“I’m just good like that,” I replied, shrugging playfully.
He chuckled and moved closer to me. “What do you predict I’ll win this upcoming year?”
I couldn’t remember every single one, but it was way more than the previous year. Soon, it’ll be that time when he’s too busy to even visit for Christmas. I didn’t even want to think about that, but it was coming.
“I predict,” I began with a smile, “that you’ll win at least four more tournaments than you did last year.”
Jake tilted his head back with laughter. “Wow. I think you might be a little too optimistic on that one.”
“Hey, you still owe me a fancy dinner from predicting this year’s winnings. You’re going to owe me two if I’m right about this next year.”
A heavy sigh escaped his lips. “I’m sorry about that, Lydia. I promise I’ll pay my debts.”
I waved him off. “I’m not worried about it. I’m just happy you’re living your dream.”
He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me, enveloping me in his warmth. “I hope you’re doing the same.”
“I am. It makes me happy helping local artists.”
Jake let me go, his green gaze piercing into mine. The patio door slammed open, and I jerked my head to the side to see Daphne standing there, her arms crossed over her chest.
“There you are,” she said, her voice clipped and angry. She stared daggers at me and then softened them when she turned back to Jake. “I was hoping you’d come in and join me.”
Jake gave me an apologetic stare. “I’ll be sure to say goodbye before I leave town.”
I nodded and watched him walk inside with Daphne. He never got the chance to say goodbye to me last year. I had a feeling it was because of Daphne. The good thing was that Jake was smart; he’d come to his senses and figure out that Daphne wasn’t his match.
A warm breeze started to swirl around me, and the back porch grew fuzzy. The dream was ending, and the sound of a ringing phone was in the midst of it all.
7
LYDIA
Present day
My eyes jerked open to the sound of my phone, and I sat straight up, my heart pounding a million miles a minute. It felt like I’d just gone to sleep, but the blue numbers on my alarm clock showed it was a quarter after six in the morning.
I reached over and grabbed my phone off the nightstand. The only person who ever called so early in the morning was my mother and a quick glance at my phone screen told me it was her.
“Good morning,” I answered, trying my best not to sound as if I’d just woken up.
“Oh, honey, did I wake you? Your sister didn’t get you sick, did she?”
I rubbed my eyes. “No, I’m fine. At least, for the moment, I am. She better not have given her germs to me.”
There was too much going on in December for me to get sick. We had festivals, parties, and many town events I didn’t want to miss.
My mother breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness. I was hoping you could do me a favor before opening the gallery this morning.”
I slid out of bed and hurried into the bathroom to turn on the shower water. “Sure. What do you need me to do?”
“Your grandmother wanted some blueberry muffins from Sweet Spot Bakery. Your dad and I are about to head down to Hickory to shop for furniture. Could you please pick some up and drop them off to her? The gallery should be fine if you open an hour or so later.”
“Of course. I’d be happy to.” I reached into the shower and the water was hot and steamy. “I’ll get ready and head out.” Wednesday mornings were the slowest out of the week so going in late shouldn’t be a problem.
“Thanks, sweetheart. Please tell your grandmother I’ll be there this afternoon to see her.”
“Will do. Have fun furniture shopping.”
