My blood begins to boil.Once they finally leave, Candyce slips Adrian her number despite his clear disinterest.
I check the time, suddenly feeling drained.“I better get home.”
His face pinches with concern.“You sure?You don’t want to stay for another drink?”
“No, I can’t drive after another.”I wave him off, grabbing my jacket.
Understanding, he nods.“Fair enough.It was nice being here.Thanks for introducing me to the bar.”
“It’s got a cool vibe, right?A nice place to talk.”
“I’m glad I got out of the house.”
I laugh.“I bet Keith’s waiting up for you.”
“A hundred percent.”He stands with me and gathers his things, then pays the bill before we step outside together.
The air carries the faint scent of rain.I keep walking, heading straight for my car, not wanting to linger.Not wanting to risk a moment of hesitation where he might lean in.Because if he did, I don’t think I’d stop him.
“Thanks, and goodnight.”I wave.
He waves back.“Night.”
I reach for my car door, but before I open it, I turn back, hollering across the parking lot.“Oh, and hey?”
Adrian stops walking, looking over his shoulder.“Yeah?”
I swallow, meeting his gaze.“You deserve to be at the hospital.”
His expression softens.“Thanks.And you deserve your promotion.”He winks.
I smile, holding on to his words, believing them.Trusting that next week’s interview might just change everything.
Chapter 17
Amelia
Ibarelysleptlastnight.Excitement for the festival kept me up long past midnight.Now, the early morning light comes through my window, and I’m already moving.
I organize everything.Breakfast is ready, and I’ve prepped sandwiches for lunch in the fridge.Once I get Mom’s things together, I need to get myself ready.Luna’s bringing the family to the festival today, giving me the chance to throw myself into it completely.I need to be hands on, helping set up, making sure everything runs smoothly.I can’t just leave it all to Adrian, and I definitely can’t spend the day distracted, worrying about Mom.
With everything packed and ready, I pull open my closet, scanning for something festive.My hand lands on a red thrifted dress I plan to pair with a white cardigan, stockings, and boots.Perfect for the Christmas theme.
By eight, I’m out the door, picking up fresh pies from Genevieve’s bakery before heading to the town square, which is already bustling.The banner is up, vendors are setting up their booths, and the food trucks are arriving.
Our setup moves along surprisingly well.Everyone chips in, lifting tables, arranging decorations, checking sound equipment.
Adrian and I both volunteered to work a few stations, freeing up more people to just enjoy the day.My first stop is the gift-wrapping booth.I lay everything out, wrapping paper in every color and pattern, ribbons curling at the ends, rolls of tape, stacks of gift bags.An empty money tin sits on the table, waiting to be filled.I take a step back, scanning the station, making sure it’s ready to go.
“Hey.”The familiar deep voice comes from behind me.I turn, grinning as Adrian walks over, his broad shoulders parting the crowd effortlessly.His short dark hair is neatly styled, not a strand out of place.His blue eyes meet mine, and there is a flutter in my chest.There’s something confident about the way he looks, like he’s not trying to impress anyone but still somehow does.He’s wearing a well-fitted black jacket, and his jeans are worn but perfectly suited for today.His hands are tucked into his pockets, but he stands tall, relaxed, yet commanding in his presence.I can feel the warmth in his smile, and it pulls me in even more.There’s just something about him that makes it hard to look away.
“Hey, yourself.”
He glances around at the nearly finished setup, nodding.“This looks great.”
“And it’s not even done yet.”I flash him a grin.“I picked up Genevieve’s pies and stashed them behind that stand.People need to donate for the raffle to get their hands on one of those.”
“Nice.Pecan?”He raises an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips.
