, and trying to keep myself from knocking on Brent’s door and asking if he’s avoiding me.
Sally and I have met for coffee two more times at the little coffeehouse near Nora’s school. Our chats have become something I look forward to.
I love everything about this place, except for the one thing I can’t get out of my mind… or I should say, the one person.
In fact, I’ve only seen him once since my first night in Winterberry, when he stopped by to help his dad shovel. He stayed outside, only coming in to get coffee, and barely looked my way. It’s driving me insane, but I’m focusing on my excitement for the festival tonight.
