I pulled her into a hug and, instead of comforting her, I felt safe in her arms. She was the closest thing to my mother I had. I wondered if that was why I pushed her away. The reminder of Mom was too much. My heart swelled.
“That means a lot Carol, you have always reminded me of Mom. I think that scared me.” I took a deep breath to calm my heart.
Carol reached up and patted my cheek. “I know that Mar, and that is okay.”
I looked around at the gathering town and loved what I saw. “Honestly, I kinda enjoyed doing the trunk-or-treat. I loved being here again. Thank you for forcing my hand a bit.” I grinned at her. “I'm still planning on a trip to Europe.” I needed to leave Hillsdale. I’d had thoughts about leaving for so long, but I hadn’t thought about what I would do after. Maybe thatcouldbe the B&B? “I’m not saying yes.” I looked at Carol to make sure she understood. “But after Europe I will think about the B&B.” I smiled as I realized this was the first thing I had ever planned on for after Europe. It used to be my all-or-nothing. All I wanted or could think of was running there, but I couldn’t picture anything after it. And now, although the picture was fuzzy around the edges, and blurry in the middle, something colorful in my future was taking shape. And I didn’t hate it.
Carol sighed and leaned against me. “Thanks for at least considering it.” She bumped my shoulder. “Scott mentioned you were heading to Europe.”
“He did?”
“Yep, he was going through a list of activities this morning for you.”
“Oh . . . That’s great. Did he sound excited?” My voice forgot to convey my excitement. It was a good reminder that he was planning on me leaving, and he was leaving too. Nothing permanent.
“I’m not buying it, missy.” Carol crossed her arms. “Never mind that though,” she waved me off. “We’ll talk pleasantries later. Let’s get through tonight first.”
I hugged her again and relaxed into her motherly arms. “You stay sitting down.” After I was sure she wouldn’t bolt, I headed back to the groups of people. I looked down at her list.
Here we go.
The trunk-or-treat was starting in twenty minutes, and if I had to guess, I had already walked twenty thousand steps. Nearing one of the few shiny cars in the field, I smiled as Scott pulled his into the lineup. I had offered to use my Honda, so he didn’t have to worryabout sticky fingers touching his car, but he said he wanted to use his. Weird.
The group of boys spilled out of his back seat. With Scott dressed as Peter Pan, they looked like his group of lost boys. I looked Scott up and down. His green tights only reached his knees, his shirt fighting to cover his long torso. It wasn’t winning. He lifted his hands over his head to adjust his hat, exposing his toned stomach. He was hot. I would never have a stomach that looked like that, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy the view. Points for effort, and extra points for the hotness factor.
When Scott saw me coming, he turned bright red. “It was the only thing I could find . . . the package said adult.” He frowned and pulled his shirt longer.
He still wore it. Even though it didn’t fit, and he would've been more comfortable in a suit and tie. My heart grew as I looked at him, awkwardly shifting from side to side.
“Looking good there Peter, even though you are waiting for a flood.” I was hoping the teasing banter would ease the tension.
Scott rolled his eyes. His gaze then traveled up my legs, which were covered in green tights and a miniskirt that hit mid-thigh. I had to remind myself I was in fact covered, but I’d never felt as exposed as I did now, watching Scott’s eyes glide up my legs.
“If I'm waiting for a flood, then you are waiting for a monsoon.” His eyes drank me in.
I laughed and swatted him on the shoulder.
“I cannot believe I'm wearing this.” He gestured to his stretchy pants and bright green hat.
“Aww, come on. It’s for the kids. Besides, I like it on you.”
Scott grinned. “Oh yes, Peter Pan is my most manly look.”
I closed the distance between us and gave him a kiss on the cheek, surprised by my actions but not regretting them. I was grateful for all he had done for me.
“Well, if I knew you liked it that much, I would've worn this a long time ago.”
I chuckled and my cheeks warmed, as he pulled me into a tight hug. I leaned into his hug and felt his heart beating in his chest.
“Thanks for doing this,” I whispered into his chest.
Scott looked around at the gathering crowd and smiling faces. “You know, I started it all to avoid sleeping on the floor, but I've enjoyed it.”
“Me too. Maybe it won’t be so bad.” I looked up at his stubbly jawline. I grabbed the edge of my miniskirt to keep from reaching up and rubbing it. His eyes dropped to my lips and paused.
What would happen if he kissed me here, in front of everyone? Really kissed me. Not my version of a short, sweet peck on the cheek. He brushed a loose hair away from my face and the breath got stuck in my throat. The tension between us was like a magnet. I couldn’t break it or decide what to do next if I wanted to.
All it would take was a little flip of the magnet and everything would change.
