Page 40 of Wrapped in You

"I love seeing the younger folks take over Willow Creek traditions," Mrs. Reynolds said as she hunted down another platter of cookies. "It reminds me that our town will go on and on, beyond my time, and into the future."

"It warms my heart too," Mrs. Smith, the elementary music teacher, said.

Sophie, Randy, Tommy, and Fiona cleaned up after everyone left and headed back to headquarters. Randy set himself up at the computer to go over the spreadsheets he'd made for the upcoming weeks of Christmas Festival planning and Silver Bells catering.

"And we got another request for catering," he said as Sophie sat beside him to assess. "Merlin Johnson wants us to cater his daughter's baby shower."

"What day?"

"It's next week," Randy said. "The twenty-third."

Sophie felt a swell of panic. "I don't know if I can make it."

"Relax," Randy ordered. "We have plenty of other staffers who can be there."

Sophie felt the anxiety on her shoulders ease—at least for a moment. "I have a spreadsheet in there somewhere for baby showers," she explained. "But this one should be Christmas-themed and baby-themed."

"We can manage that," Randy said with a laugh. His eyes glinted happily. It was clear taking on more responsibility suited him. He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. "Do you have plans this weekend?"

Sophie shook her head. Usually, she only ever had plans with her parents and Cindy. This weekend, Cindy was stuck with sick kids, and her parents were hosting friends for dinner and cocktails.

"You should call someone from set!" Randy suggested. "You're friendly with Derek's assistant, right? Cara?"

Sophie exhaled all the air from her lungs. "Maybe."

"Those people are far from home," Randy reminded her. "I'm sure they'd love to hang out with everyone's favorite caterer."

Sophie looked down. She was suddenly embarrassed.

Randy knows I don't have many friends.

He knows Jeremy dumped me and left me with nothing but work.

"I love spending time alone," Sophie heard herself say instead.

"That's a rare gift," Randy told her because he always knew what to say. He got up to grab his coat.

Sophie could see Fiona in the kitchen, waiting for him.

She remembered when Jeremy used to wait for her too.

Should I call Jeremy instead? Should I ask him what he's been wanting to talk to me about?

"See you Monday!" Sophie called to Randy and Fiona as they headed out.

"Bye!" they returned happily.

Sophie remained in her office, cross-legged on the office chair, swirling around in circles like a little kid. When she stopped abruptly, her head spun.

Is this how I'm spending my Saturday night? she wondered.

It was pathetic.

Sophie grabbed her phone and bit hard on her lower lip. Calling up Cara was an easy answer for what to do tonight. They could have dinner, chat about this and that. Maybe Cara would tell Sophie more stories about the version of Derek that had existed before he'd lost his wife. The version of Derek who'd been optimistic and free and romantic and talented. But did that mean Sophie was less interested in Cara and more interested in what Cara could tell her about Derek? She didn't want to be manipulative.

Cara's phone rang only twice before she answered it. "Sophie, hey. I'm at the cabin with Derek."

Alarm bells rang in Sophie's head. She got up and paced, feeling breathless. "Hey! Hi!"

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