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Her face brightens. “I actually do. That would be so great if I could just let her know I am good. Thanks Brent, I’ll ask your mom about it tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. Hey, there’s Ben. Let’s see if he has an update on your car parts.” I gesture to where he’s standing, munching on funnel cake. We make our way over. “Hey man, enjoying the festival?”
“Hey guys, I sure am. This funnel cake is my favorite thing every year,” he says through a mouthful of the sweet treat. “I was going to call you earlier, but I lost track of time. Still no parts for your car Penelope. I’m so sorry. I’m sure you want to get home and I’m working on it. Seeing if anyone closer can get them for me.”
“Thanks for the update, Ben,” she says. “I know you’re working hard, and I appreciate it.”
“Maybe I’ll see you at the Christmas Tree Lighting this weekend,” he says before turning back to his funnel cake.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
I don’t think I’ll survive a few more days with her in town. I need her to go home, like yesterday.
“Well, there’s that.” I try not to sound rude but I’m suffocating with all these people around.
Penelope lets out a huge yawn. I take that as my cue it’s time to go. I’ve stayed at the festival longer than I have in years, and I’ve had my fill.
“All right, let’s go. I need to let mom and dad get back to the inn.”
“Thank you for staying here with me, even though I know this isn’t your favorite place to be. It means a lot.”
“That’s an understatement.” I laugh. “But I didn’t mind.”
I place my hand on the small of her back and guide her through the crowd to my truck. As soon as we’re out of the madness, I can breathe again. I help Penelope enter the truck before hopping behind the wheel. It’s a quick ride back to the inn, and when I sneak glances at her out of the corner of my eye, I notice her eyelids are growing heavier with every street we pass.
I park in the driveway when we arrive a few minutes later. I make sure Penelope’s awake before opening the door for her and walking her to the entrance of the inn.
The porch is illuminated by twinkle lights, allowing us to see our way to the door.
“Goodnight, Penelope. I’ll see you tomorrow at dinner.” I give her a small wave as she opens the door and disappears behind it.
I stand there for a minute after she leaves, processing the night. With a heavy sigh, I head across the snowy lawn to my house.
This has been a long night and I’m ready for it to be over.
Chapter Twelve
Penelope
Ipracticallycrawlmyway up the stairs and into bed.
The Winter Festival was everything I could’ve hoped it would be. There were decorations as far as the eye could see, delicious food that was definitely not a part of my diet, and everyone from town. Seeing so many people milling around and getting into the Christmas spirit was so beautiful.
Literally, every surface had something Christmassy covering it, and I adored every second. Too often, I found myself reaching for my phone to take a photo for social media. I can’t even remember the last time I did something, even just sitting on the couch with Georgia, that I didn’t post about. And as weird as it was to not be able to share the beauty around me, it was nice to experience the festival without that distraction.
I was exhausted, but when it was time to go, I cried a little inside and felt the overwhelming urge to stay wrapped up in the Christmas bubble for as long as possible.
It was nice having some time with Brent. I enjoyed learning more about him. I definitely wasn’t anticipating opening up about Drew, but it felt good to get that off my chest.
Lying in bed, a wave of contentment washes over my body. I’m happy to be here in Winterberry, at the Butterfly Inn. It feels like a dream, and I never want to wake up.
The next night, I get dressed and ensure my makeup looks natural, so no one notices I put on as many products as I did.
I felt like myself last night at the festival, in my makeup and cute outfits, and I want to feel that way again.
I head downstairs to help Suzanne get ready for dinner. If I’m being honest, I need something to keep my mind off Brent.
I enter the kitchen where Suzanne is putting the final touches on dinner.
