Page 5 of Once Upon a Holiday Vacation
“Would you like to come inside and have a look?” Cybil asked, gesturing towards the open door of the bus.
Easton looked at me, his eyes pleading. I couldn't help but laugh. “Go on,” I said, nudging him forward. “I know you're dying to see what's in there.”
We climbed the steps into the bus, and I watched as his eyes widened in wonder. The interior had been completely transformed. Bookshelves lined every available surface, creating cozy nooks and crannies filled with literary treasures. Soft lighting cast a warm glow over everything, and the faint scent of old paper and leather bindings filled the air, immediately relaxing me.
Easton was in his element, his fingers trailing reverently over the spines of books as he moved through the narrow aisle. I hung back, content to watch him explore.
“What kind of books do you enjoy?” Cybil asked, her eyes twinkling as she watched him.
He blushed slightly, pushing his glasses up his nose. “Oh, um, a bit of everything really. But I have a soft spot for romance novels.”
I couldn't help but chuckle. “He's a hopeless romantic, this one,” I teased. “Always has his nose buried in some sappy love story.”
His cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of pink as he shot me a mock glare. “There's nothing wrong with enjoying a good love story,” he defended, his voice soft but firm.
Cybil nodded sagely, her wild curls bouncing. “Of course not, dear. Love stories remind us of the magic that exists in the world.”
Jane spoke up. “Very true, but in real life, love often needs a little nudge, more like a choose your own adventure, if you will. Each choice will take you down a different path,” she said, her tone matter of fact.
“You know,” Cybil continued, her voice soft but full of wisdom, “the most beautiful stories are the ones we create ourselves. Sometimes, all it takes is a leap of faith to turn the page to a new chapter.”
Her words hung in the air, and I noticed Easton's brow furrow slightly, that look he gets when he's deep in thought. “That's... rather profound,” he murmured, his hazel eyes meeting mine briefly.
“Yeah, who knew a book nook could double as a fortune cookie factory?” I joked.
The laughter that followed broke the tension, but Cybil's words lingered. By the time we stepped out of the Book Nook, Easton had an armful of books and two new friends who he promised to keep in touch with.
I pulled the books out of his arms, carrying them for him. He paused, his thoughtful expression illuminated by the afternoon sun filtering through the trees. He turned to me, his hazel eyes behind those wire-rimmed glasses searching mine.
“West,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, “I think... I think I want to go on that cruise with you.”
My heart skipped a beat. “Really? You're not just saying that because of my irresistible charm, are you?”
Easton chuckled, shaking his head. “No, you dork. I mean, maybe a little. But mostly... I think those ladies were right. It's time to choose my adventure, create the next chapter in my life.”
I couldn't contain my excitement. “East, this is going to be amazing! Just think, we'll be trading in snow for sand, hot chocolate for piña coladas!”
“And quiet nights by the fireplace for... what exactly?” Easton raised an eyebrow, a hint of apprehension in his voice.
I slung an arm around his shoulders as we started walking back towards the library. “For adventure, my friend! Late-night poker games, karaoke disasters, maybe even a little dancing if I can drag you onto the floor.”
He groaned, but I could see the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I'm already regretting this decision.”
“No takebacks!” I laughed, giving his shoulder a squeeze. “Besides, think of all the reading time you'll have by the pool. I promise I won't splash you... much.”
“You know,” Easton said softly, “I've never been on a cruise before.”
“Neither have I, so we'll just have to make sure this one's extra special. First order of business: getting you a ridiculous tropical shirt.”
He laughed, the sound warming me more than any Caribbean sun could. “Only if you promise to wear one too.”
“Deal.” I grinned, already picturing us in matching outfits, sipping cocktails on the deck. “We'll be the talk of the ship.”
As the library came into view, I felt a surge of excitement for what lay ahead. This cruise wasn't just a vacation; it was a chance for adventure, away from our little hometown and all the people we knew.
“Thanks for saying yes, East,” I said, my voice surprisingly soft. “This Christmas is going to be unforgettable.”
He looked up at me, his smile shy but genuine. “I have a feeling you're right about that, West. I have a feeling you're right.”
