Page 46 of Memories of the Past

“That sounds delicious. What do you think, Trinity?”

I smiled and nodded. “Sounds really good.”

“We’ll be right in. Save us a spot,” Aunt Vi said and leaned over placing a kiss on Jed’s cheek.

Once Jed was gone, Aunt Vi leaned over to me and placed her hand on my knee. She met my eyes and softly smiled. “Seriously, Trinity, it’s the end that matters the most. Trust me, and don’t wait until it’s too late, like I’ve done. Because of my inability to let go of the past, I now have only a very limited time with him. Now let’s go get us some lunch.”

“Aunt Vi?”

“Yes, dear?”

“Thanks for the talk, but how do you know about Thomas being back?”

“Because, dear, he came to see me, but he’s been talking to Jed a lot this past month. He told me.” She winked. “Now let’s go.”

As Aunt Vi got up, I took one look at the soft smile on her face and realized that she had been able to look past all that had happened over the years, all the words written in her diary. I was happy for her, that she had gotten another chance with the love of her life, and I hoped that they would have a long time together. However, it didn’t matter. Things between Thomas and I were non-existent. He had already made up his mind; he was moving, and I, no matter what, would end up alone and unhappy. He could talk to Jed all he wanted, but actions spoke louder than words. I just didn’t have the heart to tell her.

CHAPTER 19

Thomas

I’d had to return to Serenity’s office later Sunday morning to sign more papers. I walked out of the office, a brown manilla envelope in hand, and headed to my truck. I was going to go over and see Trinity, hoping that the dust had settled enough for her to allow me a chance to explain everything. I didn’t care if the dust hadn’t settled. I wasn’t allowing this to rip us apart. Only when I drove by, I noticed a big, closed sign hanging in the window. Then I remembered that she’d said she was heading out to see Vi today.

I stopped at the corner and let out a breath, then changed my mind and headed in the direction of the flower shop. Perhaps Peggy would be able to help me. After all, those two seemed to be close.

I walked into the small flower shop and waited while Peggy dealt with the woman at the counter. She was completely undecided at what it was she wanted to order, but Peggy kept her wits about her, making suggestion after suggestion, until the woman finally agreed. Then she paid for her order, nodded in my direction, and left.

“Thomas, what can I help you with?” Peggy asked, coming around from behind the counter.

“Well, I need something that screams I’m sorry.”

Peggy smirked and then pushed herself off the counter. “Well, then, I’d say white orchids.” She went over to the cooler and pulling out some stems of white orchids.

I nodded, putting my trust into Peggy that she wouldn’t lead me astray. I watched as she mixed some white orchids against some greenery, running back and forth to the cooler to grab some other things.

“So what happened?” she asked while she continued arranging something.

“A misunderstanding really.”

“I bet. They normally are. Care to tell me about it?”

“Well, I’m sure you know Trinity and I have a history,” I said, sitting down on the stool in front of the counter.

“I did,” she said, still concentrating on the work at hand.

“Well, she found out that I was selling my parents’ place and she blew up at me. She thinks I was going to leave.”

“I see, and were you?” Peggy asked quietly.

I shook my head. “No, but she wouldn’t even give me a second to explain.” I paused, thinking back to all the time she had given me to explain, only my stupid self couldn’t ever seem to find the words. “Okay, that isn’t exactly true. Perhaps she did give me time, but somehow, I was at a loss for words.”

“Perhaps you, yourself weren’t even sure of what your plans were.”

I shrugged. “Maybe.”

“And now.”

“Well, I’m here, right? I know what I want now.”

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