Page 15 of Christmas in Watch Hill
He frowned. “I hardly think it corrupts it.”
“Regardless, I can’t do this.” I knew I was being hardheaded, but I couldn’t stop myself. “I can’t.”
“Okay . . .”
“I’m sorry,” I told him. “I know you worked hard on this and you want the best for this store, but this isn’t it. I can’t . . . I can’t do this right now.”
His shoulders slumped. “All right. I hear you.”
“Thank you,” I replied with an air of finality. “This is nice, but I’ve made my decision. It’s time to let the store close.” I looked at the rows of sale racks, shelves, and tables full of merchandise.We’ll have to find some way to get rid of all this stuff.“I’ve decided to host a final blowout sale, and then shut this place down. It’s what makes the most sense to me.” My stomach tightened. “A sort of chance to go out on top.”
The three of us stared at each other for a long moment, the awkwardness and finality settling around us. And then Scott threw up a hand.
“Well, it was just an idea.” He backed away from the counter, moving toward the door. “And no matter what, I want you to know that I get how hard it is for you to close this place, and what you had to consider before you did it. I know it wasn’t easy or simple.”
“No, it wasn’t.” The memories of my life in this store pushed against my mind. “But thank you. I appreciate all of it.”
“Are you sure you want to give up like this, Nora?”
“Yes,” I replied. “I am.”
TEN
SCOTT
Ipushed too hard.
Simple as that. I pushed too hard and overstepped my boundaries. It wasn’t my place to save Nora Shaw or The Pink Box. It wasn’t even my business. She hadn’t asked me for help, and I’d interjected my opinion where it ultimately wasn’t wanted. I realized all of this by the time I got in my car and drove away from the shopping center.
But at least I tried. I had to give myself credit for that.
Still feeling a little defeated, I parked my car in the garage and went inside, trying not to let Nora’s reaction bother me too much. Christmas was in a few days, and I didn’t want to let something like that take away the cheer that remained.
No, I won’t do that.
I won’t do that at all.
