“We have a surprise for you.” Nan scooted closer on the bed and handed me a purple envelope. I grabbed it from her and held it in my lap as the smell of lavender enveloped me. I looked at the fake lilac, still in the trash.
“What’s this?”
“Just open it.” Faith squealed as she bounced on my bed.
I didn’t even know they made purple envelopes, but from here on out, everything I sent would be in a purple envelope.
Marissawas written on the outside, and for a second, I hoped it was from Scott. Then I remembered we were better off separate. Besides, he was probably signing his contract and leaving by now. Inside the envelope was a ticket of some sort. I pulled it out. It was a plane ticket.
To London.
With my name on it. “Wait, what’s this?” It came out a whisper. Was I dreaming?
“A ticket to London,” Faith squealed and pulled me into a hug.
“Yeah, but how . . . I didn’t buy it, I can’t afford it. Especially without a job.” I glanced back at the envelope. I pulled out the folded papers. It was a reservation confirmation for a hotel for three weeks.
“It’s already all paid for.” Nan smiled. “And Scott brought your last check by, and a slight bonus, which should cover your return ticket.” Nan handed me the printed paycheck.
No return ticket?I could choose if I came back.How weird.
Scott. My last check in Hillsdale. I had always wanted to leave, now I guess I could. I looked at the check with Hillsdale Law printed in the top corner. It had been such a big part of my life for so long. Everything in this town had been. What did it all mean now? I chewed on my bottom lip. This was all a dream come true,yet my stomach felt sick. It could be the steady diet of ice cream and cookies though. “Who paid for this?”
“I didn’t,” Nan squeezed my hand in hers.
“Faith . . . Rose . . . was it you guys?”
“Not us.” Rose smirked.
I leaned my head against my headboard and closed my eyes. Wasit a pity trip from Carol or Scott?
I sat up straight, my stomach dropping. “I don’t want it if it’s from Scott selling the B&B. I can’t even go there.” Carol had stopped by a few days ago, but I did what I do best. Pretended that I had never cared. I’d smiled, said I didn’t want to talk about Scott and that I was sorry, but I hoped her future was everything she hoped it would be.
I wanted her to be happy, but since I had pictured my future tied to the B&B, now it was all murky again. I could never offer her what she deserved for it.
She was better off this way.
“It’s not from Carol. It’s also not from Scott selling the B&B.” Nan rolled her eyes.
“Then who?”
Rose plopped on my bed next to me. “What does it matter, Mar? It’s your dream vacation, and it’spaid!Maybe not a whole three months worth, but three weeks is a great start.”
“I don’t like handouts, or being pitied.”
Nan laughed. “If anyone hears of a free pity vacation for me, sign me up!” She picked up my hand in hers. “Trust us, sweetheart. None of us paid for it. And none of us are going to tell you who did. Just enjoy it, it’s a gift. Unless you don’t want it?” Nan reached for the purple envelope. “I’m sure I could send it back and let them know you weren’t interested.”
“No!” I grabbed the envelope, held it to my heart, and I couldn’t hold back my grin. “I’m going to London!”
“It’s Fate! I knew it was going to happen.” Faith sighed.
“I don’t know why I doubted you, Faith.” I grinned.
Rose nodded to the envelope. “What’s in it?”
I opened the purple envelope and smelled lavender. I pulled out a dried lavender flower and a paper.
Your trip includes the following:
