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I stab the salad with my fork and shove greens into my mouth. I feel ridiculous on a Christmas Eve date with a wealthy lawyer who I just met. This girl’s from a small town where family comes first. Mom and Dad need me. Atlanta doesn’t.
Bentley asks me if I like the dressing when applause ring through the air. We turn to our left, and my jaw drops. Ted proposed to a knockout blonde, and she said yes. He bows her back and places a steamy kiss on her bright red lips. I’m a fool to think that could someday be me. Cutting my losses and returning to the safety of the upper Midwest is growing more appealing by the second.
“Excuse me,” I mumble.
My hand clasps, but I rebuff Bentley’s gesture. I’m guilty of not reciprocating my date’s honesty and sharing my feelings. Chills shiver my spine as I reach the restroom and my arms display goosebumps. I stare into the large mirror that’s reflecting a defeated girl. Seems Mrs. Rogers has convinced me to embrace my inner grinch.
A patron exits the stall and washes her hands. She looks at me with pity, sensing my low vibration as I gaze into the sink.
“Boyfriend trouble?”
“I’m out of my league in Atlanta.”
“Why do you say that?”
“My ex just proposed to a stunning woman.”
“Why does that make you feel insignificant?”
If she’s a therapist, I need to book an appointment.
“The holidays are overwhelming, being away from family. I’m tired of not having roots and moving from job to job as a temp.”
“What do you do?”
“I’m a legal assistant.”
“Here’s my card. My company’s hiring, and we offer tuition reimbursement if you choose to pursue a degree. It’s Christmas. We can’t control circumstances, but we can choose how we react. Enjoy your evening.”
I reach for my phone to call Mom when a man enters the ladies’ room and locks the door.
“Please don’t hide from me, Penelope. You’re too precious to let slip away.”
12
Bentley
My stomach leaps into my throat at the sight of my girl’s sad eyes. I assume the guy who proposed is her ex-boyfriend. He’s wearing a jacket with a Falcons monogram. She’s fragile, and I proceed with caution.
“Was that Ted?”
“Yeah.”
“Can we finish dinner and talk at my place?”
An expression of uncertainty subdues her beautiful face, and I brace for the worst.
“You’re amazing, Bentley, and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Could you please just drive me home?”
“Anything you wish. Why do I feel you’re saying goodbye?”
“Returning to Minnesota is the smart decision. I can save money by living with my parents and earn a paralegal degree in Minneapolis.”
The floor drops from underneath my feet. There’ve been enough synchronicities and coincidences over the past twelve hours to confirm she’s my next great love. I need to fight for her.
“Please, Penelope. I know how it feels to be lonely, especially when everyone around you is bursting with holiday cheer. I won’t leave you in this sorrowful state.”
“Just go, okay. I don’t deserve you.”
