Page 59 of The Love Dose
Aunt Pearl places her veiny hand on mine. “You’ll do the right thing for everyone, Sonny. Like you always do.”
“You have too much faith in me.”
She pats my hand. “Never.”
I stand. It’s time to go. I need to prep the apartment for Chacha’s arrival.
I lean over and peck my aunt’s cheek. “Thank you.”
“Follow your heart, Calvin. Wherever it leads you.”
As she sees me out, I get a call from the mechanic. My car is functional. He knows I’m a physician and sped up the work. I can get to New York and have the car’s cosmetic repairs done there.
I bid my aunt farewell, promising to visit when I return. I hop on my snowmobile and wave goodbye, her sage words still ringing in my ears.
Chapter Forty-Two
Caroline
Men keep leaving me. Either by dying or by snowmobile.
I stare out the kitchen window. The snowman is shrunken, Calvin’s father’s hat askew. It makes me sad. Things are changing too quickly.
I considered leaving, going back to New York but deep down I know I need the time to think. Not just about my reaction to Calvin’s news or even all that happened here between us. But about my life.
Things are going to continue to change whether I like it or not.
I tried calling Calvin to apologize, leaving messages when he didn’t pick up. My behavior was unforgivable. I was harsh, holier than thou. Calvin is the most giving man I know. He’s selfless and generous. Are there any better qualities for a good father than those? I’ll let the dust settle then try again to reach him.
I’m in desperate need of a distraction and decide to listen to a voicemail from Sam. She sounds calm—a one-eighty fromthe previous call—like she phoned moments after her daily yoga class. I’m fairly certain the regular practice is what’s keeping my high-strung friend sane.
She tells me that she’s brought things under control. The sponsors are on board, crisis averted. The Shining Stars Gala, benefiting children with special needs, is back on track. The charity was Bernard's baby and I'm grateful to hear Sam handled it without me. I’m also extremely relieved that I don’t have to fire my friend. She’s got this.
She shares an idea for the event, her tone turning excited. Something about a high-ticket auction. It should bring in lots of new donations. She tells me to check my email and signs off with “Namaste.”
There are two attachments in the email. The event invitation is professional and eye catching. A budget breakdown lets me see how she finessed getting low cost advertising on social media. Sam is savvy. I suspect we’ll clear more for the charity than in previous years. Nothing about the auction idea though I’m intrigued. I’m sure she’ll keep me posted.
I leave Sam a long, detailed voice note. It beats a conversation that will suck me further into the vortex. I end it with an expression of genuine gratitude.
With that done, I need another diversion. Outside, the roads are clear and the sun’s glare blinding. I grab my sunglasses, deciding to take my chances and head into town. I find a worn pair of Calvin’s boots in the front closet and put them on. They’re old, ugly and a bit big on me but good enough. I then bundle up, check my phone’s battery level, and toggle on my phone’s GPS.
The air is fresh and invigorating and not as cold as it was when Calvin and I made snow angels. The house seems to sparkle under the clear blue sky like it’s auditioning for a holiday movie. My feet create craters with each step. I trudge at a respectable pace, keeping my heart rate steady and body warm,passing evergreens dusted with snow and the blueberry bush where Calvin buried me. I double check my phone’s signal. It works just fine.
I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with the pristine air and I venture on to town.
When I arrive, I’m invigorated and proud of myself. If there was an Olympic sport for snow walking, I’d kill it. I note that most of the shops are open. These people are accustomed to brutal winters. I pick up dog food, a few treats, and swing by the Donut Hole Café for a much-needed coffee.
The woman behind the counter is giving me the once over. “You must be Calvin’s friend.”
She’s a couple of years older than I am. Her hair is shorter and more stylish but I recognize her right away from the photo. “Jenny?”
She raises her brow. “You know me?”
“Well,youknowme,” I say. “Sugarbush Falls is a small town, after all.”
She laughs. “Very true. We don’t have many secrets, just lots of snow and gossip. I heard about you from Pearl. Glad Calvin found the right one. I regretted our breakup for years.”
TMI. TMI!
