by L. P. Dover
Mission accomplished. Grinning wide, I turned to him. “Perfect.” We arrived at the center of downtown, which was a park with a large fountain in the middle. There were people everywhere, surrounding a very large Christmas tree.
Colin parked, and I slowly opened the door, trying not to stare at everyone else gawking at us curiously. Colin shut my door, and I cleared my throat. “I’m not going to be making any of these women mad, am I?”
Colin glanced around and smiled. “You’re good. My last girlfriend left town to pursue bigger things. She didn’t want a small-town life.” He said it so flippantly, but I could see from his face that it hurt deeper than he wanted to admit.
“I’m sorry, Colin. Believe it or not, I know what it feels like to be dumped.”
He nodded. “I know. I remember Brianna talking about your breakup after she read it in the tabloids.” Groaning, I closed my eyes and he squeezed my wrist. “Hey, it’s okay. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Your ex was an idiot. To this day, I haven’t watched any of the movies he’s been in.”
Opening my eyes, I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks. That actually makes me feel better.”
He nodded toward one of the booths. “Good. Now how about we get some hot chocolate?”
He held out his arm, and I linked it with mine, loving how comfortable I felt with him. It was like we’d known each other for years. “Sounds yummy.”
We walked over to the booth, and an older lady with short, white hair beamed. “There you are, young man. I’ve been wondering when I was going to see your sweet face here.” She hurried around the counter and hugged him.
Chuckling, Colin hugged her back and kept his arm around her shoulders. “Mrs. Mable, I’d like you to meet Layla. She just moved into town. I’m showing her around.”
Mrs. Mable held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
I shook her hand. “Likewise.”
She patted Colin’s arm. “I used to teach this one at the elementary school. One of my favorite students.”
Colin squeezed her and let go. “And she used to be my favorite teacher.”
“Thank you, dearie.” Mrs. Mable walked back around to the other side of the booth and handed us both a hot cup of cocoa with marshmallows. “Seems like forever and a day ago. You kids grow up so fast.”
Colin held out his arm and I took it, my stomach fluttering the entire time.
“Take care of yourself, Mrs. Mable,” Colin said with a wave. “Tell that grandson of yours I said hello.”
She winked. “Will do.”
We walked away, and he leaned in close. “I grew up with her grandson. I haven’t seen him since he moved to Maine last year.”
I shivered just thinking about it. “Maine, yikes. I’m sure it’s colder there than here.”
“Just a little, but not much,” he replied, laughing. He nodded toward the stage that stood in front of the massive Christmas tree. “Come on, let’s see if we can get a good spot.”
Arm in arm, we strolled over to a vacant area by one of the wrought iron streetlamps. People stared at us in passing, but it was obvious they were trying to be discreet. I blew the steam off my cocoa and took a sip; it was heaven.
“What do you think?” Colin asked. When I looked up at him, he scanned the crowd. “About our town. Think you’ll be happy here?”
I took another sip of my cocoa. “Possibly. It does have its charms.” He was one of them. “I do love it here.” His gaze met mine, and I smiled. “Things seem to move a lot slower here. When I was traveling from place to place, it was hard to catch a breath.”
He looked at me as if he understood. “Are you going to continue designing, or are you giving it up for good?”
My heart ached just thinking about giving up. “I’m definitely not quitting. I just need to find some inspiration.”
“Or try something new,” he replied, finishing off his cocoa.
I did the same. “New … like what?”
With a shrug of his shoulders, he threw our cups away and gestured a hand at everything going on around us. “Breathe in the air and take a look around at everything going on. Listen to the sounds of laughter and watch the way the snow falls down from the sky. How does it make you feel?”
I glared at him like he’d lost his mind. “It’s cold. It makes me feel cold.”
He burst out laughing. “Think deeper than that. Do you know how many artists have found their passion for painting here?” I shook my head. “Lots,” he added. “I know you don’t paint, but it’s basically the same thing. You don’t need to see the inspiration. You just need to feel it. Find somewhere that inspires you. When you do, I have no doubt you’ll find what you’re looking for.”
