He grew still. Hilary thought he hadn’t heard her. Then, “To the inn or home?”
“Both.”
“I don’t either,” he said. “But maybe you’ll come to Clove sometime?”
“I’d like that.” Maybe tomorrow wasn’t the end like she dreaded. It was even more of a possibility now that he’d spoken her thoughts aloud. “And if you visit Redville, you can be an honorary guest at the inn and be the first to review it.”
He smiled when she looked up at him but it was a sad smile.
“I’m serious,” he said quietly. “I don’t want to leave here and not see you again. Tell me that’s not going to happen.”
“It’s not. I’ve been stressing about the same thing.” She drew back to look him square in the eye. “Why would you think I don’t want to see you again?”
Now he looked hurt but he didn’t elaborate. Hilary knew he was holding back by the uncertainty she read in his eyes.
“I don’t,” he said.
Hilary let out a soft laugh. “I never expected this. I didn’t even want to come.” She slumped. “What am I going to do?”
“About what?”
She’d said too much. Hilary didn’t want to subject Dane to that conversation again. Jorie had been pleasantly absent from the conversation so far.
“Never mind.” She smiled up at him then snuggled farther into his side. He pulled her close once again. Reveling in the strength of his arm around her and the warm breath against her hair, she sighed. “Let’s just enjoy the morning.”
Hilary climbedthe stairs to her room, two coffee mugs in hand, one for her and one for Jorie. She half expected to see Jorie downstairs already eating in the dining room, but when she asked Darcy if she’d seen her sister-in-law yet, Darcy said she hadn’t.
She’d planned to be back within the hour, but Hilary couldn’t bring herself to suggest they leave. The morning had been perfect—the weather, the scenery,that kiss. She almost suggested to Dane they ditch the last day of the conference. Maybe get lunch somewhere in one of the little towns along the highway, hike in the state park near the Canadian border. And talk. Hilary missed talking to someone who really knew how to listen. She didn’t realize she had so much to say until Dane started asking questions. What were her parents like? Did she always want to be a social worker? Where did she meet Will? How had she dealt with her grief? She couldn’t help but think Dane came into her life at the exact time she needed him, at a time when her future depended on her ability to recognize her needs and find the courage to take the fork in the road. The right fork and not necessarily the easiest one.
She balanced the two mugs in one hand and eased the door open. Inside the room, Jorie sat in the overstuffed floral armchair, feet on the matching ottoman, reading.
“Good morning. I brought you coffee.” Hilary set a mug on the side table next to Jorie. “Did you sleep well?”
Jorie set the book in her lap. “Well enough.” Her gaze rested on Hilary. “Where have you been?”
“Oh, you know, I went for a little walk. Grabbed some coffee. I guess I’m a little restless from sitting so much during the week.” She couldn’t help but squirm under Jorie’s scrutiny. Telling a little lie didn’t help matters.
“Hmm. Did you take a walk with Dane?”
“Sort of…yes. Yes, I did.”
Jorie uncrossed her ankles, closed the book, and got up out of the chair. “You two have really grown close this week.” She went over to the dresser.
Hilary felt her face flush. Disappointment crowded out the guilt though. Why should she feel shame for spending time with Dane?
“He’s a nice guy.” She shrugged. It could be as simple as that as far as Jorie was concerned. Hilary didn’t need to explain herself.
Jorie took a piece of paper from the dresser top and dangled it between her two fingers.
“What is this, Hil?”
Hilary went closer, cocking her head so she could see it. With dawning dread, Hilary realized it was the notes she and Dane exchanged while they sat next to each other on the bus yesterday. She’d said things about Jorie. They’d laughed about it. Horror swelled in her.
“Jorie, those…are my notes.”
“Notes? This isn’t what it looks like.” Jorie scanned the paper. “‘I don’t think Jorie is ready for this.’ Ready for what exactly?”
“It was silly talk. It’s not a big deal.”
