Page 100 of Christmas Comeback


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“I have no idea what you’re talking about. My memories of this place and you are fantastic. It’s the five years in between that are mostly a miss.”

I laughed. “Well, that’s an understatement.”

We ordered nachos, french fries, and a strawberry shake to share, along with coffees. “I think it sends a message to the universe to order the same thing we had that night,” she said. “Tempting fate, or whatever.”

“We’re gonna make it this time, Maureen.”

“I know. I’m glad it’s now.”

We spent the next hour talking about what our relationship might look like. I wasn’t stuck on the idea of renovating apartment buildings or even staying in Seattle. And she wasn’t opposed to spending significant time in the city, especially since I lived in the same building as Bren. Her plan was to rent a house in Coleman Creek until she could get her business off the ground.

“I’ve been thinking about the messages and comments I received. I like the idea of styling people, or at least helping them hone their wardrobes. But not rich people. Just, like, regular people.”

“Like Katy?”

“Exactly. But I’m not counting on making a living at that. It won’t be in high demand, and one viral video doesn’t prove anything.”

“So you see it as more of a side project?”

“Right. Same with Francesca. I want to keep doing the videos, but the chances of making real money off them are slim. I’m realistic about that.” She leaned back into the booth, pensively taking a french fry into her mouth. “I would like you to help me with the business side of things.”

My heart leaped at her casual words, but I forced my voice to stay neutral. “What kind of help?”

“I want to open a shop in Coleman Creek, part consignment, part reasonably-priced boutique. The thing I miss most about Kolya’s is interacting with customers. And I know I’d enjoy it even more if the folks coming into the store were my friends and neighbors.”

“So, your plan for your career is to do three jobs?” I raised my eyebrows, even as I smiled encouragingly.

“I’m a hard worker, Will. And I’m good at setting my mind to things. And I’m not too proud to do multiple jobs at once. I’ve done that before when I had to do it. To make ends meet. This time, it would be my choice.”

“I’m teasing you. Of course you can make it work. And it’s not like you don’t have options if you need to adapt, if the styling takes off, or if you’re able to monetize Francesca. Careers evolve, just like people. Normally, I wouldn’t be sold on a retail venture, but what you’re proposing might work in a town like Coleman Creek, and you probably have enough of a following with your videos now to lure some curiosity seekers to the store if you wanted your viewers to know about it.”

Her face lit up with excitement. “That’s exactly what I was thinking! If I let people know about the store on my channel, I might find some that want to come for in-person styling.”

I pulled out my phone and began taking notes as she spoke enthusiastically about her ideas. Getting those thoughts into a more concise plan would take a few weeks, but the bones were there.

Plus, she had me. She’d always have me.

A few hours later, we stood by the side of my car in the Denny’s parking lot. Just like five years ago. Except this time, there’d be no broken promises. I’d be holding her all night. I’d be waking up next to her tomorrow morning, and if she’d let me, I’d be going home with her for Christmas.

All that terrible history between us, but here we were, starting over. Choosing hope. Our relationship still held a minefield of obstacles. It was complicated and uncertain. Marked with healed-over scars from the past.

It doesn’t look very nice, but it’s okay.

“Hey, Will.” Maureen joined our hands, bringing me out of my musing. “I never said it today. But just so there’s no confusion. I love you too.”

It doesn’t look very nice, but it’s perfect.

Epilogue

Maureen

Will squished himself next to me. Even though we were in the bedroom I’d grown up in, my old twin bed was long gone, replaced by a queen-sized model years ago. As much as I enjoyed waking up in my boyfriend’s arms, he was shoving my face into the pillow.

“Will,” I whisper-hissed. “There’s plenty of room in this bed. We can cuddle without you suffocating me.”

“Mmph,” he mumbled.

I reached over to push him back, realizing he was penning me in because Oscar and Bambi pressed against his other side. The dogs had developed a deep attachment to Will when he’d donehis recovery week in the house. They’d been at his side nonstop since we’d returned to town two days ago, on the twenty-third.