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“Kristin,” I said in a calm but stern voice, “what do you mean, he talked to me about Ireland?”
Dropping the wine holder back on the table, she spun back around, a horrified look on her face. “Shawn told me, but I don’t think he was supposed to tell anyone, and he made me promise I wouldn’t say anything to you, but when you started talking about taking time off, I just naturally assumed Lucas had told you and that you had agreed it was a good idea and that was why…” She sucked in a deep breath and went on. “…you said you were taking some time off. I thought it was to go to Ireland.”
“Why would I go to Ireland?” I patiently asked, even though inside, I was pretty sure I knew why.
Chewing on her lower lip, she shook her head. “Can you not just forget the last, like, three minutes? I’ll totally buy you whatever you want. Anything! Even this, um, cute little wine holder thingy.”
My arms crossed over my chest. Well, they tried to. I had my coat draped over one arm. “Spill it, Kristin.”
She shook her head. “No, please don’t ask me to, Hollie. It needs to come from Lucas and not second-hand.”
“Is Lucas going to Ireland?”
She shrugged.
“Why is he going to Ireland?”
Another shrug.
“Is it for his work?”
Her mouth twitched, and this time, it was half of a one-shoulder shrug.
“Oh, my God. Did he get another job?”
That time, she only made a scrunched-up face.
“He was offered another job, but he isn’t sure he wants to take it…because it’s in Ireland!”
Kristin tilted her head. “I wonder, do you think that’s why we’re such good friends? You know, the whole ‘you’re a witch and I’m a witch’ connection we have going on?”
Ignoring her, I went on. “That explains why he’s been so off. And the feeling I had to take some time away.”
“You had a feeling?” she asked in a curious tone.
I nodded. “Yeah, the night at the beach as I was watching the snow fall, a strange sensation came over me that I needed to take some time off. I mean, I am exhausted. The last few months have been crazy-busy, and I’m not complaining. But the feeling was so strong. Now I know why. Lucas was offered something away from me. He’s torn because he doesn’t want to leave, and I know Lucas. He would never ask me to walk away from my own goals and dreams.”
“And you’re okay doing that? I mean, if he decides to go, you’d go and leave your company behind.”
Thinking about her words, I drew in a slow, deep breath and exhaled. “I wouldn’t look at it as leaving my company behind. I’ve worked for years to grow it, and I’m happy to see it expanding. At the same time, since meeting Lucas, I’ve come to realize there are other things in my life that I want to focus on.”
“Like?” she asked, both brows raised.
“Like getting married someday. Have a baby or maybe two. Work on my craft. I have these amazing gifts I’ve kept buried down for so many years, and I want to learn more about them. Since getting in touch with my inner self, I’ve become so aware of my surroundings. Of what the world is telling me. I don’t want to be a slave to my job, I want to enjoy my life. I can still work and have that. And the only way for me to do that is to learn to step back and let other people help me achieve my goals. And if this trip to Ireland is something Lucas truly wants, then I want to support him.”
Frowning, I pursed my lips, then said, “But he actually has to tell me about it.”
Kristin took my hand in hers. “He will. Maybe he’s trying to let it all soak in himself. But Shawn did say Lucas told them no.”
“Really?”
She nodded. “I think they gave him until, like, the twenty-seventh to decide.”
I exhaled. It was Christmas Eve. That meant time was running out for Lucas to tell me.
Deciding to talk to him tomorrow since tonight was the bridal shower, I looked back down at the table. “I think I’m going to get this vase and then call it a day. After all, we have a bridal shower to get ready for tonight.”
“Oh, I meant to ask you: Is Wendy going to be there? I haven’t seen her around.”
