“Department head. How fantastic,” his grandmother said.
His father pointed his fork at him. “Have you heard anything about the job?”
“Yes.” Drew nodded. “I have a telephone interview next week.”
Kacey turned toward him. “You didn’t tell me that.”
“There’s not much to tell.” Drew shrugged.
Kacey tried to hide her frown as she took another bite of pie. Sadness settled over her as she imagined Drew moving to Newton while she headed back to Charlotte.
Now that she had Drew back in her life, she didn’t want to let him go, but she also didn’t know how to find a way that they could stay together.
Drew parked his Honda in her driveway later that evening and then turned toward her. “You’ve been quiet ever since we left my parents’ house. What’s on your mind?”
She heaved a deep breath and tried to put her confusing feelings into words.
“Is it that bad?” A look of worry flickered over his handsome face. “Did I do or say something to upset you? Did my family?”
She shook her head. “No. I’m just wondering why you didn’t tell me you have an interview in Newton.”
“It wasn’t deliberate. I didn’t think it was worth mentioning. I have a phone interview, and that doesn’t mean I’ll get the job.”
But what if you do? What will happen to us?She shook off the questions. After all, she was leaving too!
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” he said.
“It’s okay.” She smiled before pushing open the car door and walking up to the porch with him.
“Do you have plans tomorrow?” he asked.
“I was going to work at the bakery. Why?”
“I’m terrible at picking out the right Christmas tree. I was wondering if you might go with me to buy one and then help me decorate it.”
“Do you want to come inside? I’ll ask my mom if she’ll take care of the bakery for me.” She opened the door and found Mom sitting in her favorite recliner watchingA Christmas Story.
Mom sat up as Kacey and Drew walked in. “How was dessert?”
“Very good,” Kacey said. “I was wondering if you were planning to help Dani at the bakery tomorrow.”
“I can. Why?”
Kacey placed her hand on Drew’s arm. “Drew asked if I’d help him pick out a Christmas tree and decorate it.”
“That sounds like fun. I’ll cover for you at the bakery.”
“I appreciate it, Mom.”
“Thank you, Mrs.Williams,” Drew said before Kacey walked outside.
“Call me Monica!” Mom called after him.
Kacey turned to Drew when they reached the porch. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
“I can’t wait.” He jogged down the porch steps toward his car.
As he started his car, Kacey hugged her arms to her chest. She couldn’t wait either.
