Page 8 of Sweet Christmas Wish
“See, that’s exactly why I don’t have it.”
Sarah stuck her tongue out. “No fun. Seriously, though, what have you been up to?”
William sat back in his seat, getting comfortable. “Well, after high school I went to the University of New Hampshire and got my degree in accounting.”
“But you didn’t move back here,” Sarah prompted.
“Right. Well, I mean, UNH was a great time and I love this state, but I think I was ready for a change. I applied to a lot of different places out of state and got hired by a firm in New Jersey. That’s where I’ve been ever since.”
“Do you like it?”
William thought about this. “I think so. I live pretty close to New York City, and you can’t beat that. Or so people tell me.”
“What do you mean, haven’t you been?”
“Not yet…”
“William, are you kidding me? You live in New Jersey and you haven’t been to the Big Apple yet?”
“Hey, it’s on my to-do list!” William couldn’t help but laugh at the stunned expression on her face. “I promise, I’ll get to it. I just stay super busy at my firm. This vacation is the first one I’ve taken in two years.”
“Wow…” Sarah shook her head in disbelief, then took another sip of her coffee. “You know, I’m kind of surprised you work for a big firm. Back when we were in high school, I always thought you’d start your own business one day. You always talked about wanting to.”
William tilted his head, surprised. “Wow, I can’t believe you remember that.”
Sarah blushed a little, giving a little shrug. “I have a good memory. Anyway, I’m not trying to judge you for not doing what you said you wanted to. We all grow up and our dreams change. Besides,” she said, a little edge creeping into her voice, “I’m the last one who can talk. I’m still in my hometown doing the same thing I’ve done for years, just running the bakery by myself when everyone has left and moved on to bigger and better things.”
William’s brow furrowed at her tone, but he could tell this was a sore subject. Maybe he shouldn’t delve into it. “Things don’t always pan out the way we expect them to,” he finally commented, hoping even that statement was safe. “All we can do is make the best of it.”
Sarah gave another little shrug, then nodded, but it was less than enthusiastic. Before she could reply, Louise came up with a tray holding their food. Sarah relaxed a little as Louise set down her plate and leaned forward to breathe in the savory aromas. William’s stomach grumbled loudly as Louise set his Monte Cristo sandwich with its side of fries in front of him. They thanked her and she slipped away again. Before Sarah could dig in, William lifted his coffee mug to Sarah, wanting to lighten the mood before they ate.
“Hold on,” he said, his coffee mug aloft.
“What are you doing?” she asked, her fork poised above her plate, ready to dive in.
“Proposing a toast,” he replied, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
“With a coffee mug?”
“Naturally.”
To his relief, Sarah’s somber shell cracked, her eyes softening. She sat up straighter, tossing her ponytail over her shoulder and smiling as she lifted her mug.
“Cheers,” he said, clinking his mug against hers. “To the holiday ahead of us.”
“To the holiday ahead of us,” she echoed.
They both took a sip and he gave a decisive nod that made her laugh.
“Much better,” he said. “Now we can eat.”
CHAPTERFIVE
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your pilot speaking.”
Lacy Preston looked up from her laptop, where she’d been buried deep in poring over some contracts for a new client.
“We’re about to begin our descent. Please stow all personal items below the seat in front of you, fold up and lock your trays, and watch for the stewards to come around for one last garbage pickup. It’s been a pleasure flying with you today, and we thank you for choosing Delta Airlines.”
