Victoria’s eyes narrow slightly, but I’m still confused.“How did you even find out?That we’re together, I mean?”
Her smile turns knowing.“Alexander told me he was vacationing with his girlfriend.”I blink.That’s surprisingly honest of him.“And then you picked up his phone the other day when I called.”Oh.Right.
“So I called Christina,” Victoria continues, satisfaction evident in her voice.“Who mentioned you were on vacation in your hometown.I put two and two together and got your address.”
Of course she did.
I stare at her, thinking that mother and son are way too alike.Both equally determined when they want information.
“Where are you staying?”I ask slowly, looking between the two.
“The Silverbell Inn,” Jacob says, finally turning from the nutcrackers.“Charming place.Very authentic.”
“Where is Alexander?”Victoria asks, looking around the shop.
Dad walks out of the back room just then, and I watch as his eyes land on Jacob.There’s a moment of assessment—Dad in his worn overalls, Jacob in what’s probably an expensive coat.
Jacob moves closer to Dad, extending his hand.“Jacob Castellano.Alexander’s father.”
“Bob Hartley,” Dad says, shaking his hand firmly.“Olivia’s dad.Nice to meet you.”
“You have a wonderful shop here,” Jacob says.
“It’s my wife’s,” Dad says proudly, puffing out his chest.“I just fix things when they break.I’m a plumber by trade.”
“I used to be a plumber.”Jacob grins.“I’m in construction now, but I still know my way around the sink.These modern drainage systems are a pain in the ass, though.”
“You’re telling me.”My father shakes his head in exasperation.
I ignore them, focusing on Alexander’s mother who should not be here.Alexander is going to lose it.I know he loves his family, but he avoids them like the plague.
I check my phone.It’s almost four-thirty.
“I should call Alexander, and let him know you’re here,” I say, pulling out my phone.I dial his number, but it goes straight to voicemail.Busy.I try again with the same result.
I type out a quick message instead before tucking my phone in my pocket.“Victoria, I have to get ready, but my parents are going to meet Alexander in a bit.Do you mind going with them?”
I have to find Alexander and warn him.
“Of course not, dear.”She smiles at me.
I hurry home, my heart hammering against my ribs.Alexander’s parents are here.In Silverbell Hollow.And he’s not answering his phone.
The walk from Mom’s shop feels like an eternity.I keep checking my phone, watching for the three dots that mean he’s typing, but there’s nothing.Just the delivered receipt mocking me.
Maybe he’s home.Maybe he’ll finally answer when I get there.
When I burst through the front door, the house is empty.Silent.“Alexander?”I call out.
Nothing.
I sigh, checking the living room, the kitchen.All empty.
I head to my bedroom, already mentally rehearsing what I’m going to say when he finally calls back.Your mother is here.Your father is bonding with my dad over plumbing.You need to?—
I stop dead in the doorway.
On my bed sits a dress.
