Page 17 of Hooked on Lane

“You really didn't have to do this.”

“It wasn't that much extra, and you get free drinks. Plus, our bags were free.”

As the flight attendants began their safety demonstration, my eyes flickered to Jennifer. The drone of the engine pulling away from the gate was hypnotic and I got lost in thought again. Peyton and that other guy hurt her so deeply, leaving her scared to be vulnerable again. But as I looked at her, all I wanted was for her light to shine brighter than ever before.

The plane lurched forward, engines roaring as it raced down the runway. Jennifer squeezed my hand. I looked out the window, watching fields and buildings shrink beneath us. The cabin lights flickered off, and soon we were suspended in a sky of pure blue. At some point, I fell asleep until the Captain announced our descent.

The plane touched down in Minneapolis with a jolt, and Jennifer and I hurried along with the other passengers to our connecting flight. We found our seats and settled in. Jennifer leaned against me, her eyes fluttering shut almost instantly. She smiled into my shoulder, her soft breaths tickling my skin. For the next three hours, I watched my movie on mute while Jennifer slept peacefully beside me.

As the plane began its descent, she woke up, and looked out the window. “We are close!”

“Laura said you liked to read. Caffeinated Bliss is just down the street from the lodge. And don't forget to pick up a cupcake from Frosted! I can you tell firsthand that it's some of the most delicious cupcakes in town.”

We stepped off the plane and onto the jet bridge, stretching our legs and followed the signs to the baggage claim. The bus would be a scenic route. The carousel turned on and we grabbed our suitcases and shuffled out to the bus. We were among the first in line, so we chose a seat at the very back of the vehicle. As the engine roared to life, we watched the city fade away in a blur.

I fondly remembered the camping trips I used to take with my dad. “This is where I got my passion for hiking with my dad. Although, I don't have much time for it nowadays, especially being in New York City.”

She looked up at me through her lashes. “You're so lucky to have had a close bond with your dad.”

I hated the fact that she was distant from her family. I listened as she talked about her father spending all his time at work and when he was home, he would just sit in his old brown recliner watching sports on the television. Her shoulders slumped in defeat as she recounted all the reasons to stay away from her family home over the holidays. My heart broke. Being stuck in the same room, watching her parents bicker like a tennis match or having to sit at the dinner table and listen to their disapproval of her chosen career path—too often the conversation ended with the suggestion that she move back home. A single tear rolled down her cheek as she shook her head and muttered. “It would be more of a burden than a vacation.”

I put my arm around her. “I hate that for you.”

She asked me about my mom, and a lump formed in my throat. “Born and raised in Amesbury. She used to work at the Hideout diner until she got sick. She and my father met in high school and were together until he passed a couple of years ago.”

The shuttle bus rolled to a stop, and the doors opened with a loud hiss. We stepped out into the unforgiving winter weather and onto the slushy street. Surrounding us were brightly painted storefronts, decorated with Christmas twinkle lights. A few steps ahead of me, Jennifer spun around. “I can't believe I'm staying here!”

After getting our bags, we shuffled down Main Street. An old Ford truck sat outside Woodall's car repair, its hood propped open and a pair of oil-stained hands reaching into the engine. The windows of the vintage clothing store were filled withmannequins wearing colorful hats and flowing skirts. But then, the smell of roasted coffee beans hit me when we passed the café. We finally reached the three-story cabin-style building at the end of the block.

Jennifer's eyes took in the property. “This place is just like a Christmas movie… I can't believe you grew up here.”

There was a lot about me she didn't know, but this trip could be the key to unlocking it all.

Chapter Eighteen

Jennifer

Amesbury was nestled in the rolling hills of Montana. The Sterling Lodge was an aged Alpine-style building blanketed in a fresh layer of snow. Colorful icicle lights twinkled around the porch, and a welcome wreath hung from the door as Labe opened the door. The lobby was large with high ceilings, and a fireplace. At the front desk, a woman with thin gray hair pulled back in a tight bun, with thick glasses perched on the bridge of her nose, her fingers pounding against the keys of the computer until she noticed us. She then rounded the corner of the desk, her arms opened wide, ready for a hug.

“Jennifer, this is one of my mother's friends, Carina. She owns the place.”

Carina hugged him. “I can't believe you’re back! And for Christmas… how's your mama doing?”

Lane smiled. “It's nice to see you, too. Once I get Jennifer here settled, I'll be heading to get her.”

“How wonderful.”

She walked back around the counter and after a few seconds handed him two keys. “Room 212 and 213. Let me know if you need anything at all.”

Lane grabbed my bag, taking the stairs two at a time. I followed him up to room 212, where he gently set my belongings on the floor. “This is your room. I’m gonna put my stuff away and then head to Sikita to grab my mom. You have my number if you need anything.”

I nodded my thanks, opened the door, and stepped inside. A king-sized bed and… I went to the window and pulled back the sheer curtains to reveal a stunning view of main street—perfect for watching the sun set.

It was time to explore the town. I fumbled for my phone.

Me: Made it. I’ll send you pics. This place is as cute as you thought.

She would be so jealous. Anyone knew her obsession with Hallmark movies year-round, and this was something she would gaga for in real life. So with a snap of my camera to show the view from my room, three little dots appeared on the screen.

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