We followed the sidewalk to the front of the inn."He wasn't the right one for you."
"I didn't expect it though."
"Expect what?"I asked when she paused in front of town hall.
"Someone to be there for me.I can take care of myself."Instead of waiting for my response, she opened the door, and I rushed to assist.
I had so many questions.Why didn't she trust people to be there for her?Why was she so independent?I didn't remember her being unwilling to ask for help when we were dating, but then again, we had been young.
Had she been burned in the past?Was it my fault?That didn't sit right in my gut.I turned the idea over in my head as she walked in the space, hugging Eve and getting a run-down of the event before it started.
There was a huge tree in one corner with a few toys underneath.There weren't nearly enough, but the drive hadn't officially started yet.
"I'm so glad you could make it," Eve said, drawing me away from my thoughts.
"Natasha caught me before I could leave?—"
She smiled."Smart girl.We're so happy to have you here representing Sterling Brothers.Can I count on you to make a monetary donation?"
I glanced over at Natasha."I'd prefer to purchase the toys myself."
Eve blinked in surprise."Most businesses find it easier to write a check, but we love both."
"I want to pick some stuff out.Maybe Natasha can help."I wanted to know what her life had been like since I essentially walked out of it.I didn't have a right to know, but I wanted to nonetheless.
Eve looked from me to Natasha."I think that's a fabulous idea.I'll make sure she has our wish list."
I rocked back on my heels, satisfied I'd successfully manipulated that situation.Natasha would have to take me shopping.We'd spend more time together, and I'd get more insight into what made her tick and why she was so gun-shy about relationships.If I was the reason for her reluctance, I wasn't sure what I was going to do with that.
I couldn't blame her either.I didn't handle things right back then.And now she was a grown woman with baggage I might have created.And I couldn't make it right.
A tall woman approached Eve."I think we're ready to get started."
"Perfect.Thanks."Eve followed her to the microphone, and Natasha moved closer to me."Why do you want to shop for the toys?"
"It seems like it would be fun.I told you that my brothers and I are just big kids."
She rolled her eyes."Are you going to pick the toys that you liked as a kid?"
I chuckled at the idea of picking out trucks and cars."I'll stick to the wish list though.I want to get the kids what they want."
"They don't give us a wish list per se.We have the ages and genders to give us an idea of what they might want."
"I appreciate you helping me."I nudged her shoulder with mine.
She rolled her eyes, but her mouth twitched."I didn't exactly volunteer.You did that for me."
Before I could answer, Eve tapped the microphone to get everyone's attention.
The room was filling with people.I assumed they were shop owners and people from the community interested in helping out.There were even a few reporters with cameras.
"Thank you to everyone who could be here tonight.We're excited to kick off our annual toy drive.We want to challenge you to fill this room.We have a lot of kids who need cheer this holiday season, and we want to bring it to them.If we reach our goal, we'll host a Christmas party to celebrate with the kids."
Claps and whistles broke out among the crowd.I looked over at Natasha who didn't seem surprised by the news.
I leaned over to ask, "Did you know about this?"
"Eve mentioned it, and I thought it was a great idea.We want the community involved as much as possible.In the past, it was all social-media posts and newsletters.Now we want people to come here to physically drop off their donations and get to know the kids they're helping."
