Page 79 of Anywhere With You

Inside the house, I’m alone, and I’m restless. And there’s no song I want to play.

There’s no show I want to watch. There’s no sound I want to hear.

It’s like a Christmas tree, all lit up, the limbs heavy with ornaments.

And no gifts under the tree. No cat napping on the rug.

That’s it? It just ends like that?She read it again, looking for clues. And the only thing that stood out was the Christmas tree. Micky’s house had one, but she didn’t think he’d want her to go there.

Was there a tree lot nearby?

No, the hunt would be limited to this area. She turned around to take in the village, her gaze falling on the impressive lodge-like resort. Inside, the lobby held a massive Christmas tree.

She grinned and struck off to find her next clue.

The moment she entered the hotel, she saw it. How could she not? Her name was spelled out in blinking red lights. Hurrying across the gleaming hardwood floor, she pulled out her phone and called Bex again. “You’re unbelievable. How did you get them to do this?” Hanging off a hook was another pink envelope. “Ah, the benefits of dating a rock star.” She laughed. “I’m going to read the next clue now, so can you just call me, for God’s sake?”

I almost bought a house, thinking it was a home.

I could picture myself at the table, daisies in a glass jar, a mug of coffee in my hands.

The lawn freshly mowed, and the fence painted white.

And yet this feeling…this feeling follows me everywhere. I’m alone.

Inside the house, I’m alone, and I’m restless. And there’s no song I want to play.

There’s no show I want to watch. There’s no sound I want to hear.

It’s like a Christmas tree, all lit up, the limbs heavy with ornament.

And no gifts under the tree. No cat curled up on the rug.

I almost bought a house, thinking it was a home.

And then I met you. And it happened. I found what I was looking for.

Your arms are the walls, and your smile is the jar of daisies.

The universe is in your eyes, perfect and complete.

My home is with you.

Your heart is my home.

“Oh, my God,” she whispered, heart bursting with love. Blinking back tears, she had to read the last section again because she had no idea where to go next. Was home a clue? No, he said I’m his home. So, he didn’t mean the house they lived in. Then, it must be the universe.

She scanned the lobby and found the concierge at his desk, grinning at her. She pointed the card at him. “You’re the one who set up those lights?”

“Guilty.” Getting up, he chuckled. “I’m Mauricio.” He held out his hand. “And you’re the lovely Della.”

“Thank you for doing this. It’s blowing my mind.”

“Do you know where to go next?”

“I have no idea. But he said universe, so I’m wondering if there’s rooftop access here?”

“Indeed, there is. That’s where we view the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve fireworks.”

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