Page 56 of Spring Showers

“He feels like I lied all week and only spent time with him because it was my job.” Thandie wiped a tear falling on her cheek. “It’s true, I did try and show him the best of this place like I did for all the guests. The difference is that I was only looking forward to seeinghimgrinning back at me during every event and activity, not any of the other guests. From the moment he ran me over on the hiking trail the first day and held me in his arms, afraid that I was hurt badly, I wanted nothing more than to see him every day.”

“Did you tell him how you feel?” America asked.

Thandie went to the bathroom where she collected the towels and bathmat. “I thought I did, but I doubt he believes me. He thinks that I’m in love with Davis and that everything that happened between us was fake.”

“I don’t know what to say, Thandie. The only advice I can give you is to tell him everything. From the start. And let him make up his own mind once he has all the facts.”

America was speaking out of love and what sounded like experience. “Did you ever go through something like this before?”

America kicked the pile of linens towards the living room, and added them to the kitchen towels and throw-blanket. “I accused Leo of not caring about this community when he was the mayor. I thought he would never forgive me, but I told him the truth and let it be. Time provided some clarity for him and me both.”

“What I need him to do now is write his report for Davis, secure the funding that you and Leo need, and then...I don’t know.”

“The truth, Thandie. You tell him the truth about how you feel. You tell him exactly what you told me. You tell him that you’re not in love with Davis.” America retrieved a bucket of cleaning supplies from under the sink and handed Thandie a duster and some disinfectant spray. “Does he know what happened between you and that awful man?”

“Not exactly. He knows that Davis hurt me in some way and that I forgave him.”

“You did?” America started the water running at the sink.

“I can’t move on unless I let go of what he did to me. Someone told me that moving on sometimes means starting over, and that’s what I feel like I did this week. This place, the people, the guests, and Grant, all helped me see a future that I’m worthy of. I was able to see that life isn’t a straight line that one can just plan out. Life isn’t even a road. It’s a flood, a disaster, that can be turned into something beautiful, something better.”

“There’s no perfect relationship, and it’s something you have to fight for every day,” America added and hit Thandie’s sentiment right on. “Are you going to fight for Grant? Please tell me you are!” She clapped her hands together in excitement. “I love a good romance story.”

Thandie smiled. “What else can a girl do?”

“Love with all her heart, no matter what.” America took Thandie’s hands and set her gaze on her face. “Let this thing finish with Davis, and then fight with all you have for Grant.” She nodded, and Thandie reciprocated the gesture.

“Do you recall telling me that this place would be a safe harbor for me?” Thandie asked.

“Yes, why?”

“Because it has been. Thank you for that. For everything. No matter what happens after today, please know how grateful I am to you.”

“Of course,” America said. “You’re welcome.”

“Now, I know what I need to do,” Thandie said.

As she completed her thought, the front door opened, and Leo came in. “Hey you two. I hoped I’d find you in here.” He looked at Thandie. “I wanted to let you know that your phone is all fixed up.” He handed it over. “Not that you’ll get much of a signal, but I thought you’d like to have it back.”

“I would love to have my phone back, actually.” Thandie hugged it into her chest. “How did you get it fixed so fast, anyway? I thought I would need to buy a new one.”

“I know a guy,” Leo said. “Plus, you’re going to need it if you’re staying on as director past next week.”

“Really? You got the funding?” America asked, smiling.

Leo rocked his head back and forth. “Well, it’s looking good, but it’s not locked in yet,” he said and turned to America. “I believe in this project. Even without the money, we’ll find a way. And I think Thandie needs to be a part of The Foundry.”

Thandie nodded, words having left her mind.

“Plus, just think of all the help we got today with the cleanup. My brother? I mean, who would have thought that he, of all people, would come through?”

“Christmas Cove is part of John’s community now too. Your success here looks good for the whole city,” America said.

Leo nodded and Thandie saw him grin. Whatever was happening with Leo and his brother was the same sort of healing her own heart had undergone in the past week. Spring showers really can create beautiful change. The rain that she had been fighting against all week ended up bringing out the best in people. Even the guests had helped with the sandbagging effort. All that water washed away her past and caused something new to bloom within her: hope for the future and safety from life’s storms.

“Hey, Leo. I think I finally have a name for the barn and you’re both gonna love it.”

“We’re renaming the barn?” America asked, and Leo nodded. “Well?”

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