“I did. I mean, I wanted you to reconnect with him and clear the air, maybe have some fun. I just worry that you’re falling for him again when he might not feel the same way. Austin doesn’t live here anymore, and his life is so different now. I just don’t want your heart to be broken all over again when he goes back.” She reached out for my hand. “I just want you to be careful is all. Have some fun, tie up loose ends, and most of all, don’t worry about the future like you tend to do. Just enjoy life and the holiday, knowing that I am not going anywhere.”
“He probably donated it,” I told her.
She nodded with a slight smile. “It was a million-dollar donation, sis. I don’t know who else has that kind of money locally who could help. And the timing can’t be a coincidence. We get this huge donation right after Austin comes back to town. But it’s anonymous. We may never know if it was him. And if it was, I doubt he’d admit it.” Kim shrugged. “I just know that he saved a valuable part of this town, or rather, someone did.”
“Yeah, someone did.” I felt the joy from earlier fade away as I picked at my chicken.
“Look, I don’t want to bring you down. I am glad that you’re seeing Austin again, Rebecca. I truly am. I just don’t want you to think too hard about the future, since this might be a holiday fling that you need to enjoy. There’s slim pickings in this town, so a guy from New York is pretty exciting, even if it wasn’t Austin. Right?” I nodded. “If there’s more to it, then that’s a bonus. For now, just have fun.”
She was right. I needed to lighten up and celebrate the fact that she was staying here, and that I had a date for the next couple of weeks. After that, it was a new year, and there were all kinds of possibilities. “You’re right. You’re always right, Kim.” I held her hand tightly. “I am so happy that you’re staying. This town would be nothing without you.”
We finished dinner while we talked about old memories. Then we went into the living room. The tree that I got wasn’t that big, but it would be beautiful when we were finished. Kim strung the colored lights, and I brought the ornaments in from the garage. We poured another glass of wine before we started hanging the ornaments. Kim would be staying over tonight. We had to celebrate.
Once the wine had gotten in my system, I started to relax. I didn’t even know if I wanted to leave North Reed, particularly now that Kim was staying here. I knew for a fact that Austin wasn’t planning to stay in town after the news about the newest deal. That wasn’t even in the United States. There would be no chance for us if he acquired the company, and everyone seemed to think that he would. It was on the news, which was huge.
I’d have to be happy about what he could give me while he was here.
Christmas songs played in the background as we decorated, using ornaments from our childhood. Mom had split them up between us so they could have some memories of their own in Arizona. Kim talked about making ornaments in school that we still hung on the tree. I laughed at the fact that I wasn’t crafty in the least. Kim was both book smart and crafty. I was just good with hair.
We Skyped with our parents once we were done with the living room, giving them a video tour. They were thrilled that Kim’s job was secure now. They promised to visit soon to make up for missing the holiday with us. Mom was sad about not being able to come down for Christmas, but Kim and I assured her we would get together soon so she didn’t start crying. Dad wrapped his arm around her and comforted her. Kim did the same to me.
Once we ended the video chat, Kim and I both cried a bit. But I was determined to bring the evening back to a happier place. We settled down on the couch to watch A Christmas Story. I’d made cookies earlier in the day, and we ate them and drank more wine as we watched the movie.
I rested my head on her shoulder. “I am so glad that you’re staying,” I told her with a slur. I was pretty drunk. Good thing I had the following day off like Kim did.
“Me too. I didn’t want to move,” she admitted in a shaky voice. “I was so worried about you being here alone.”
“I was thinking that I could cut hair anywhere if I couldn’t convince you to stay here. I thought about so many options, Kim. You’re all that I have here now.”
“We’re staying together,” she assured me. I nodded, and a tear slid down my cheek.
Kim fell asleep before I did on the couch. I sighed and turned off the television. I wasn’t feeling that tired, and I brought the dishes into the kitchen to clean everything up. I cleaned the kitchen completely before I locked up the house. I covered Kim with a blanket and headed to my room, seeing the messy sheets from earlier.
The room still smelled like Austin. Like us. I changed into some leggings and a t-shirt, washed my face, and brushed my teeth before I dropped back on my pillows. I glanced over at my phone. It was charging on the table next to my bed. It blinked with a new text. I checked it, seeing a photo of Austin and another guy in front of the heavily decorated Christmas tree that I was all too familiar with. The other guy had somewhat similar features to Austin, though he was wiry and lean. His smile was broad, and I could tell that he was laughing. I looked back at Austin.
Austin was gorgeous as he smirked at the camera. He looked happy, though. I sensed there might have been some alcohol while they decorated, even though he said his mom kept it out of the house. They looked silly. I traced his face in the image and smiled dreamily to myself. I texted him back.
Me: You look great. Did you guys have a good time?
Austin: Preston loved Mom’s dinner and decorating. I think he’s going to stay here and keep living the small-town life. He bought his second cowboy hat this week. How was your night?
Me: Good. We had a great dinner, and the tree is done. Kim told me the library’s been saved and she’s staying here. Isn’t that great?
Austin: Perfect! The town needs that library, and you need your sister. My parents wanted to invite you to Christmas this year since you’re not going to see your own family. Will you come?
I smiled wickedly as I read the last word again.
Me: Of course. I’d love to come. That sounds wonderful. Just let me know if I need to bring anything along.
We sent a few more messages that were flirty and fun before he told me to get some rest. There were enough references to earlier today so I assumed that he was alone, and I responded in kind. It was great being with him earlier, if not a bit rushed.
I settled under my covers once the phone was quiet, imagining the time that we’d spent together with a big smile. I was going to enjoy this to the fullest because there wouldn’t be another man like Austin in my future. Not living here in North Reed. I looked forward to Christmas over there with a loving family and even his assistant, who I had yet to meet.
I
turned onto my side and breathed in the spicy scent of the cologne that Austin wore, smiling to myself. I let myself relax enough to fall asleep.
Chapter Nineteen