Page 20 of Christmas at Pine Ridge Inn
“Well ...” Lila teased as she pictured Brady’s muscles stretching the fabric of his flannel shirt while he was chopping down the Christmas tree, “there is actually a rugged, outdoorsy kind of guy right here at the inn.” At the moment, she’d rather talk about Brady than why she’d really called.
“Spill,” Jenna demanded. “I want to hear all about him.”
Lila told her about how she’d clashed with Brady at first as she made suggestions about the inn but how he’d opened up that evening about his parents.
“Sounds like you two have a lot in common, from your work to your family situation.”
“He’s surprisingly easy to talk to,” she admitted. “At least he is now that he’s decided I’m not trying to ruin his inn.”
“Uh huh. And I bet he looks pretty good in those flannel shirts and hiking boots too, huh?”
Lila felt heat rise to her cheeks, glad Jenna couldn’t see her blushing through the phone. “I mean, objectively, he’s not unattractive ...” Lila hedged.
“Does he have a girlfriend?”
“Jenna! I’m here to look for clues about my birth mother, not go on dates with the manager of the inn.” Although now that she thought about it, he hadn’t mentioned anyone, and surely he would have some holiday obligations with her if he had one.
“Who says you can’t do both? Come on, when’s the last time you had a crush on a guy? This is good for you!”
“I don’t have a crush. I’m just ... intrigued by him.” Lila took a deep breath. “But that’s not why I called. I need a pep talk.”
Jenna’s voice shifted, sensing the seriousness in Lila’s tone. “Okay, spill. What’s going on?”
She told Jenna about Cynthia’s discovery that the quilt had been delivered to Pine Ridge Inn and about her growing suspicion that Carol might be her birth mother. Jenna listened without interrupting, making occasional sounds of encouragement.
“So, what are you going to do?” Jenna asked when Lila finished.
“I don’t know. I can’t just walk up to her and ask if she gave birth to a baby on Christmas Day thirty-four years ago, can I?”
“Probably not the best opening line,” Jenna agreed. “But Lila, what if she is? What if you found her?”
“That’s what terrifies me. What if I did, and what if she doesn’t want anything to do with me? What if seeing me just brings up painful memories she’d rather forget?”
“Or what if she’s been hoping for this moment for thirty-four years?”
Lila pressed her free hand to her forehead. “I don’t know how to handle this, Jen. I came here thinking I’d find some clues, then I’d go back and do an internet search and study the person online before I contacted them. I don’t think I gave enough thought to her actually being here and what it would be like to actually approach someone and ask if she’s my birth mother.”
Jenna was quiet for a moment, considering. “First of all, you don’t even know if Carol is your birth mother. Second, even if she is, that doesn’t mean anything terrible will happen. Maybe she’ll be thrilled to see you. Don’t get ahead of yourself, okay? Just take things one step at a time.”
“You’re right,” Lila said, sighing. “I’m probably overthinking this whole thing.”
“Overthinking is your specialty,” Jenna teased gently. “Why don’t you just get to know her better and maybe start dropping some hints and see if she picks up on them?”
It wasn’t a bad idea. She didn’t have to let on that she had any ideas about Carol being her mother. She could just subtly start sharing more about why she was in town and see if Carol picked up on it.
“Yeah, I could do that. Thanks, Jen. I just needed to talk it out with someone.”
“I’m proud of you for taking this step, Lila. For going there in the first place. Whatever happens, I’m here for you.”
“Thanks. I think I needed to hear that.”
They talked for a few more minutes about lighter things—Jenna’s mother-in-law nagging her, Lila’s description of the ornament-making afternoon, the ridiculous amount of glitter Kimberly had managed to get on everything within a three-foot radius.
“I should let you go,” Jenna said finally. “The monster-in-law is probably reorganizing my pantry she thinks I don’t keep organized enough. But remember, one step at a time, okay? And keep me posted on the Brady situation too. I expect a full report next time we talk!”
Lila laughed. “Aye, aye, Captain.”
“And remember, just try being in the moment.”
