Page 37 of Breaking the Ice
Belle never mentioned whether she was going to take me up on my offer to stay there, so I ask, “Have you moved in?”
“Oh, yeah. I’ve already put your things into the guest room.” I can’t tell if she’s kidding or not, but knowing her, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s done exactly that.
“If I leave California, it’s yours,” I tell her. “At least until I come back.”
Instead of gushing gratitude, she announces, “Your brother Mac called, too. He said to tell you that he needs advice.”
“Why didn’t he call me directly?”
“He tried to but the call wouldn’t go through. It seems Maple Falls has some dead zones.”
“Another reason to move here,” I joke.
“Haha. That’s all I’ve got for now. Check your texts for Anthony’s number.” She doesn’t bother to say goodbye. Instead, she simply hangs up. That’s my Belle, full of charm.
After letting myself into the cottage, I’m suddenly so energized I can’t seem to relax. Looking out the back window, I decide to put my swimsuit on and see if the creek is still warm enough to swim in. But the second I walk outside without my clothes on, I change my mind. It looks like living in Southern California for so many years has turned me into something of a wuss.
After putting my jeans and sweater back on, I pick up one of the books I brought with me—The Reawakening. It’s a blend of conspiracy and apocalyptic fiction, yet the more I read, the more I think it’s probably one hundred percent truth and the author was forced to write it as fiction to avoid being sued, or worse, killed.
Once I get to the hammock and lie down, I realize I don’t want to read about doomsday. At least not while my mind is so full of thoughts of Ellie. Dropping my book on the ground next to me, I stare up into the colorful leaves above and let my mind drift.
I’ve worked hard in my life, and I’ve loved all the stages leading up to the present day. I love the thrill of the chase when I start a new project. I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when I finish it. I particularly appreciate the fact that I don’t have to worry how I’m going to pay my bills. But even though I have a great life, I’ve recently been realizing that I want more.
I want a wife and a family. I want to recreate my childhood, but with the means to spoil the ones I love instead of struggling. Ellie is once again in the forefront of my brain.
Thinking back to all the women I’ve dated, I realize that while they have all been beautiful and accomplished in their own way, none of them have inspired thoughts of the long-term. I can’t see any of them running around and playing with their kids like my mom did with us—like I instinctively know Ellie would do with her brood.
I don’t know if Ellie would welcome romantic attention or not, but I want to let her know that I’ve started to have feelings for her. I’m not sure if six weeks is enough time for us to form a bond, but I know I want to try.
Thinking of Elaine, I realize that we never know the hand life is going to deal us. As such, I’m going to make the most of every minute that I’m here.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Ellie
I only talked to my mom once yesterday before she fell asleep for the night. Even though she sounded okay, she was very tired. After hanging up, I spent the rest of the day moving her current bed into another room and installing the extra fixtures in the bathroom. Then I rode the wheelchair around the house to make sure it would fit within the existing furniture layout. The only things that needed rearranging were the couch and a couple of side tables.
I went to bed early only to wake up in the middle of the night with my thoughts swirling in a constant loop of my mom, Yolanda, and Zach. What if my mom falls again? What if she has to move into a home? What if Yolanda is right and Zach is a player? I don’t bother to pretend that wouldn’t hurt because the truth is that I like the guy. A lot.
I finally fell back to sleep, but when I woke up this morning, I felt hungover from the emotional drama of all the what-ifs in my life. After making a pot of coffee, I dig through my purse for the business card Yolanda handed me yesterday. Then I dial the number.
It barely rings before she answers. “Hello?”
“Hi, Yolanda, It’s Ellie Butler.” She pauses for a minute like she’s trying to place me, so I remind her, “From the rink.”
“Oh, yes, Ellie!” She sounds more excited than anyone ever is to hear from me. “What can I do for you?”
Inhaling deeply, I tell her, “I think the question is, what can I do for you?”
“Ah, you’ve been thinking about my offer.” In my mind’s eye she’s wearing the same expression as a cat who’s caught a canary in its mouth.
“I have,” I tell her. “And I’ve realized that I don’t have any reason to be loyal to Zach.”
I’m shocked when she gives me a reason. “He’s your boss’s brother …”
“He is,” I tell her. “And while I respect the heck out of Troy, I’ve never particularly thought highly of Zach.”
“Have you met him before?” she wants to know.