Page 156 of Unraveling Rain
The diner’s doing great; our numbers haven’t slipped at all since I stepped down as the head chef, and that makes my heart soar with pride. Blair and Gael are crushing it. They’ve stayed on top of everything, and the local suppliers have adapted quickly to our newbusiness model.
Maybe the seasonal slowdown is helping ease the transition—but honestly, I can’t complain.
I haven’t been back to Azalea Creek much this past month. Partly because the colder weather makes RV life harder. Mostly because word about Dennis spread like wildfire, and now people look at me with pity.
I fucking hate it.
I didn’t realize this ordeal would drag on for weeks. I thought once I filed the report, they were going to bring him in, realize what a sleaze he is, throw him in jail, and move on. I thought people would get bored and latch onto the next big town gossip.
Guess the joke’s on me for assuming life works like it does in the movies.
I shake my head and chuckle at my thoughts. I’m damn lucky Xander doesn’t care I’m not the brightest crayon in the box. Because now that he’s in my life, I can’t imagine it without him. He’s rekindled the spark I was missing in my soul.
Time’s flown by since hockey season started, and now Thanksgiving is practically here. Xander has a game the day after, so even though I’m sad not being near my family, I’m staying in Raleigh to spend it with him. I offered to cook, but of course, he said it was too much of a hassle just for two people, so he hired someone to cater the meal.
“Babe, I’ve been thinking. What if we dress up for Thanksgiving?” Xander asks, strolling into the kitchen with a devilish smirk.
I narrow my eyes, suspicious. He chuckles.
“Yeah, we could get all dolled up while we enjoy the fancy meal I ordered. It would be something different. I’m sure your family is like mine and dresses comfortably to have enough room for seconds.”
I laugh, picturing my family piled around the table, already angling for thirds on dessert.
“I’m not sure where this idea is coming from, but I like it,” I say, stepping in front of him and wrapping my arms around his shoulders. “Maybe it can be our new tradition.”
“I just want to make you feel special,” he says, rubbing his nose along my neck. I giggle as he keeps tickling me.
“I’ve never felt this loved,” I admit, and he kisses my collarbone.
“And I’ve never experienced a love like this. All-consuming. Real.”
I pull him closer, and he lifts me off the ground.
Laughter bursts out of me, a huge smile stretching across my face. I can only hope he feels just as loved as I do.
“Oh, do you think Matt and Trin would like to join us? It could be fun to make it a double date,” I say once he sets me down.
“Hmm… I’m not sure. I think they already have plans,” he says quickly and heads to the fridge.
Okay then. That was… interesting.
Things have been good since that first dinner with them. Trin and I have even hung out a couple of times. I wonder why he’s not into the idea.
A crazy thought flashes through my brain—something shiny, maybe diamond-shaped—but I quickly shake it off. There’s no way he’ll propose in the middle of the season. He needs to stay focused on the game.
I plop onto the couch beside him. ESPN is on, of course. He’s watching tape on his iPad while listening to the analysts on TV. I’m not sure how he does it, but it works for him.
He spreads his legs, nudging his thigh against mine. Always needing to be touching me when we’re in the same room. I love that about him.
I pat his leg, and he winks without looking up.
Smiling to myself, I grab my phone from the side table. Time to text Ruin for fashion tips—if we’re dressing up for Thanksgiving, I want to get it right.
Rain: Hey sis, do you have a minute?
Her response is almost instant.
Ruin: Hey, Raindrop! Yes, everything okay?
