Seth followed behind Joy, who followed Chantal down the hall. Joy imagined they looked a bit like a train, or maybe a parade. Finally, they entered the dining car. She’d passed through it earlier but hadn’t looked. She’d been too intent on finding Chantal. The seats were cushiony, and the tables were covered with cloths. Hm. She’d expect that at night, but not around noon. There was an elegant Christmas vibe. Lights and pine garland swags decorated the walls and hung over the windows.
There was a serious looking man with a short beard sitting alone in the far corner scribbling in a notebook. She wracked her brain, trying to figure out where she knew him from. “Isn’t that Davyn Kayne the poet?” she whispered at last.
“It sure is. We talked briefly the other night. I believe he was wrapped up in some big lawsuit, though I can’t remember for sure. I wonder if he’s a passenger or a contestant.”
Joy chuckled. “Time will tell.”
She looked around, trying to find the best place to sit. Many of the tables were full, but there was an empty one in the far corner. “Let’s sit there.” She pointed discreetly. “Beside that woman with the cell phone.” The woman she pointed to seemed to be playing a matching game and studiously avoiding being caught looking at Davyn.Interesting. Did they know each other? Or was she attracted to the man? He was attractive in a rumpled sort of way.
Outside, the winter landscape flowed past. The train was making a leisurely run to allow time for all the contestants to compete. Farms with inflatable ornaments on their snowy lawns. Enormous trees with lights and oversized holiday ornaments. A life-size nativity scene complete with live cows. The whole thing reminded her of the goodness, kindness, and generosity of the spirit. It was a time for love and forgiveness.
Suddenly, her spirits lifted. If he accepted her apology, they could see where their relationship went.
She ordered lunch, while Seth and Chantal ordered drinks and cookies. The trio sat staring at each other. Chantal looked from one to the other and back again. “Did you guys get in a fight?” she asked. She squinted at them, worry in her eyes.
“Yes,” Seth said before Joy could answer. “I was rude to your mom, and stuck my nose into her business when I shouldn’t have.” He turned to look Joy right in the eye.
It was all she could do not to look away. He wasn’t the only one who had messed up.
“Joy, I am sorry that I stuck my nose into your business. You know what’s right for your family. I apologize. I’ll try to do better in the future.”
Apologize too. Get to know him. There are almost three full weeks left on the train. They could get to know each other better. Date a little. Who knows what will happen?
Her heart warmed. If he accepted her apology, they could see where their relationship went. Explore the weird, light sensation in her chest.
“Thanks. I accept your apology.” She swallowed the lump of emotion in her throat. “I’m sorry I lost my temper. You were right. Maybe I’m over-protective. Chantal is capable of more than I care to admit.”
Chantal gasped. “Does this mean I can ride the ponies?”
A small laugh burst out. “It means we’ll go see if there is a safe way for you to ride. I’m worried you don’t have the strength in your legs to stay upright. But we’ll go and check. Okay?”
“Yay!”
Seth said. “Now that we’re back with a clean slate between us…” he paused like he was nervous. “If you don’t mind, I would love to accompany you ladies to the petting zoo. I’ve heard there are reindeer. I wonder if we could ride them. I’ve always wanted a reindeer ride.”
“I don’t know about that,” Joy said. “Let’s start with the zoo and see how it goes.”
“One other thing,” Seth smiled a nervous smile.
They had just made up. What in the world could he be nervous about? “What’s that?” Joy asked, her curiosity rising.
“I’ve made a decision.”
She raised her eyebrows in question.
“If we win this thing, though I don’t know how they make the final decision…. If we win and we don’t get to split the prize and only one of us gets it, I want you to have it for your charity. Cerebral palsy doesn’t get as much attention as a children’s hospital. Take the prize. Assuming we win, it’s yours.”
“I can’t do that,” she said. Shame filled her heart. He didn’t know the truth.
“Yes, you can. I insist.”
“Seth, I can’t.” She didn’t want to start arguing again when they’d just made up. “It’s too generous.”
“Why not? If only one can win, I want it to be you.”
She blinked back tears. “Because,” she whispered, “I’m the charity. Okay?”
He looked stunned. “What does that mean?” he asked after a long, painful pause.
