“What about you? I saw you on TV with a really pretty brunette. Isn’t her name Daphne?”
Daphne Elsher was a fashion model, gorgeous in every way. Jake met my gaze, and his lips turned up into a small smile.
“Yeah, that’s her. She wants to get married. I don’t know if I’m ready for that yet.”
I remembered him saying that and at the time, I wanted to tell him that he shouldn’t rush things, but I never did. Since I was in a dream, however, I could do what I wanted.
“I wouldn’t, Jake. It’s too soon, and honestly, I think you should be with someone longer than two months before taking the plunge. Especially in your case.”
Jake’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”
Sighing, I placed a hand on his arm. “Jake, you’re becoming one of the country’s top golfers. You’re in magazines and on TV,not to mention, you’re a handsome guy. Women are probably falling all over themselves to get your attention.”
He smirked. “You think?”
I rolled my eyes. “I know. And with being popular, you’ll have women wanting you because of your fame. I’m just saying to take it slow with Daphne. Make sure she wants to be with you because of who you are, not what she can gain from you.”
None of this was discussed when I attended the party in real life two years ago. I had no clue what the dream version of Jake was going to do. What I didn’t expect was for him to open his arms and fold them around me.
“Thanks, Lydia. I’ve missed talking to you.”
Closing my eyes, I hugged him back. “I’ve missed it, too. Try not to be a stranger this next year.”
He sighed. “I’ll try.” He let me go and blew out a puff of steam from the cold. “I need some eggnog with an extra splash of brandy to warm me up. Want anything?”
I shook my head. “I’m good, thanks.”
He lifted his brows, giving me another chance to change my mind, but I shook my head again. “Okay, I’ll be right back.”
Jake disappeared inside and I looked up at the sky, wishing to the stars that the dream could be real. And just like that, the snow started to fall. It came down in massive flakes, coating the patio within seconds. It was perfect. But then, I felt everything around me slipping away, vanishing right before me.
Present day
The next thing I knew, I opened my eyes and was on my couch. The TV was still on, butThe Nutcrackerhad already finished playing. I stood and grabbed my blanket, carrying it to the bedroom. I remembered every single detail of the dream.
If only it was what really happened.
5
LYDIA
The gallery was jam-packed today, especially for a Tuesday. I haven’t had any time to talk to Violet, but maybe that was a good thing. If I told her about my dream, she’d think I was crazy. Never have I ever had a dream so vivid and real.
I’d just finished ringing up a customer who bought a wooden bear sculpture by one of our local artists when Violet came out from the back of the store, her face pale and eyes weak. She didn’t look well at all.
“Hey, you didn’t look like that this morning,” I called out.
Violet reached into her pocket and pulled out a tissue, rubbing it under her nose. “I didn’t feel like this earlier this morning.” Her voice sounded nasally and hoarse. Groaning, she leaned against the wall and sneezed into the tissue. “I think I’m coming down with something.”
Her purse was behind the counter, and I grabbed it and held it out for her. “And I think you need to go home. I can handle things here. We don’t need you spreading your germs.”
Looking frail, she reached for her purse and sighed. I could see it on her face that she didn’t want to leave me to run the store by myself.
“I’ll be fine,” I assured her. “I can handle the customers on my own.”
She frowned. “You sure?”
I waved her on and pointed at the door. “Yes, now go.”
