Page 28 of A Tinsel Tale
“It could also backfire. She barely talked to me as we were loading up the tree.”
She waves her hand. “Temporary. You’ll see.”
I blow out a breath. “I hope you’re right.”
“Have a little faith. It is Christmas after all. The most magical time of the year.”
“I could use a bit of magic bout now. Thanks for that,” I say gruffly. Casey has had her own heartbreak. She moved here a couple of years ago after a painful divorce, looking for a new start. She’d visited on a girl’s trip and decided to pack her things and move here permanently. Now I consider her a good friend. I keep hoping the flirtation between her and Tank will turn into something more. That’d be excellent.
“Let’s pick out your tree and I’ll deliver it tomorrow,” I say.
“You’re an absolute angel. If that’s the case I can go a little bigger.” She settles on a fat round five-foot White Pine, and I chop it down, drag it to our lean-to, and put a red sold ticket on it before setting it aside.
“Do you need some garland or a wreath?” I ask.
“I could use some garland for the back bar. Thanks.” She smiles, pleased with the suggestion.
“I’ll bring that too. Tank and I are off tomorrow. I’ll get him to help me set it up.”
“Tank?” Her eyes spark and I know I’m not imagining it.
“Yep. I won’t even have to twist his arm. Got a tree stand?”
“Yes, I have the stand and decorations. Thanks.”
“We’re in business, then.” I walk her to her car and when we get there, she is suddenly serious. “Do me a favor?” she asks.
“Anything,” I say.
“Don’t blow it. Go get the girl. Don’t let her go this time.”
“Sounds good in theory but she lives in Chicago and I’m here.”
“It’s a four-hour drive, tops. Not insurmountable.”
“She’s a hot shot trial attorney now. She’s married to her career.”
“Nice try. Is this how you talked yourself out of a relationship last time—by mansplainin’? Did she get to weigh in?”
I feel my ears grow hot. “Not sure,” I mumble.
She cups her ear. “Didn’t quite catch that,” she says.
“Probably not.”
She pats my arm. “You’re older and wiser now. I have full confidence in you.”
I roll my eyes. “Bye, Casey.”
“Goodbye, Jamie.”
Iscratch my head under my knit beanie as I watch Casey walk away. Am I defining Evie? I’ll admit I thought I’d had her all figured out. She’d turned her back on this town and everything she’d known and loved. I figured she thought she was above us now. I was wrong. Underneath her sophisticated exterior, I’ve caught plenty of glimpses of the old Evie. She’s older, more worldly yes, but not as detached as she’d like me to believe. And if I’m going to be honest with myself, I bungled that breakup. Big time. Complete idiot. But has anything really changed since then?
That old self-doubt still nips at my heels. Who am I to insert myself into the life she’s made for herself? She’s happy, successful, living her best life. How can I compete with that? She’s made something of herself… followed her dreams and now she’s at the top of her game. What do I have to offer? Same as before. I’m not about to uproot and move to Chicago… right? I’d hate living in Chicago. I like small town life. My family is here. My job.So that would all be on her?Inconveniently, my conscience is deciding to weigh in.I ponder this as I seek out the next customer in search of a tree.
Hours later, me and my brothers are laughing our asses off as we watch the last car drive out of the lot. The humongous tree on the roof practically swallows their Ford Fiesta. We close up shop and head to the homestead for supper. It’s been a long day and, thank God, I’ve been too busy to think any more about one tantalizing and complicated Evie Parker. Even better, I’ve paused the self-flagellation for now.
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