Page 34 of Christmas Home

“Crawford City seems to require a housing developer, but clearly not a lover,” I said, walking toward my bedroom. “I’m going to get changed, go down to the gym, and work out for a while. Book me on the flight with you tomorrow. I’ll stay at my dad’s place until we get the apartment situation worked out.”

I didn’t linger to see Corey’s expression. I couldn’t handle that and the loss of Clyde. I knew I’d be back in Crawford City eventually, but my gut told me even if I stayed, Clyde wouldn’t give me the time of day. He’d made that abundantly clear.

The next morning, as Corey and I got ready to fly back home, I forced myself to stand on the balcony and stare at the upper parts of the house I’d spent my early childhood in. The place that’d burned me and caused grief most of my life.

I couldn’t help but sigh in relief when no panic came on me. Instead, there was sadness, but not because of the home and its bad memories. This fresh sense of loss came from Crawford City almost giving me something I’d wanted more than anything—the love of a genuine and good-hearted man—and then snatching it away.

I cursed the town for making me feel like this, just as I’d begun to hope. I might not be facing panic attacks being this close to the old family estate, but I was facing the fact I would likely never have what I’d always wanted.

Lasting love.

twenty-eight

Clyde

Ididn’t sleep Fridaynight. I kept the baseball bat I bought at the thrift store earlier in the week within reach, and I’d moved the dresser in front of the door. My ex never showed up. Instead, in the wee hours of morning, I got a knock on the door. Jimmy’s voice came through it a moment later. “You got my money, darlin’?” he asked, the mock endearment making my skin crawl.

I pushed the money, still in the envelope I found at the ATM, under the door. “That’s it, Jimmy. There’ll be no more, and if you come around again, I’m going to tell the law!”

He laughed. “You’ll be the one rotting in jail then. I’ll see you next week!” he said cheerfully. I heard a truck door slam a few moments later and assumed he’d gone.

I slumped on my bed. This sucked so much. He would never leave me alone, not while I was here.

The problem was I had nowhere to go. Thanks to Jimmy, I didn’t have enough money to put down a deposit on anothermotel. I didn’t even have a phone to call someone, not that anyone I knew would help. Except maybe Lewellen. The bitch.

I left the dresser in place, just in case Jimmy returned, and went to shower. I knew Mrs. Cole would let me eat for free, and last night my stomach had been too upset to eat dinner, so I was starving.

I got dressed and all but ran to the café, determined to avoid Jimmy and his cronies. When I got to the edge of town, I looked over at Ruther’s building and froze. Jimmy was leaning up against his truck, talking to Corey.

I felt the blood drain from my face. Shit, he planned this. Jimmy was telling me in no uncertain terms either I pay or he’d take it out on Corey or Ruther. He must’ve seen Ruther walking me home, or his asshole henchman who’d recognized me told him as much.

I stumbled the rest of the way to the café, although my stomach was tied in knots. I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t go back to the motel. Jimmy had seen me when I’d come around the corner.

When I entered the café, I immediately saw Sheriff Pat and her deputy. I think his name was Darren. They appeared to be finishing up their meal. My feet went their way almost without my knowing.

I heard Mrs. Cole behind me, but I couldn’t stop. I knew what I was doing would undo my life for good. I was going to get arrested, then I was going to lose my job. I’d be homeless with less than fifty dollars left to my name and not a friend in the world.

That didn’t matter, though. Ruther and Corey didn’t deserve to get pulled into my bullshit just because I’d done something stupid.

I got to the sheriff’s table just as Mrs. Cole’s hand landed on my shoulder. “Sheriff Pat, I need to turn myself in.”

I heard Mrs. Cole gasp, and the sheriff looked surprised. Tears flowed from my eyes, but there was no going back now. “Clyde, what do you need to turn yourself in for?” she asked, and I could almost see humor in her eyes, like she hadn’t believed me. At least she hadn’t before the waterworks started.

The deputy scooted over, and I sat down. Mrs. Cole all but pushed Sheriff Pat over as she sat across from me and took my hand. “You see, Sheriff Pat, I stole from my ex-boyfriend. Now…now he’s here, and he’s getting revenge. I’m afraid he’s going to hurt Ruther or Corey, and it’s all my fault.”

twenty-nine

Ruther

Inoticed Corey talkingto a strange man and wondered what it was about. We’d loaded up the rental car, and I’d just returned the condo keys to Catherine and came out to see Corey and the man talking.

Corey nodded my way when he saw me, and I got into the driver’s seat and waited. When he climbed into the passenger seat, I asked what that was about, and he shrugged. “No idea, just Tennessee overfriendly, I suspect. Nothing to worry about, but we do need to get moving if we’re going to catch our flight. You ready to go?” he asked.

I looked around the little town, searching for any feelings of panic, but felt none. “I guess so, mission accomplished and all that.”

Corey looked at me and smiled. “I’m glad, but…I’m sorry about Clyde.”

I shook it off. “Don’t be. I wanted something he wasn’t interested in. Not his fault. I’m just a bit of a fool, is all.”

---