Placing my foot on the brake, I turn the key and slowly lift my foot off of the pedal. The trolley starts to move in a jerky fashion. The path is all downhill. I just need to keep it straight and let my foot hover over the brake. If need be, I’ll blow the horn if anyone is near the path.Is there a horn?That’s right, there’s a bell. Who knows where that is?
Suddenly, the old trolley is picking up speed. My heart’s in my throat as it dashes down the dirt road along the river, “Gimme Some Lovin’” by The Spencer Davis Group playing on the radio.
I just need to get there before it’s over. And not take out the town Christmas tree.
And half the town.
Chapter 21
Quinn
Jumping from the trolley, I thank heaven I managed to get it down the hill in one piece as I run as fast as my battered feet will carry me to the site of the tree lighting.
But it’s too late.
The large tree is brightly lit, and while some couples and families remain, there’s no sign of Jason. My heart is beating so fast I have to bend forward, rubbing concentric circles over my chest in an attempt to take a full breath. Once my breathing slows, I meander about the Winter Village, hoping against hope he’s still here. I’m so upset by how this day ended that I push through the pain. I barely notice my feet, my heart hurts so much more.
Most of the stalls are closed up for the night. Waving goodbye to a few merchants carrying boxes and overstuffed crates of unsold items in their arms, I notice Layton and John walking in my direction. “Hey, guys. Have you seen Jason?” I can’t help but wonder if he took his dad back home before packing up the rest of his things. My heart is heavy just thinking about it. Could he really be leaving tomorrow?
“No, Quinn.” Layton looks concerned. “I think he might already be gone. He got a phone call just before making a point to say goodbye to each of us. Hell, I’m really going to miss that guy.”
John can see the disappointment on my face and quickly interjects, “It might not be too late. He said he had to make a stop before heading out. I think his dad was sharing a cup of cider with yours by the food trucks.”
The two of them look at one another, and I can tell by their grim expressions that it’s a long shot at best. I know he’s gone. The boys make small talk, thanking me for all of my hard work, but it’s like white noise. I can barely hear anything over the thrumming of my pulse in my ears.
John excitedly shares that all of the animals were adopted but two. “And those will probably become new family members to a few of our firefighter brothers.” I’m sure they’re trying to comfort me in any way they can.
John waves goodbye and heads toward his truck as Layton drops his large hand on my shoulder. “Hey, my ride’s right there. Let me drop you off with your dad. Just in case you can catch Jason before he leaves.”
“Thanks.” But as we drive down the path to the food trucks, where my dad and Calvin sit on a wooden bench, the finality of the situation starts to become a painful reality.
Jason’s dad confirms his station back home called asking if he’d mind working in the morning.
“Duty calls bright and early when you’re in service to the public. You should be really proud of that young man, Calvin.”
“That I am, Nigel. That I am.”
I should be reveling in all I’ve accomplished, but I’m so heartbroken. I’m not sure what I expected once his time here was over, but it certainly wasn’t this. I try to contain my emotions until I’m tucked safely away in my apartment. After the work I did on the calendars, helping the shelter, and promoting the town with the festivities, I should be allowed to hold up in my tub and have a good cry.I mean, it is Bathtub Day.I sniffle.
As I stumble toward my car, my eyes slice over to Ian’s. I was so busy today, I barely said five words to him and Joy. Unable to read his expression through the tears threatening to fall, I get in and quickly turn the ignition. I need to get out of here before people start asking what’s wrong, and I fall apart for all to see.
On the way back to my place, I argue with myself over how ridiculous I’m being. What did I think would happen? We weren’t even dating. It’s only been a few weeks. Not to mention, there’s still so much bad blood between my brother and him. My earlier questions regarding his sexual prowess return, bringing nausea with it. Was I just a hook up? A fling with the forbidden fruit? This thought shifts my current feelings of angst to anger.
Don’t go there, Quinn. That’s simply more than you can handle right now.
Chapter 22
Jason
“Thought I’d find you here.”
I glance up to see the very last person I’d expect. Or care to, for that matter. “What do you want?” I snap.
Ian sits down on the hillside, leaving plenty of room between us. I’m beyond irritated. I’d returned to my favorite spot in Magnolia Point, a hidden gem where the bluff overlooks a wide sandy expanse before it extends to the surf. The spot was a safe haven I’d visited often to manage the raw emotions over losing my mother at such a young age. It had been a calming force, providing a safe space to meditate and journal my thoughts. Ian knew this, as he was my best friend and confidant during those tumultuous times. But his presence is no longer welcome.
When Quinn didn’t arrive at the tree lighting, I felt a bone deep panic set in. It’s odd really. I brave fires and resuscitate patients yet have never experienced this type of anxiety. Only after the events of my rehearsal dinner unfolded. However, standing alone by that tree while everyone else shared the moment with their loved ones felt like my life had come full circle. The past predicting my future. As if I was on center stage while all of Magnolia Point was watching it unfold again.
Sure, there could’ve been any number of reasons why Quinn wasn’t there. She was juggling a lot at that festival. But I’ve allowed myself to develop serious feelings for this young woman I hadn’t intended. And honestly, I wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of emotions when she didn’t show.
