“I want whatever you want, Krystal.”His words play across my mind as I hold his gaze.
I feel like I’m standing at the edge of a cliff. Over it, could be the love of my life…Or I could smash into the ground and shatter all over again. I take another deep breath, remind myself that I’ve put my heart back together before, that I can do it again and again.
I have the option to step back, to let whatever this is become a memory. Or I could jump.
I look at my ornaments, look back at him.“What do you want, Krystal?”I hear his voice in the back of my mind. Moments from the time we’ve spent together play on a loop in my head. It might have only been twelve days, but it feels like we’ve built a connection that transcends time. I want more of that, of him. I want to fall.
I take a step towards him when Gayle steps out of the dining room. “May I have your attention, everyone?” She announces. “Brunch is ready!”
The small crowd hustles into the dining room, stunned by the beautiful tablescape before us. In addition to the usual: pancakes, waffles, cinnamon rolls, bacon, and eggs, there is a honey-glazed ham, French toast, two types of quiches, and the table seems to go on and on. The group’s chatter grows louder as we find our seats, marveling at the impressive spread. My mouth waters, and I’ve suddenly never felt hungrier in my life.
Gayle and Jiraiya stand at the head of the table, holding their mimosas like they’re about to give a toast. “Before we begin,” she starts, “I’d like to thank you all for being here. This is the first event of this magnitude that we’ve attempted, and it wouldn’thave been successful without your patience, your respect, and your kindness. There were so many opportunities for things to slip out of place, but because of you, our vision for this retreat came true.”
Alex starts clapping. Slowly, at first, until the rest of us join in and shower Gayle with applause — even Nick. “Where I’m from, we always bless the meal before we dig in. I know that might not be everyone’s style, so don’t feel forced to partake if you don’t want to — but I’m going to pray.” Her brows jump, and a pleased smile spreads across her face when we all join hands and bow our heads. I think we all recognize how difficult it must have been for them to pull this off with such a small team. Not only would I come back to Crescent Bay, I kind of wish I didn’t have to leave in the first place.
After she blesses the meal, we begin sharing plates. The food tastes just as good as it smells, and I wonder if Mary is open to cooking lessons on an ongoing basis. I think of my grandmother, who tried to teach me her ways in the kitchen when I was younger — I was never into it. Being here kind of changed my mind. I want to foster the kind of environment where meals bring people together.
I turn to Nick to tell him I want to take things further, but he’s deep in a conversation with George, so I focus on my meal.
“How is it?” Gayle asks, finally dishing her own plate as she takes the seat beside me.
“Amazing,” I hum, shoveling more of the food into my mouth. “The studio will definitely be seeing more of me in the next few weeks.”
As sad as I am to go, I miss working out.
“You seem different from that first night,” Gayle muses, an understanding smile in her eyes.
I fight the urge to look to the other side of me, at Nick. “I feel a bit different,” I agree.
“What’s next for Krystal?” She asks, her accent making the sound of my name sound new.
My heart stutters. “I don’t know…I definitely don’t want to go back to the way things were. I think I’ll start doing some research on opening my own Pilates studio…consider moving out of New York.”
“Ugh,” Gayle responds, tossing her head back with an excited look in her eye. “We need a locally owned studio here. All we have are classes at the gym and then that God awful Hotworx place.”
I smile at my half-eaten plate.
“What’s it like living here?” I ask.
She looks at me like I’ve asked her the million-dollar question. I listen intently as she goes on about the town history, the locals, the book club…and all the other reasons she’s finding it justified to call this place her second home. My experience was enough for me to build a solid case for moving here one day, but she’s adding more fuel to the fire.
“Oh, are you leaving today? Or are you staying after the retreat?” She confirms.
“My flight is at three,” I sigh.
“Oh!” She exclaims, shaking the dainty gold watch down her wrist to check the time. “If there’s anyone who needs a ride to the airport soon, please get your luggage and leave it in the waiting area!”
A few people excuse themselves from the table, and I guess I should, too. It’s almost noon. Almost time for me to be at the airport.
I get my bag and drop my room key in the bowl at the front desk. It’s now or never. I head back to the dining room, but don’t see Nick.
My stomach twists. My heartbeat trips as I try his room door.
Locked.
I knock, just to make sure he’s not in there. When I hear no response, I rush outside to see if maybe he wanted to take a few pictures before it was time to leave. The snow crunches under my boots as I march through the driveway.
Then, I stop short, turning slowly with tears in my eyes. It seems like my body is always the first to know. My heart refuses to believe he would just…leave. Without telling me goodbye? Without…no, no, no. But the Bronco is gone, and he’s nowhere to be found.
