Her words echoed in my mind. They were what Margaret had said to me during my time-traveling dreams, and they were how I found Max and Ben. Jake was never part of the equation; Margaret made it clear my choices were between Max and Ben. And after tonight, there was only one choice.
Tomorrow, I’m spending the day with Max. We won’t have any distractions, so it will be the perfect time to focus on him and not think about Jake.
It was going to be a good day.
15
LYDIA
Ispent most of last night at the Winter Bash with Violet. Ben and Jake got along great, and they talked for hours about golfing and photography. Jake promised Ben he’d mention his name to the different sports magazines when the time came for interviews. If anyone could capture the serenity of a golf course at daybreak, it would be Ben. Jake could open doors for him that I didn’t have access to.
After the Winter Bash, Jake and Ben stayed to help clean up the park. Violet and I helped for a little while, but I could barely hold my eyes open when midnight came around. I drove home and was already in bed when Ben dropped Jake off.
Now, it was morning, and I had to get ready to meet Max at the retirement home. My phone beeped and I rushed out of the bathroom to grab it off my nightstand.
Max: On my way to Willow Creek. See you soon. I picked you up some coffee from Sarah’s Café.
His kindness warmed my heart. I quickly texted him back; I was running late.
Me: You’re the best! Thank you. I’ll see you in a bit.
Max had everything I could ever want in a guy. He was smart, charming, open to trying new things, and very handsome, which was always a perk. It was clear he was the path I needed to choose.
I rushed over to the mirror and ran my fingers through my curly hair. Since Max and I were going to the retirement home, I opted to wear the ugly sweater I had on the day I met him for the first time. It was the one with the Christmas tree that lit up with all the ornaments.
The house was quiet as I made my way down the hallway. With how late Jake stayed out, I had no doubt he was still sleeping. However, when I glanced out the window, his car was gone. He must’ve gotten it fixed.
After locking up, I hopped in my car and headed to Willow Creek Village, which was only a few minutes away. When I pulled in, Max was waiting by the door with my coffee in hand.
I parked beside his truck, and he greeted me with a smile. “Good morning.”
“Good morning,” I said back, hugging him. He handed me the coffee and I took a sip; it was Sarah’s crème brulee roast. I closed my eyes and savored the taste. “This and hazelnut coffee are the best. I’d die if they didn’t exist.”
Max chuckled and we strolled inside. “I only drink coffee once in a blue moon. You’d think I’d need it with being a professor and dealing with college kids.”
He had a point. I didn’t know anyone who didn’t drink coffee.
“I always thought it’d be fun to be a teacher. But I knew my legacy was to take over my parents’ gallery, so I never pursued anything else.”
“How’d it go with your photographer last night?”
We strolled down the hall to my grandmother’s room, where we figured his grandfather would be.
“It went great,” I answered, sipping more of my coffee. “I think Ben has a talent that everyone should see. I really want to see his work in magazines.”
Max bumped me with his shoulder. “Well, if anyone can get him there, it’s you. You have a passion for art and for helping people.”
“Thanks.”
In all reality, it was probably going to be Jake getting Ben into all the magazines. I didn’t mind as long as it happened.
We reached my grandmother’s door, and I heard laughter inside.
I glanced over at Max and lowered my voice. “You don’t think they’re . . .”
Max squeezed his eyes shut. “I don’t want to visualize that right now. Let’s just knock and pray they’re dressed.”
I knocked quickly and held my breath, wondering if I would hear them scrambling around inside. Max always wheeled his grandfather around in the wheelchair, but John could still walk and move around if he didn’t have to go a long distance. I was pretty sure all the parts of his body still worked.
