From beside me, Vienna says quietly, “I’m not sure I’ve heard the weather describedthatway before.”
A chuckle escapes before I can stop it. “I’ve heard some interesting descriptions,” I tell her. “But you’re right. I haven’t heard that one.”
Officer Nelson presses her lips together, like she’s trying not to laugh. “It’s certainly… creative.” Then she looks at Vienna. “Alright, let’s get out of here. Officers Hendrick and Killian can finish up with the truck driver. And Caleb—” she glances at me. “You’re good to go.”
I should be relieved.
But shit. Part of me isn’t.
“Come on,” Officer Nelson says as she puts her hand on Vienna’s arm. “We’ll head into Bliss. You can stay at the Bliss B and B for the night. Or the Blissful Sleep Motel. I’m sure one of them has a room available.”
An indecipherable expression moves across Vienna’s face. “Okay,” she says. Then she turns to me. “Caleb.”
An odd emptiness carves out my chest. Almost like I miss her already. “Vienna.”
She touches my hand. “Thank you. For helping. And staying. And just… thanks.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to give her my number. To tell her to call me if she needs anything. Maybe even offer to go out to Max’s shop with her, in case she’s nervous about going alone.
But I don’t. Instead, I just mutter, “You’re welcome. Stay safe.” And as I watch her walk off with Officer Nelson, I can’t help wondering if I made the wrong decision.
I’m not looking for friends,I tell myself as I trudge back to my car.I’m happier alone. And I’m sure Vienna will be perfectly fine without me.
By the time I reach my car, I’ve almost convinced myself.
Then her purse tumbles to the ground, reminding me I never gave it back to her. “Shit.” I quickly scoop it up and brush off the snow now coating it. A sparkly pink wallet winks up at me along with a shiny gold tube I’m guessing is lipstick. Ducking down again, I grab the two items, wipe them off on my jacket, and drop them inside the purse. Then I slide into the car and yank the door shut behind me.
“Shit,” I mutter. “She forgot her purse.”
From what I know about women, their purses are necessary. And I’m sure, had the circumstances been different, Vienna would never have forgotten to get it back from me. But she was stressed, upset… I can understand how even something this important might have slipped her mind.
As I stare at the small purse sitting on my lap, I debate what to do with it.
Giving it to one of the remaining officers would be the most practical thing to do. They could easily get it back to Vienna, and I could go home with my hands clean of this whole messed up evening.
Or.
I could bring the purse back to Vienna myself. See if she’s really doing okay. Take this as a sign that Ishouldgive her my number.
But I’m happier alone.
A beat later, I wonder,Am I?
Before dinner at Enzo’s, it wouldn’t have been a question. Alone is easier. Less complicated. Being alone means less chance of getting hurt or betrayed.
But Enzo seemed so happy. Married with a cute little kid and two friendly dogs, working with his best friends for his own security company… I doubt he’s ever alone. And I doubt he’d change a thing.
And Vienna.
There was just something about her.
Shit. I want to see her again.
You could just go to The Laughing Goat,my grouchy inner hermit argues as I drive slowly back into town.She’s probably a waitress, so you can sit in her section if you want to see her so bad. There’s no reason to track her down to return her purse personally. Especially after ten o’clock at night in a snowstorm.
But instead of listening; for once, I shut it down.The truck can handle it,I retort silently.And who knows when the police would have time to return Vienna’s purse. I can drive right to the bed and breakfast or the motel?—
My jaw clenches at the thought of Vienna staying at the Blissful Sleep Motel. It’s not bad, exactly, but it’s not a place I’d choose for her to stay, either. Not with the poorly-lit parking lot and peeling paint and overgrown shrubs that a grown man could lurk behind.
