She nodded. “Sounds good.”
My mind was still reeling about Max and John. Turning on my heel, I walked to the door and indiscreetly pinched my arm again to ensure I was awake. I just wanted to know what was going on.
I opened the door and stepped out. “Love you, Nana.”
She closed the door a little and peered at me through the crack. “I love you too. Have a good day.”
“You as well,” I said, winking at her.
Once she closed the door, I stood in the hallway and looked around. I needed answers. My mind was a jumbled mess, and I couldn’t be more confused. I was starting to believe I needed to be put in a mental institution. If meeting Max really happened, my grandmother wouldn’t have been the only person to know. Surely, I would’ve said something to Hailey about meeting someone, right? I knew I did in my dream, but I hadn’t mentioned it in real life.
On the way out the door, I pulled my car keys and phone out of my purse and called Hailey. The line rang and rang, but she didn’t pick up.
When I arrived at my car, I froze mid-step when a familiar voice I’d only heard in my dreams called out my name.
“Lydia!”
I had no clue what to do. What do you say to someone who you believe never existed in the real world? Or did our meeting really happen, and I had a head injury that made me forget? That would mean something was seriously wrong with me.
Not knowing what to expect, I turned around and there he was . . . Max Harper. His auburn hair was a little longer on top and tousled in a messy-but-coifed way. When he smiled, it was how I remembered it in my dream: very genuine and sweet.
“Hey,” he said, closing the distance and zipping up his jacket against the cold. “I never thought I’d see you again.”
“Same,” I replied, meaning that in all seriousness.
He nodded toward the building. “We had a problem with my grandfather’s estate and had to move him back to Charlotte for a while, but now he’s back. All he’s talked about during the last two years was your grandmother and how he wanted to play cards with her again. You should’ve seen his face when he saw her again for the first time two weeks ago.”
I had no choice but to go along with it all or look like a complete moron.
“My grandmother just told me about you being back. She’s excited about spending time with John. I like the Santa Claus he got for her doorknob.”
Max tilted his head back and laughed. “Yeah, I thought it was funny when he wanted to get it for her. It’s been nice seeing him happy again. The past two years have been rough, with moving him to a different home until we could get the finances straight.”
“I’m glad it worked out,” I said.
He sighed. “Me too.”
“I take it you’re here to visit him?”
Max chuckled again. “Of course. I was hoping to run into you again, and I’m so glad I did. I wanted to kick myself in the ass two years ago for not getting your phone number when I had thechance.” He cleared his throat and smiled sheepishly. “That is, if you’re not seeing someone.”
I held out my hand, loving how his last words had a hint of shyness. “I’m not seeing anyone,” I told him. “Hand me your phone, and I’ll add my number.” He pulled out his cell and gave it to me. Once I typed in my number and handed it back, he texted me so I’d have his.
He pocketed his phone and cleared his throat again. “Would you like to grab dinner on Friday?” Friday was two days away.
December was a busy month for Blowing Rock, and it turned out that one of my favorite events was on Friday.
“Actually,” I began, broadening my smile, “the Triple C event is that day. It’s the Cocoa and Cookie Craze. Tons of people compete to see who has the best hot chocolate and homemade cookies. You’re welcome to join me. We’ll be high on sugar, but it’s a lot of fun.”
Max beamed. “Sounds like a good time; I look forward to it. Do you want to ride together? I can pick you up.”
My stomach fluttered with excitement. “I’d like that. I’ll text you my address.”
He nodded once and stepped back. “Perfect. Hopefully, I’ll talk to you before then, though.”
“You have my number. Call me anytime.”
His smile grew brighter. “I might just do that. Have a good rest of your day, Lydia.”
