Page 3 of Chasing Mr. December

“Impose? Dad, are you okay? Are you having a lot of pain?”

“I’m fine so long as I don’t move. These kind nurses are fluttering all around. They’ll give me something when it gets bad enough.” There’s a brief moment of hesitation. “Jason, I hate to ask, especially without giving you any notice. But I’m going to need your help over the next six weeks. They say I may be able to come home in a few days, but it’s going to take me a while to get back on my feet. And I don’t have to tell you, it’s busy season for the Christmas tree farm. I wouldn’t ask if there was any other way. And with your sister having the kids—”

My father has never asked anything of me. I know this must be incredibly important or he’d try to hire someone locally. “No, no, Dad. Say no more. I need to make a few calls. We’ll figure this out. Don’t worry. I’ll call you back once I’m on the way, okay?”

“Okay, son. Don’t rush. I’m not going anywhere. And Quinn is here with me.”

“I love you, Dad.”

“I love you too, Jason. Drive carefully.”

Hanging up the receiver, I play his statement over in my head. “And Quinn is here with me.”Quinn?The only Quinn I knew was a young girl. Maybe it was a friend I hadn’t met. He referred tohalf of his friends by their last names. That’s what I get for not visiting more.

Hanging up the receiver, I slump onto a stool at the kitchen island and run my hands through my hair. Hell, the timing couldn’t be worse. Roberson probably hasn’t even made it home yet after waxing poetic about my hard work and dedication to the job. Instead of putting in twice the effort to ensure my promotion is a done deal, now I’m having to do the polar opposite.

“Who was that?” Trevor interjects, his voice laced with concern.

My head snaps up at his question. I can’t believe I never got her name. “I have absolutely no idea. An emergency room nurse, maybe? I was so flustered by the news I didn’t even ask.”

Dave leans on his forearms. “What happened?”

“I don’t know too many details, but apparently Dad fell and broke his hip. He has to have a total hip replacement.”

“Man, that sucks. But I heard people bounce back from those much faster than they used to. If he’s healthy enough, he could be home in a few days,” Dave shares, his face shrouded in optimism.

“Yeah, hopefully. The bigger issue is his business. My dad runs the town Christmas tree farm and we’re approaching peak season. I’m probably going to have to ask for a six-week leave of absence. With any luck, by then he’ll be able to manage with someone local.”

Dave gives me an encouraging pat on the shoulder, the tangy aroma of cumin and cayenne pepper up close and personal, butI’ve lost my appetite. “Dude, you’re the hardest working guy I know. No one will bat an eye at the request.”

“Hey, man. Let me tell Addy I’m going to be covering for you tonight. You get what you need and head out. I can respond directly from my place if a call comes.”

“You sure, Trev? Your girlfriend had to come to the station just to see you.”

“Positive. If anything were to happen to my mom, I know you’d do the same.” He chuckles. “I think the girls just wanted an excuse to hang out. Or to get some of Dave’s chili.”

Pulling him in for a firm hug, I start to make my way into the main room to share the news of my departure. I’ll contact the chief on the way there. Luckily, I start my ten-day break after today. That should give them more time to arrange a replacement.

“Hey, drop back in the kitchen before you leave. I’ll get some of this wrapped up to go.”

“Dave, you’re a god among men.”

“Well, spread that news a little wider. The dating pool in Sycamore seems to get more shallow by the day.”

Don’t I know it.

After quickly packing my things and filling my truck with gas, I make my way toward Magnolia Point, South Carolina.

My least favorite place.

Very little remains of the life I once knew. If it weren’t for my father residing there, I dare say there’d be no reason to ever return. A big piece of my family is missing since my mother died. And I no longer have anyone in Magnolia Point I’d call a true friend. There’s nothing but bitter memories I’d like to forget. Yet as much as I hate the thought of stepping foot in that small resort town, I can’t let it stop me from doing the right thing.

I simply need to help Dad get back on his feet and get the hell out of that Godforsaken place.

About five hours later, I see a bright highway sign mocking me in the distance.

Welcome to Magnolia Point.

“Welcome indeed,” I snort.

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