Eve's face was pensive."He seemed genuine.And I felt badly for his friend.It sounds like he's having a rough time."
"I don't understand.Why hasn’t he talked to me?"Then I had this panicked feeling that he was letting me down easy.He went off on a trip, and when he was back, I'd get the message that we were over.He wouldn't call or text; he'd just disappear.Pain shot through my chest.
Eve let out a breath."For what it's worth, I think he's planning to."
I sighed."I don't think I can wait much longer."
Eve put her phone on the desk."Have some faith that everything will work out.You could go see him too."
"Not happening."I was the one who reached out when we were dating last time.It was his turn.
My phone buzzed.
Ford: Can I take you to the holiday light trail this Saturday?
I turned his request over in my mind.“He wants me to go on the holiday light trail with him."
A smile played on Eve's lips."Go.Get your closure."
I didn't like the idea of it being closure.That sounded like we were over.But it was best to have a discussion about it, clear the air, like we did when we started working together."This is something I have to do.”
Natasha: Okay.
Ford: I'm sorry for everything.
I showed Eve the screen."What does this mean?Is he going to let me down easy?Break up with me at a holiday light trail?”I didn’t understand what was going on.“He's going to ruin Christmas for me, and I live in Christmas Town."
"Don't be so dramatic.He's not going to ruin Christmas for you.”Eve gave me a look.“Maybe he wants to make things up to you.Did you ever think it could be something positive?"
My lips twisted."I'm wired to assume the worst."
Eve sighed."I suppose you are.You haven't had the best track record.Your high-school sweetheart moved on without you.”
I winced."Ouch."
Eve sat up straight, focusing on me."You’ve kept yourself closed off from all possibilities, and then our parents died.You gave up your career and came home.You’ve learned that nothing's permanent, and no one ever stays."
"Except you.You stay,” I said softly, almost afraid to acknowledge the reality, because maybe I was wrong.Managing a tourist destination wasn’t the same as being the event coordinator in a real town.
"I’m the evidence that not everyone leaves.That’s not your story.”
I frowned."It feels like it is.”
"I'm an example of someone who hasn’t abandoned you or broken your trust."
"I guess.”
"Your reasoning is flawed.Just because Ford couldn’t handle a relationship when you two were eighteen, doesn’t mean he can’t navigate one now.Give him a chance.I think you’ll be surprised.”
I sighed.“I hope I’m not being naive.”
A smile spread over her face."You’re irresistible, inherently lovable, and Ford couldn't possibly walk away from you again."
I snorted because that sounded nice.
Eve sobered."What if Ford's in love with you?”
My forehead creased."Did he tell you that?”
