Page 30 of OMG Christmas Tree
CHAPTER TEN
Megan
––––––––
NICK SAID HIS GOODBYESafter paying for the trees and taking a written agreement about the set up. I’d insisted on the documentation.
I swung myself back into the passenger side of Nick’s increasingly-familiar truck.
He clicked his seatbelt in place. “That was great.”
“Yeah?” And I felt great. I had to be riding some kind of high after bossing those Sawyer boys around. Okay, not bossing. Acting like a boss. For some reason being out of my usual circumstances made it easier to act more confident. I didn’t know whether I’d ever have taken charge back at the cafe, even though decisive actions and deal-making was exactly what I needed to do to take over managing.
“Absolutely. Lining the driveway to the mansion along where the guests arrive—it’s going to look great.”
“And another tree by the side entrance with the accessibility ramp,” I added. “Definitely one with lights there.”
“Another good idea.”
“Good. I’m glad.” I resisted the urge to minimize my accomplishment. Despite the bogus lawyer threat, I offered the Sawyers a good deal. I helped Nick sort out his party planning issue. A good deed done on the trip I’d been dreading. “So, what happens at the event? Is there a band?”
Nick laughed as he turned out of the Sawyer lot. “I wish. More like carolers, a piano player, and usually someone playing a harp or something.”
“What’s planned this year?”
Nick blinked. “Uh...”
“Nick.” I shut my eyes. “Please—”
“Hey, I’m trying to remember. The mayor’s office booked someone, I just forget who. I think it’s a brass quartet. Or maybe a trip—thrice—what’s the word when it’s three of them?”
“A three-piece?”
He rubbed his forehead.
The unease in my chest couldn’t be ignored. Being responsible mattered to me. I remained skeptical. “Who is the emcee? Do you have the audio visual worked out?”
“Yes.” His voice tightened. “Believe it or not, our town knows how to host an event. Even if I don’t.”
A chill zipped through the truck cab. “I just want it to be great for your mom. Like you said you wanted for her.”
He stared straight ahead at the road. “Seems like you’re avoiding your own family’s problems to focus on mine.”
The accusation hit me square in the gut. I pressed my lips together, holding back a retort.
Nick...was right. This event was a welcome distraction from thinking about a home that to me felt like a rental. Stu’s presence confirmed the thing I knew but hated thinking about. Dad wasn’t ever coming back. Worse? Now Dad was replaced.
The decorated sign for Crystal Cove came into view with a second sign beside it listing the mayor. The Bennington name right there, branded and official. It only made me more irritated.
If I needed to butt out of Nick’s life, he should butt out of mine.
“You lied about how you found me,” I said quietly. “You thought you struck gold when you found my car in the ditch. You only stopped to get the tree for yourself.”
He let out a short breath. “I’m sorry. I know it looks bad. I swear, I would have stopped no matter what to see if I could help.” A beat passed. “You’re right that I wanted the tree. I told you that outright.”
“You seem to think you can do whatever you want and get away with it.” I tried to lighten my tone, but the bitter edge couldn’t be missed. “It’s like you have everyone in this town wrapped around your finger.”