Mouth gaping, I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. He smiled down at me again. “Why are you looking at me like you’re shocked?”
“I guess because I am. I wasn’t expecting you to say something like that.”
He smiled and shrugged it off. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me. Just like there’s a lot I don’t know about you, well, other than what the tabloids say.” I groaned, and he held up a hand. “Don’t worry. I don’t believe any of that mess they publish.”
“Good,” I replied, breathing a sigh of relief. “Recently, it’s been hard to deal with. My failure has been published for the world to see.” Colin nodded in understanding, but I knew he had no clue what it was really like, how suffocating being part of the media’s attention could actually be. Granted, I loved the spotlight and seeing my designs on celebrities, but there was a darker side of fame I could live without.
“What happened anyway?” he asked. “You were on top of the world, and then one day you weren’t.”
I stared into his emerald eyes and could feel myself getting lost in them. Why was it so easy to talk to him? With Colin, I could see and feel his sincerity.
“Greed can make people do despicable things.” Gaze narrowed, Colin waited for me to continue. I hadn’t spoken of what happened to anyone. “There’s another designer who I thought was my friend. We shared our ideas with each other. That was how much I trusted her. At least, I did until she stole my ideas.”
Colin growled low. “Seriously? What happened after that?”
I shrugged. “Her career took off, and I was left crushed with nowhere to turn. It was her word against mine, but she had made sure to get her collection on sale before I could. I had no way to prove that my designs were created first.”
“I’m sorry, Layla.”
Breathing in the cool, crisp air, I let it out slowly, watching the fog of my breath move in the wind. My eyes burned, so I turned away from him and focused on the crowd of people. They all seemed so happy with their carefree, genuine smiles. I wanted to be like that. “After that, I was heartbroken, and I tried coming up with a new line, but as you know, it didn’t do well. When I realized how vindictive the world really is, I had to take a step away for my own sanity.”
Colin stepped closer, and I could feel his warmth behind me. “That part of your world might be harsh and cruel, but it’s not like that here.” I wanted to believe that more than anything.
“Layla!” Brianna shouted.
Quickly, I wiped my eyes and turned toward the sound of her voice. She waved and rushed through the crowd with a woman behind her. I knew who she was just by looking at her face. Plus, I recognized her from the pictures in Colin’s cottage. Colin resembled his father while Brianna shared a lot of the same features with their mother: same build, curly brown hair, and smile.
She grabbed her mother’s arm and pulled her closer. “Mom, this is Layla. Layla this is our mother, Theresa.”
I held out my hand. “It’s so nice to meet you. Colin and Brianna have been a tremendous help to me since I arrived in town.”
Theresa smiled radiantly at me. “It’s an honor to meet you too. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone famous before.” She winked over at Colin and Brianna. “My daughter’s done nothing but say good t
hings about you.”
Brianna clutched my arm. “That’s because she’s awesome.”
Mrs. Mable called out Theresa’s name, grabbing her attention. Theresa let my hand go and sighed. “Sorry to cut this short. Make sure to come into the inn in the morning for breakfast. I can’t wait to learn more about you.”
“Sounds good.”
She hurried off toward Mrs. Mable’s booth, while Brianna backed away with a sly grin on her face. “You two have fun. I’ll catch you later.”
Colin and I glanced at each other. “She’s not very subtle, is she?”
Shaking my head, I focused on the stage, knowing my cheeks were burning. A group of what appeared to be a middle school band congregated around the stage. “Not at all.”
The mayor walked up onstage and welcomed everyone. He led the crowd in song, and I watched as the people sang a Christmas carol. After that, the band played “Silent Night,” and then the crowd counted down until the mayor flipped the switch that lit the tree. Suddenly, the park sparkled. Lights twinkled all around the tree, making the multicolored ornaments glitter in the night.
