I couldn’t have kids, and I had some past issues I was working through, but I could still have a wonderful life. And share it with someone I could dream and plan with. Maybe someone like Scott.
A text message came through on my phone. It was Carol. Ithad been several days, which was not like her. Maybe she lost her phone as she was packing up the B&B.
Carol: My sweet Mar, that picture means the world to me. I’m sorry it took so long to reply. Betty Ann lost her cat, and in the process of looking for it, we broke my phone. Please tell me everything!
I wondered if Carol would like to travel more. If she had the time, maybe we could take a trip together.
Marissa:London has been fabulous. Was good to have some time to think about life, I want to come back again too. Maybe bring you with me. Thanks for always being a second mom to me.
Carol: I'm glad to have the honor of being in your life, and although I could never replace your mother, I’m happy to help you in any way I can. As for the trip, I admit, I knew about it, but that is it. It’s all Scott’s doing. Maybe this next summer when things slow down at the B&B we can go to London again. Safe travels.
Wait,What!It was from Scott . . . and Carol was still at the B&B. Didn’t that mean she didn’t sell? None of this made sense.
Nan promised it wasn’t Scott, right? I thought back to the conversation. She said it wasn’t from him selling Carol’s B&B. He wouldn’t have the money otherwise.
I texted Nan.
Marissa: Nan, Carol said this trip was from Scott and she isn’t selling B&B . . . I don’t understand.
That night, I still had no reply. There was a seven-hour time difference and I knew it was going to be a long night.
Chapter Thirty-Four
MARISSA
The next morning,I still had no reply from Nan as I took the train to Windsor. I was excited to see the castle and go on a boat ride on the Thames. Once again, I met a group of travelers wrapped up in coats and scarves as we made our way to the castle.
Had Scott done all this for me? If so, why? Guilt? And if not from selling the B&B, how?
I should've answered one of Scott’s many calls before I left, but I hadn’t because I was scared. It was my perfect out. I could blame him, say we wouldn’t work, and run.
That way, it wouldn’t hurt even more later. Later, when I loved him more and he realized we wanted different things in life. It wasn’t fair of me. I had run away before facing Scott because I had convinced myself being apart was better, safer for both of us.
I texted Nan for the tenth time in twenty-four hours.
Marissa: You said this isn’t Scott, right?
Nan: dydjnj’t say thakt exactly
She still struggled with texting, but I knew what she meant.
Marissa: Nan! What do you mean?
Nan: I’m noit going to tecft this ca;; me latr.
Nope. No way. I called her right then.
I heard Nan pick up and sigh. “Marissa, surely this can wait. It’s four in the morning. Aren’t you in the middle of something?”
“Yes, I’m in line to go through the Henry VIII Gate and security check for Windsor Castle. I will send pictures.” I looked over and saw a woman in dark sunglasses giving me a smile. “I need to know, Nan. Is this trip from Scott?” I didn’t wait for her reply. “Carol said it was, plus I thought through it all. The purple envelope and bag, the notes, and details—there are subtle hints of him everywhere.” I couldn’t make sense of it all. “Nan, you promised it wasn’t from him, right? Was this all out of guilt? I don’t get it.”
“I didn’t say that . . . I promised it wasn’t from him selling the property.”
“He had to sell the property for it. How else would he come up with the money for a trip like this?” I was too tired to play this game. “Was it Scott? And how did he pay for this trip if he didn’t sell Carol’s place?” The woman nearbytskedin my direction and started talking in French to her friend. I was holding up the line. I moved forward.
“Mar, hun, he sold his car. Used the money, plus all his savings to send you to London.”
My mind emptied. “Wha . . . Wait . . . What?”
