Page 71 of Wild Nights

I headed up to my room to shower, then pack. I slowly folded my clothes, fighting back tears. For the first time, I wasn't excited about going home. I didn't have a list of things to cook or bake. I wasn't even that excited about the holiday itself.

Marcus had already given me a to-go container of cookies we'd baked with Joey. They weren't the best decorated I'd ever seen, but they were a good memory of our day snowed in together. Other than the cookies, which would be eaten, I didn't have anything else tangible except for, possibly, my broken heart.

I'd gone and fallen for Oliver, my sometimes fling. It was stupid, but I couldn't help myself. And I wasn't sure he felt the same way. He had bigger things to worry about, like reopening the lodge and taking care of his son.

I plopped onto the bed, hugging my sweater to my chest, letting the tears fall. Leaving shouldn't hurt this much. The problem was there was no reason to stay. Oliver's life was here. And mine was in Maine, wasn't it?

The more I thought about the situation with my family, the more I wondered what was really there for me in Maine. My sister and mother were both moving on, and I was the one in limbo. I could work my business from anywhere.

But where should I make my home base? Should I rent a place in Maine until I figured it out? I wiped away my tears and continued to pack, determined to have a different holiday with my family and maybe even talk to my dad. I needed closure. I needed to move on with my life, and I wasn't sure I could do that without talking to him first.

Dad had given up on asking me and Ginny to join him for the holidays, so when I asked if I could see him tomorrow, he responded immediately. Maybe Dad felt guilty for how things went down so many years ago. I wouldn't know unless I talked to him.

I felt better now that I figured out a purpose for my trip home. I needed to get the house ready to sell, I wanted to talk to my dad, and I'd spend part of the holiday with my mother and sister, whatever that looked like.

Even if things with Oliver didn't work out and I never saw him again, he'd changed me forever. He helped me see that there were different possibilities out there. That we didn't have to hold onto our past, especially when it was holding us back. I wished he was my future. But the ball was in his court. He could have asked me to stay, and he hadn't.

He'd mentioned that the airport would be clear, and I should be able to get home today. Even when Joey brought upthat he'd miss me, Oliver hadn't said anything. In a short time, those two had come to mean so much to me, and I'd miss them.

I needed to leave before I got sucked in any deeper. If I stayed, I'd only want more of what I couldn't have, and Oliver had a full life with Joey and his family. There wasn't room for me, or he wouldn't make room. Maybe he didn't feel the same way or didn't view our relationship as something that could be permanent.

I had a headache by the time I finished packing and taking my suitcase to the front counter. My flight left in two and half hours. I'd need a car to get to the airport. I pulled up the app just as Xander and Oliver walked in with their snow gear, bringing in a gust of wind with them.

"Is it time for you to go?" Oliver asked, his brow furrowed.

"I was just about to order a car."

"I can take you. Just let me make sure Marcus has Joey."

"Oh, you don't have to do that." It would be easier to make a clean break here in front of his brother and son. I wouldn't be tempted to blurt out that I thought I was in love with him. That wouldn't be fair to him.

"It's okay. I want to. You've done so much for me."

I merely nodded as he headed into the great room.

Xander approached with a smile. " You’ve probably heard a lot about me if you’ve been hanging out with Oliver.”

I grinned. "Just that you're charming and lovable."

He placed a hand over his heart as Oliver returned. "Oliver, did you hear that? Carolina thinks I'm charming and lovable."

Oliver smacked his arm. "Get over yourself. She's just being nice."

He rubbed his arm. "I can take Carolina to the airport. That way you can stay with Joey."

"Marcus has him. They're making gingerbread cookies." Oliver's voice was gruff.

"I'm sorry to miss that. Let me say goodbye to Marcus and Joey quick." My heart rate picked up now that it was time to leave.

At Oliver's nod, I hurried into the kitchen.

Joey's face fell when he saw me in my coat. "Are you leaving?"

"Yeah, my flight leaves soon, and I have to get home to my family." I kept my voice light.

Joey rushed over for a hug, and I held him tightly to me. "I'm going to miss you. I had so much fun."

"I had fun too," he mumbled against my coat.

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