“It’s so beautiful,” I whispered. Something fell on my cheek, and I looked up at the sky to see giant snowflakes cascading down. The crowd cheered in delight, and I smiled. It was a perfect night, and I knew exactly what I was going to do the second I got back to Colin’s cottage.
Chapter Six
Colin
I’d installed the new heater at Layla’s house, and it worked like a champ. When I got back to the inn, I found her in the gazebo, completely transfixed by her sketchpad and bundled in my grandmother’s quilt. Her hands moved delicately over the pages, but I couldn’t see what she drew.
As I approached, she could hear my steps on the wood, and she looked up. As much as I wanted to deny it, she’d grown on me. “Hey,” she called out.
Joining her in the gazebo, I smiled and glanced down at her sketchpad. “Hey yourself. Looks like you’ve been working hard.”
Her eyes brightened. “Have I ever. Take a look.” She moved closer, and I could smell her raspberry-scented perfume as she flipped through the pages.
Women’s fashion didn’t interest me whatsoever, but to see her excitement and to actually feel it made me think otherwise. She handed me her drawings, and I slowly skimmed through them. It had to have taken her hours.
“What do you think?” she asked, sounding nervous.
Closing the sketchpad, I set it down between us. “I think they’re amazing. How long have you been out here?”
She yawned and leaned back against the bench. “All night. After you dropped me off, I came out here and couldn’t stop.” Her tired smile spread wider as she looked around the pond. “I don’t know what came over me. It was like everything came to me after the tree lighting ceremony. Being out here just inspired me even more.”
“Just know, you’re more than welcome to come here anytime you want.” I held up her house keys. “But your new heater has been installed. You can go home.”
Her eyes widened, and then a hint of disappointment flashed in them briefly. She reached for her keys, and our fingers touched. “Thank you. I know you’re probably ready for me to be out of your house.”
I shook my head. “I kind of like you being around. Makes things more interesting here.”
Grabbing her sketchpad, she clutched it to her chest. “I like being here too,” she replied. “And you promise I can come here anytime I want?”
“Anytime.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “So what do you say I show you around town this afternoon?”
Her cheeks reddened just a tiny bit. Hopefully, it was a good sign. “I think that sounds awesome,” she said, yawning again, “but I should probably get home and get a couple hours of sleep first. I didn’t realize how tired I was.”
She stood and swayed on her feet, but I caught her. “Whoa. I think you’re right. Do you want me to drive you home?”
Her eyes grew heavier by the second, and she yawned again. “Actually, that might not be a bad idea. Do you mind?”
I put my arm around her, steadying her. “Not at all. Let’s get your things, and I’ll take you.”
Once her belongings were packed up in her bag, I loaded up the truck and helped her in. Leaning her head against the window, she fell asleep the second we left Snowflake Lane.
Chapter Seven
Layla
The last thing I remembered was packing up my stuff and getting into Colin’s truck. After that, it was all a blur. I woke up in my bed, wrapped in Colin’s quilt and feeling toasty warm, with a note on my bedside table.
Call me when you wake up. We’ll head into town if you’re up for it.
~Colin
I was definitely up for it. Now I just hoped I didn’t snore while he was driving me home. Talk about embarrassing. After taking a quick shower and changing into a clean pair of jeans and one of Brianna’s sweaters, I called him.
“Hey,” he answered.
My heart skipped a beat. “Hey. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to say thank you earlier for bringing me home. Hopefully, you didn’t break your back carrying me to my room.” I folded up his quilt and carried it downstairs.
He burst out laughing. “Piece of cake. I’m assuming the heat is still working?”
I sat down on the couch, sighing with relief. “It is.” The quilt was so soft as I rubbed my hand over it. “When you’re ready, I’m free to go into town.”
“Give me about twenty minutes, and I’ll be right there.”
Silently, I sucked in a breath and grinned triumphantly. “Perfect. See you then.” We hung up, and my pulse raced while I waited for him to show up. He made me more nervous than one of my runway shows.
