Page 32 of Memories of the Past

“Well, I’d be up for that, provided it isn’t chicken and dumplings.” I smirked.

Trinity looked to me then dropped her eyes to the floor. “Still don’t like them?” she questioned, a serious look on her face.

“In case you didn’t notice, I hate them.”

I watched as Trinity smiled again. “I’m sorry about that. I seriously didn’t expect you to eat them. I was sort of shocked that you did. I thought that perhaps over the years you’d grown to liking them, until you started sweating and going pale.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “What do you say, will you stay for a bit tonight?”

Trinity nodded, her cheeks pink. “I will.”

I nodded, smiling at her answer. “Well, I better get back out there,” I said, turning and heading toward the living room. I looked back over my shoulder in time to see Trinity watching me as I walked away. I couldn’t help but wink at her. I was really excited to spend some time alone with her. I just hoped that it didn’t end in an argument. I took in a deep breath, turned my attention back to the living room and all the guests, and went about accepting condolences about my father.

CHAPTER 14

Trinity

I’d driven all the way back into Willow Valley my stomach in my throat at Thomas’s question. I wasn’t sure I should have agreed to go back tonight. Thomas was probably feeling lonely, and after all the time I’d spent protecting my heart over the years, I wasn’t sure if this was a wise idea or not. I pulled into my small driveway and entered in through the back door, placing my purse down on the small bench. I made my way to the front of the lower level to find Ava straightening up some shelves, while Peggy sat in the front chair with Luna on her lap, looking through a couple of books.

“Trinity, I didn’t expect you to be back before the store closed,” Ava said, turning in my direction and getting down off the small step stool.

“I said I’d be back in time for you to leave at five. You’ve done me a lot of favors this week.” I shrugged, looking over to Peggy, who sat there studying me. I knew from the look she was giving me that she knew something had happened.

“Thanks, Trinity. I appreciate it,” Ava said, pushing the stool back in beside the bookshelf and grabbing her bag from behind the counter. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning?” she asked before walking out the front door.

“Yep, it’s your day to open.” I smiled.

“I’ll be on time, bright and early! See you later. Bye, Mrs. Hollis.”

“You too, Ava. Have fun tonight,” Peggy replied.

We watched as Ava stepped outside, pulling the door shut behind her and heading off in the direction of home. I walked over and turned the open sign to now read closed and locked the front door.

“Well? What happened?”

I walked around behind the counter and began my closing routine. “Well, shortly after you left, I made the mistake of going over to Thomas while he was in the middle of a conversation with Connor Darling. Thomas just looked uncomfortable, and I figured I’d help him out by putting an end to the conversation.”

“And?”

“Well, he ended up asking me to come by tonight for a movie,” I said, opening the cash drawer and pulling the receipts out. “And stupid me offered to cook dinner,” I said, placing my face in my hands.

“Are you going to go?” Peggy questioned.

“I don’t know. I’m not sure. I did see him talking with Brooke earlier. She sure was flirting up a storm, from the looks of it,” I muttered. “I just fear he is lonely, and I’m not sure I want to be on the receiving end of that.”

“I’m sure he is lonely. I think, though, that instead of thinking the worst, you just might want to accept that fact that maybe he might want something familiar or that was familiar in his surroundings right now. He’s lost everyone. I know I was that way after my Greg died,” Peggy said, getting up and placing Luna down in the chair and making her way over to me.

“Perhaps you’re right.”

“I know I am. Plus, it might give you guys a real chance to clear the air. I know you have been struggling since he came back into town with so many unanswered questions.”

I nodded and smiled at my best friend. “You’re right.”

“I know I am,” Peggy said, hugging me. “Now, get ready and go enjoy your date.”

I looked at Peggy and smiled. “Very funny.”

She couldn’t help but laugh as she grabbed her light jacket off the back of the chair. she’d been sitting in. “I should get going anyways. I need to place my flower order tonight.”

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