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“Don’t get your hopes up. Leave it to the lawyer—that’s why he gets paid the big bucks.” Mia takes the papers and folds them, placing them on top of the bureau.
“He’s not getting paid.” I shake my head and lower my chin.
“Whatever, come on. Let’s go!” she yells, cranking the volume.
We’re finished cleaning but our dance party continues until the two of us are out of breath and we throw ourselves onto the bed. “I needed that, Mia. I didn’t think about a damn thing the whole time.”
“That’s exactly the point. Not only did we get a workout, we tossed that boy right out of your mind, and we have a clean loft to boot.” She reaches over for a high five.
She’s spot-on, except I’m convinced Jackson will never be an afterthought. Even when I don’t think I’m thinking about him, I am. I can’t help it.
I’m eternally screwed. I said I was done getting my heart broken, and look where I am now, falling in love with him.
25
Ipromised myself I wouldn’t make a move on Solia again, but damn it, I can’t keep my hands off her. Just seeing her renders me helpless. I’m certain kissing another woman will never paralyze me the way she does, but I won’t be another number on her list of jerks.
The only way I can avoid that is to stay out of her orbit. As hard as that is to do, I owe it to her. There have been so many moments when I’ve picked up the phone and almost sent a quick text, days I’ve almost driven out to her cabin to wrap my arms around her, but I’ve held strong. I cannot be that guy.
Keeping myself busy has proven fairly easy between the farm, the country store, and slowly packing my condo. Peak apple-picking season will be upon the orchard soon, so there are a lot of things to prepare before I leave. A few of the other farmers have plenty of seasons under their belts, and I’m confident in their ability to handle the volume we produce. But it saddens me to know I’ll miss this fun, crazy time of year.
The store is busier than ever with summer tourism at its highest. It seems every guest has a visit to a local mom-and-pop shop in New Hampshire on their summer bucket list. It’s amazing how things have changed over the years. Farms are now cool and local products are the hype. We are certainly not complaining over here at Christianson’s—all business is good business.
Packing, on the other hand, sucks. With every screech of the packing tape over a box, I cringe. Each item I place in these boxes is one less item keeping me grounded in Meriden. And every box I stack is a forceful reminder of how soon things are about to change and how real this decision is. No matter how badly I want Solia, I know I have to do this. There’s no turning back now.
I see Mike under the awning on the side of the barn as I park the tractor for the day. He’s rocking away alongside my grandparents, and I hear him mention Solia’s name. I catch little of the conversation, but I know September 1 is the deadline for property owners to give their final decision to Green Breeze. Headquarters will announce decisions and give an update at the town council meeting and lay out the rest of the timeline.
“Hey there, Jackson,” my grandfather says as I duck my head, stepping closer to them.
“Hi, Grandpa. Mr. Kelley.”
“Call me Mike, Jackson. How are you holding up? I know you’re heading out soon.”
“Yeah, I am. The summer has flown by. I wish I knew everything was going to be OK here. It would put my mind at ease.”
Mike rubs his hand along his chin and looks at my grandfather. “I wish I could give you that peace of mind, Jackson. Unfortunately, I have other news.”
I hold my breath and sit in the wicker chair across from them.
“Solia’s property happens to be the largest of the properties on the list. And because of that, Green Breeze has slated that lot for the substation.”
“You have to be kidding me. Does she know this?”
“She does. She’s staying firm and not at all interested in the deal, even if they up the offer. This will get more complicated. For this wind farm to work, they need an electrical substation. But there isn’t much you can do. Just hang tight—I’m working on my end of things. You have my word. I am working as hard as I can to fight this.”
“I know you are, Mike. I don’t doubt you for a second. It’s terrible for everyone involved. We’ve all heard horror stories about states taking land from property owners. That story is an old one, and it better not happen here to anyone, especially Solia. She doesn’t deserve any of this.”
“You’re right, son. Just be there for her,” my grandfather says.
* * *
Two days until the next town council meeting, and god knows how many more after that one. The town is abuzz, wondering what news Green Breeze will have. I hear people chatting in the parking lot of the grocery store, in line to get coffee at the Brown Bean. Anywhere I go in town, wind turbines are part of every conversation. The plan is the same for meeting number two: show up early, have a sign, get ready to speak, and stay strong.
The only person not saying much lately is my grandfather. He’s grown quieter by the day. I try to ask him what his plans are or where he stands on his decision, but he changes the subject, as though it is no longer my business what goes on here. It hurts.
Today is the first rainy day in a long time. It’s coming down in a strong, steady drizzle, and while the temperature is comfortable, the sun hides the entire day. Puddles form on the roads. Driving home, I have to dodge a few to avoid splashing a waterfall over people walking to their cars. I don’t think anyone would appreciate the extra shower.
My mind drifts off and I wonder what Solia is doing at her cabin.Is she lonely? Does she think of me like I think of her? Is she having second thoughts about staying here?
