“I’m sorry.Is that why you have the help wanted sign in the window?”
Connie nodded.
It was then that Felicity noticed the fresh lines etching Connie’s face.There was a tiredness that showed in her bloodshot eyes and shadows beneath them.Her heart went out to her former friend and boss.
“You wouldn’t want your old job back, would you?”Connie’s voice drew her from her thoughts.Without giving Felicity a chance to answer, Connie rushed on.“Of course you wouldn’t.This is your vacation.”
The thought was tempting.She did need the money.The storage unit she’d gotten in New Jersey for all of her possessions wasn’t cheap.And she was going to need money to get another apartment when she moved back to the city.
But there was a part of her that didn’t want to go backward.She’d finally gotten out of her small town.She’d made it to the big city that never sleeps.She wasn’t ready to settle back into her old life.
Connie moved to a stack of cardboard boxes at the end of an aisle.She picked up a handful of elementary school fiction books and placed them on the shelf.“I’m just so glad you’re back.”She continued to rearrange the books.“I’m sorry we can’t have coffee and catch up.I’m just so far behind and now with the holidays, the work never ends.”
“Here.Let me help.”Felicity grabbed a handful of books and moved toward the shelves.
“Oh, you don’t have to do that.”
“I don’t mind.”
As they continued working together like the old days, Felicity slipped off her coat and pulled up the sleeves of her hoodie.It felt good to be back here amongst the books.And she found that helping out didn’t make her feel like she was a failure who couldn’t make it in the big city.Instead, she felt good to have a purpose.In the process, she was able to help an old friend.
When her stomach let out a loud rumble, she knew it was time for her to head over to the Kringle Cup Café.When Connie went to open the next box, Felicity said, “Why don’t you leave that there until tomorrow.”
Connie arched a penciled brow.“Why would I do that?”
“Because I’ll be back in the morning.I can work on this stock and anything else you need done.”
Connie gaped.It took a moment for her to gather herself.“But you can’t do that.You need to enjoy your holiday break.”
“I will.I always loved spending time here.”
Connie hesitated.“Are you sure?”
Felicity nodded.“I’m absolutely positive.”
“Okay, then.”A big smile lifted the corners of Connie’s lips, puffing up her cheeks.“I’m not going to argue with you.After all, you were my best employee.”
Felicity felt a need to clarify things.“But I can only work here until Christmas.”
Connie nodded.“I’ll take whatever time you have to spare.”When Felicity’s stomach rumbled again, Connie said, “Now go get something to eat, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
After a quick hug, Felicity slipped on her coat and headed back outside to find that the snow had picked up.Every building was coated in white stuff.It made her hometown look like it belonged on the front of a Christmas card.
She was happy that she’d made a trip to Jingle Bell Books.She’d needed something to go right about this visit.Maybe while she was having dinner, she’d check the online job site and see if there were any new listings.Because she was not staying in Kringle Falls.Nope.It isn’t going to happen.
Her future was back in New York.She refused to think about the fact that she no longer had an apartment.And her only friends were those from the office where she no longer worked.It was all her fault for letting her job take over her life.She wasn’t going to make that mistake again.
Chapter Six
Itwasalladream.
At least that’s what Felicity told herself before she fell asleep.She assured herself that when she woke up, she’d be back in her shoebox-sized apartment in New York.She would still have her assistant editor job.And life would be as it should be.
Yet when she awoke the following morning, she glanced around.It took her a moment to figure out she was in her mother’s guest room.And then the events of the day before came rushing back to her.
She glanced at her smart watch.It was nearly eight o’clock.She didn’t normally sleep that late.Then again, she’d had problems going to sleep the night before.Every time she closed her eyes, Justin’s image would fill her mind.
She recalled how after her fall, she’d opened her eyes and stared into his chocolatey-brown eyes.Just the thought made her heart skip a beat.How was it after all of these years that he still had a way of getting to her?