He arrived in twenty minutes on the dot, and I met him outside just as he got out of his truck. Like a gentleman, he opened the passenger side door for me. “Thank you,” I replied sweetly.
“Of course,” he answered back, giving me that dashing smile of his. It was freezing outside, but my palms were sweaty. The inside of his truck smelled like his cologne, and I breathed it in. Once he slid inside, we were on our way. “What do you want to do in town today?”
“I want to go into some of the stores to see if I can find some Christmas presents.”
“Speaking of Christmas, you know you’re more than welcome to spend it with my family at the inn. I know your parents are out of town.”
Just the thought of not being with my family on the holidays made my chest ache. With everything going on in my life, it would’ve been nice to have my parents around, but they’d had their vacation planned before the fiasco with my fashion line, so I couldn’t blame them for still being gone. Actually, I could, but I didn’t want to spend Christmas being bitter.
Releasing a heavy sigh, I turned to Colin. “Sure you don’t mind?”
“Not at all. You already know my mother and sister love you.” He winked. “My mom is a good judge of character, so if she likes you, it’s a good sign.” That was great to hear, but what I really wanted to know was what he thought about me.
When we arrived in downtown Friendship, there was a handful of people walking up and down the streets, and looking in the shop windows. But one man caught my attention, sitting on the same bench I’d seen him on a couple days ago. I nodded toward him. “That’s the man who told me where to find you.”
Colin followed my line of sight as we pulled into the parking lot behind the general store. “His name’s Gabe. I tried to get him to stay at the inn, but he wouldn’t agree to it.”
We got out of the truck and walked up the street. “I gave him some money. Hopefully, he has somewhere to go. I can’t imagine being on the street in this kind of weather.”
Colin’s gaze saddened, and I could tell he was genuinely concerned for the man. It was obvious a place like Friendship wasn’t accustomed to homelessness. Gabe seemed to have faith in the people, especially when he told me to give the town a chance after my run-in with the c
rabby general store owner.
Gabe sat on the bench, still wearing the same dirty clothes and reading a newspaper when we approached him. There was a half-eaten sandwich sitting beside him on a napkin. He lowered the paper and smiled. “Good afternoon. I see you two found each other.” He folded up the newspaper and set it down on the bench.
“Yes,” I replied thankfully. “Colin was able to fix my heater this morning.”
Colin held out his hand, and Gabe shook it. “I knew he was the right man for the job.”
“How are you?” Colin asked him.
Gabe shrugged. “Can’t complain.” He nodded down at his sandwich. “Just finishing up an early dinner.”
I glanced over at Colin, and he sighed as he took a seat next to Gabe. “Please forgive me if I’m overstepping, but are you sure you don’t need somewhere to stay?”
Gabe shook his head. “I’m fine, son. Really, I am.”
Colin patted his shoulder and stood. “Okay. You know where to find me if you need anything.”
“And me,” I added. “If it wasn’t for you, I’d be frozen to death.”
Chuckling, Gabe reached for his newspaper, eyes twinkling. “True. Keep a watch on those heaters. They’re finicky this time of year. It wouldn’t surprise me if it froze over again.”
I grabbed my chest. “I hope not.”
“If it does, I know how to fix it,” Colin said.
Gabe’s grin widened. “That’s what I like to hear. Hope you two have a lovely evening.”
“You too, Gabe. Take care.”
Colin and I left him to stroll down the sidewalk. I glanced back at Gabe, and there was a look on his face like he knew something we didn’t. “Why do you think he turns down your help?” I asked, turning back to Colin.
He shrugged. “Pride, maybe. If I ever found myself in a situation where I had nowhere to go, I’d probably deny help too.” Sighing, he glanced back at Gabe. “I’d want to do it on my own. At least he seems to be content.”
“He does,” I agreed. “Kind of gives you a new perspective on life, if you think about it. As long as you’re happy, anything’s possible. I thought my career would end after what happened with my last line. I lost all hope until last night. Even if I don’t do anything with my designs, I know that I still have what it takes.”
