Page 36 of Wild Nights

"It's my first holiday bazaar. I'm hoping it goes well, and I'll get more referrals for them. It will increase my customer base and extend my season."

"You deserve the time off though."

"There isn't much going on from January through March." I had to make my earnings last through the whole year.

"That makes sense."

I had to stay busy. There was nothing for me at home anymore. Both Ginny and Mom were preoccupied with their boyfriends. I didn't have anything to occupy my time except for my business. I wanted it to be successful, but I didn't have the same drive I did before. I'd built it for Ginny and me. Now it was just mine, and I wasn't sure what my motivation was other than to make more money. Who was I building my business for? What was the money and security for when I didn't have anyone to share it with?

I packed my toiletries and placed them in my suitcase. I had to leave for my flight. I didn't have time to break down or contemplate this new reality. It was the worst timing. I almost wished she'd waited until I returned home.

"What are your plans for Christmas?" I asked Ginny as I zipped up the suitcase and placed it on the floor between us.

Her eyes widened. "I thought we'd spend the day with Waylon's parents."

"Do you know what Mom is doing?" I hadn't talked to her much since Thanksgiving. She was always busy when I checked in.

"I think her and Harold are planning to stay for Christmas, then leave the next day for their trip.”

"That will be nice for them. Why don't they leave earlier? Spend the holiday together?"

"I think Mom was worried about you. She knows you like your traditions."

"I'm not going to host Christmas this year." I hadn't made that decision until now. I walked toward the front door, grabbing my purse and keys.

"You're not?" Ginny asked as she rushed to catch up with me.

I turned to look at her. "You and Mom said you didn't want a traditional holiday."

Her forehead creased. "But you love Christmas."

"Things will be different this year." I needed to get used to it.

"But what are you going to do?"

"I don't know." I could stay in Telluride, but I didn't think Oliver would appreciate that. And it wasn't like I could easily avoid him. It was his family's resort. But there was nothing for me in Maine if my family had other plans.

"We should still do something together."

I sighed. "Let me know what you decide. I'm not planning on cooking. I'll be out of town until the day before Christmas Eve. I'm sure I'll be too exhausted to grocery shop when I get home."

Ginny seemed to be at a loss for words. She hadn't expected me to take her words to heart. But if they wanted a nontraditional holiday, then they could have one. I just wasn't sure what I was going to do yet. But I had plenty of time to figure it out.

Normally, I'd be worried about grocery shopping, meal prepping, and last-minute gift shopping, but not this time. "It feels good not to have to worry about planning, especially when I'm going to be out of town."

Ginny frowned. "Yeah, this makes the most sense."

I didn't want for Ginny to process that her older sisterwasn't going to insist on the big Christmas. I hugged her. "Have a good week."

"Have a safe flight," Ginny finally managed when I was halfway down the walk. I looked around at the snow that was still on the ground from a storm a few days ago. Our cars sat in the driveway.

This home was meant for me and Ginny. I wasn't sure where my future was now. But first, I had a conference to host. I could figure out the rest of my life afterward. Besides, I had one more night with Oliver.

It would be the best Christmas present ever, and it wouldn't require any work on my part. I just had to show up and enjoy.

A few minutes ago, I felt like I was at my lowest. But now, I felt like the future was opening up and anything was possible. Even if I didn't know exactly what I wanted.

I waved at Ginny who stood in the doorway, looking uncertain. It felt right to loosen the strings with my family. They didn't need me to hold them together anymore. Everyone was moving on. This was healthy. I could heal from my dad's betrayal and move on. That last part might take a bit longer, but I felt like it was possible.

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