Page 53 of Sweet Christmas Wish
Lacy, however, was taking another moment to sip at her coffee. “Seriously, this coffee is insane. What are you going to do when Will leaves?”
Sarah bit her lip and shrugged. “I honestly have no idea, and the thought keeps me up at night.”
Lacy took one look at Sarah’s face and pulled her to the living room to sit down on the sofa together. “Tell me everything.”
Sarah sighed, slumping against the back of the sofa. “I wish he didn’t have to go, you know? And not just because of the bakery—although he’s a major reason it’s so profitable right now.”
“I know it’s not just because of the bakery,” Lacy said softly. “I’ve seen the way you look at him.”
Sarah nodded miserably. “Working with him every day has been a dream. We work so well together. In every way. And when he leaves, even if we date long distance, it just won’t be the same.”
Lacy nodded thoughtfully. “This kind of reminds me of what Derek and I went through when I was almost finished fixing up this place. I knew we both wanted me to stay, but it was scary to bring it up.”
“Exactly! I’ve considered asking Will to stay, but that just doesn’t seem fair. I mean, he’s got a whole life back in New Jersey. I know he’s super successful in his career, and I couldn’t put him on the spot by asking him to give that up.”
“I hear you, but doesn’t he deserve to know how you feel? What if he’s feeling the same way?”
Sarah scoffed at that. “With a career like he has, there’s no way. I don’t want him to feel pressured.”
“Well, in my experience, honesty is always the best policy. You don’t have to put pressure on him, but I think he deserves to know what you want and how you feel.”
Sarah considered this and a bit of the sick feeling in her stomach eased. Despite her fears about telling Will the truth, she knew her friend was right. If she were in Will’s shoes, she would want to know the truth.
“Okay,” she finally said, her voice soft. “We have a dinner date tonight, and I’ll tell him then.”
Lacy reached out and pulled Sarah into a hug. “I’m rooting for you both. It’s going to work out, I can feel it.”
Sarah hugged her back, grateful for her friend’s support. “I hope so. I really do.”
* * *
Will could tell Sarah had taken extra time getting ready for their date when he came to Sweet Thing to pick her up that night. She wore her hair, usually pulled back in a ponytail, down around her shoulders, all beautiful loose curls. Her subtle makeup accentuated her huge brown eyes, making her lashes seem like they went on forever. It was all he could do to keep breathing evenly as he took her in.
“Oh my gosh, you look…”
Sarah waited, then gave him a half-grin. “That bad, huh?”
Will swallowed and shook his head, his eyes still glued to hers. “You look incredible.”
Sarah’s cheeks warmed a little. “Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.”
“Just trying to keep up with you or folks are going to wonder how I scored a date with you.”
She rolled her eyes, taking his arm. “Oh, whatever. So, where are you taking me tonight?”
“Bella Notte. Where else?”
Sarah’s eyes widened as she heard the name. Bella Notte was the nicest restaurant in town—all white tablecloths and candles, marble floors, black-suited waiters. It even boasted a live piano player most nights. Gorgeous and expensive, it was the place people went for their most important dinners and dates. Honestly, Will didn’t know if she had expected Frosty’s Shack or something similar, but Will was aiming to show Sarah just how deeply he felt about her.
Will watched her reaction with knitted brows. “Unless you want to go somewhere else?”
Sarah was quick to shake her head. “No, Bella Notte sounds more than perfect.”
“Good, because I’ve been thinking about their shrimp scampi all day.”
“I couldn’t deprive you of that,” she teased, squeezing his arm lightly. “Shall we?”
Will led her to his rental car, opening the door for her and helping her in before hurrying to the driver’s side and climbing in. He played soft jazz music while they drove at first, but Sarah tossed him a look.
