Page 35 of Memories of the Past

“You don’t mean that.”

“Oh, I do. Seriously, the sooner the better,” I said, swallowing hard again. Deep in the pit of my stomach, I felt the unease grow at my words. I didn’t mean a single word of what I’d just said, but it was better to put the walls up than to allow myself to feel anything toward that man. I’d been doing it for so long, I didn’t know how to do anything but.

“Now, what do we need to focus on today for the fall festival?” I questioned.

CHAPTER 15

Thomas

After Trinity left last night, I couldn’t sleep. Our conversation hung heavy in my mind. The look of hurt that lined her face as she got into her car had stayed with me, and if I was ever going to get some sleep, I decided that I’d need to clear my mind. So, I’d gotten up and started going over some of the ranch’s finances. Statement after statement I’d finally come to find that Lyle had been right. Dad hadn’t turned a profit in the last seven or so years; things had just gone downhill after Mom had passed. From what I could see, I had no idea how he’d even managed to keep the lights on. I’d even called Aaron this morning to get his opinion, and he concluded the same as me, that it was probably best for me to sell the ranch. So, after breakfast, I’d come into town to meet with an agent.

I walked into Willow Valley Real Estate and approached the counter.

“Can I help you?” the lady behind the counter asked, not once glancing up from her computer.

“I’d like to see someone about listing a property,” I said, removing my hat. “Thomas Jenkins.” I held out my hand expecting a handshake, but the woman continued typing.

“Serenity can see you in a few minutes. If you’d like, you can have a seat,” she murmured, nodding to the bank of chairs in the small lobby. “I’ll let her know you are waiting.”

I took a seat in the small lobby and picked up a magazine that sat on the table and flipped through it.

“Mr. Jenkins, Serenity will see you now,” the woman behind the desk said.

I got up and made my way into Serenity’s office and closed the door behind me. It took about forty-five minutes to go over everything, but once most of the paperwork was finished, Serenity asked if she could come out and photograph the place. I nodded, and we made an appointment for later this afternoon. When I stepped out of her office, her waiting area was full, everyone’s eyes turning to me. Some I recognized, some I didn’t, but as soon as I saw one woman lean over and whisper something to another, I knew that the word would be getting around Willow Valley before the listing even went out.

I stepped out onto the sidewalk, glad to be out from under everyone’s eyes, and decided that while I was in town, I needed to at least try and make things right with Trinity. Even though I had a ton of food in my fridge at home, which I could have easily brought her, I figured the best thing to do was to stop over at The Crispy Biscuit and get her some lunch. I really didn’t have any more of a plan than that, but we’d see where things went.

The Crispy Biscuit was busy. Some people ate out on the small patio, and the lineup was all the way out the door for their bakery counter. So, I took my place in line and waited. It didn’t take long for the line to start moving, and before I knew it, I was next.

“What can I get for you, Thomas?” Brooke asked, sliding a fresh tray of cookies into the display case.

“I’m heading over to see Trinity for lunch. I don’t really have any idea what she likes from here, so any help or insight you have would be appreciated.”

“Oh, sure we can help with that,” the girl who stood beside Brooke said.

I looked down to her nametag “Well, Melinda, that would be great.”

“You can leave it to me, Brooke,” Melinda said, grabbing the menu.

“Order whatever it is she likes, and throw in some dessert there as well,” I said, putting my full trust into Melinda.

I stepped off to the side and waited, when finally, twenty minutes later, Brooke appeared with a large bag full of food.

“Okay, Thomas, here you go,” she said with a smile.

I glanced down at the bill. “You guys are sure Trinity likes all this?” I questioned while reading it over.

“Yep.” Melinda took the money from my hand and shoved it into the register.

I smiled, picked up the bag, and headed out into the street and into my truck. I drove over to Bluebird Books and parked my truck out of sight of the front window. I wanted Trinity to be surprised.

I was just about to the door when it flew open and four kids almost ran into me, shouting thank you to Trinity. I looked in through the front window to see Trinity, wide-eyed, watching me as I quickly moved out of the way of the fifth girl, who ran out the door after her friends.

“Careful, girls,” I called after them.

“Sorry!” they screamed and continued running down the sidewalk, while I walked into Bluebird Books, closing the door behind me.

“Hi, Trinity.”

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