“I don’t think I can eat another bite,” Kacey told Drew as they climbed up the front steps of his parents’ house. She shivered in the late November air.
Drew rubbed his hand on her shoulder to warm her. “But now we’re having dessert. That’s the best part of the meal.”
He opened the door, and they entered a large foyer with an open staircase that led up to five bedrooms. Conversations carried over from the spacious dining room nearby.
After Drew hung their coats in the closet by the door, he took her hand and steered her into the formal dining room, where his parents, grandparents, and a few aunts, uncles, and cousins she recognized sat.
“Here they are!” Marilyn announced. “You’re just in time for dessert.”
Drew and Kacey greeted his family members and then took a seat beside each other while his mother and two aunts delivered a pumpkin pie, a chocolate cream pie, and a platter of assorted cookies to the table, along with coffee.
Kacey talked about work with a few of Drew’s cousins while she enjoyed a piece of pumpkin pie and a cup of coffee.
“So, I hear you’re directing the children’s choir for the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival,” Drew’s grandfather said.
Drew picked up his coffee mug. “That’s right. The festival is two weeks from tomorrow.”
“I think that’s wonderful,” his grandmother said. “I can’t wait to hear the children sing. It truly feels like Christmas has come to Splendid Lake when the tree is lit and the choir sings.”
Marilyn nodded. “I agree, Mom. And Drew has moreexciting news. He applied for a music department head job in Newton. That means he’d be in charge of the entire Catawba County Schools music program!”
“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.
