Page 46 of Choosing Forever
Maybe I linger because I’m hoping he says something else. A declaration that could fix everything that’s happened between us. Except I know nothing like that exists because there isn’t anyfixingthis. Not through apologies or declarations or any of my grandmother’s wishes to the universe.
I have to remember that before I wind up in a situation that’s bound to leave me shattered once again. Without replying, I open the door and slip out of the bathroom, leaving him behind me the way I did the day I returned to Cherry Peak.
15
PRESENT
DARREN
Downtown at noon. Don’t be late. Oh, and wear swim trunks.
Caleb’s text came at midnight. It interrupted my long night of being hunched over the desk in my bedroom, squinting at my computer screen. I’m three days behind on delivering a rough rendering to one of my boss’s favourite clients, a hotel mogul expanding his reach from Calgary to Vancouver.
I’ve worked on my fair share of hotels over the last couple of years, but this one is . . . a lot. Twenty stories fit with a rooftop pool, two gyms, three ballrooms, a conference room, a high-end bar/restaurant, and a deadline of only three months has me abitstressed. Toss in being single-handedly in charge of creating my sister’s dream house, and I’m one more broken pencil from losing my mind.
My brain screams with overuse as I rub my eyes and get out of the car. The feeling of swim trunks at the beginning of October isn’t my favourite, but I know better than to ignore my captain’sorders, a volunteer at the station or not. I just wish I’d been able to find my good pair.
I’ll be teased about how short these ones are the moment my friends spot me. I don’t blame them either. Fuck, they’re an inch above my knees and a peach colour that, depending on the light, makes it seem like I’m naked from the waist down.
I lock my car and start toward the cluster of people at the end of the street. The shops on this side of downtown are blocked off by the same cement barriers herding what appears to be the entirety of Cherry Peak’s population. It smells like mini donuts and fresh lemonade, almost like the fire station decided on a fair instead of a few mini games as their fundraiser.
Whatever they planned was fine with me, considering I didn’t have the chance to help. The past week has been quiet without Abbie, but with the silence comes a heavier work schedule. When I’m with my daughter, she’s the centre of my attention, and often, my work falls to the back burner so I can spend as much time with her as possible. Working from home is a blessing when she’s with me but a curse when she’s gone with Sasha.
“There he is! The star of our dunk show,” Caleb drawls, coming at me from the side.
I brace for impact when he lifts a fist and brings it near my armpit. “Star of the what?”
“The dunk show. Well, technically, it’s one of those toss ’n dunk tanks. You know, like from a good ol’-fashioned carnival?”
“I was wondering what the trunks were for, considering the current temperature.”
He gives my legs an inspecting look before pursing his lips. “Yeah, what’s with those?”
“What’s wrong with them?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
“They look like they’d fit Abbie.”
“Fuck off. It’s October. All of my good pairs are already tucked away for next year,” I grunt.
“That’s what you get for being so goddamn organized.”
“Just say you’re jealous and move on, Cap.”
“Nothing to be jealous of besides the hair on your legs. Mine’s so thin now.”
I scoff a laugh and shake my head. “Are we gonna start talking leg hair tips now?”
“Not a chance.
“Sounds good to me.”
“Did you bring a towel with you?” he asks, eyeing my car behind us as we head for the fair.
“No. If you’d told me what I was doing today, I’d have been better prepared.”
“Oh well. I’ll make sure to give you plenty of time to air-dry before sending you home.”
“What would I do without your generosity?” I ask blandly.
