Page 39 of Healing Hearts
We select a semi secluded spot under a grand oak tree as Trevor sets down the basket and begins unpacking it. I watch him, marveling at how easy it feels to be around him. There's no pressure, no need to impress or hide. Well, almost no need to hide.
"So, tell me more about this festival," Trevor says as he hands me a sandwich. "I'm usually either working or sleeping during these things."
I take a bite of the sandwich he hands me, savoring the flavors before responding. "It's kind of a big deal around here. The whole town gets involved. There are food stalls, craft booths, the Miss Hibiscus contest, live music—and of course, the hibiscus flower competition."
"Hibiscus flower competition?" Trevor raises an eyebrow. “Do tell.”
"Oh yeah," I grin. "People take it very seriously. You should see the lengths some folks go to for the perfect bloom. It’s crazy competitive."
As we continue to chat and eat, I find myself relaxing even more. The breeze rustles the leaves above us, and for a moment, I allow myself to imagine a life where I could always be this open, this free. As I look at Trevor's warm smile andkind eyes, I can't help but wonder what if I could trust him with the truth about me and Sophie Quinn?
A flash of movement catches my eye, and my heart nearly stops. There, on the path not twenty feet away, stands Joan, one of the Walking Ladies. Her keen eyes are fixed on us, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
"Oh no," I mutter, instinctively ducking my head.
Trevor follows my gaze. "Everything okay? You know her?"
I nod, trying to keep my voice steady. "That's Joan Simmons. Former school librarian, current town gossip. She's part of the Walking Ladies group."
"I know who the Walking Ladies are - everyone does." Trevor chuckles.
"You're not far off," I say, forcing a laugh. "They know everything about everyone in this town."
As Joan slowly ambles past, she waves, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. I wave back, my stomach churning.
"She’s harmless enough," Trevor says.
"Trust me, she is… mostly," I mutter. "Those ladies have somehow wormed their way into everyone’s lives." I’ve spent my entire adult life, ever since I started writing as Sophie Quinn, trying to avoid all four of those ladies because they have a way of getting you to tell them all your darkest secrets and I don’t need my secrets getting out.
Trevor reaches out, his hand covering mine. "Hey, you okay? You seem tense all of a sudden."
I take a deep breath, forcing a smile. "I'm fine. It's just... small town life, you know? Everyone's always watching."
"So what," he says, squeezing my hand. "Hey, we're not doing anything wrong. Just two people enjoying a picnic together. Besides," he takes my hand and kisses the back of it, “I want the entire world to know that you’re mine.”
If only he knew the half of it, I think. But I can't bringmyself to burst this bubble of normalcy, not yet. “Well, I’m yours as long as the reverse is true.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Trevor leans over and kisses me when suddenly I hear a small voice from across the park.
“Get a room.”
We both look over and see Joan laughing at the two of us.
“So, did we just agree to be in a relationship?” I ask nervously, “I mean…never mind. You don’t have to answer that.” I wave my hand dismissively. “I don’t know what I was thinking.” I’m trying to backtrack here unsuccessfully.
Trevor grabs my hand and pulls me up on my feet. He tugs and I fall into his arms. “Hey, stop it.” His arms wrap around me, holding me tight. “Yeah, we are in a relationship, Brooke, if you want to be. I sure as hell want to be in one with you.”
I lean back so I can see his eyes, “You do? With me?” What the hell is wrong with me and my insecurity today? It’s in full force.
He laughs, “Yes, with you. Are you okay with that?”
Suddenly, my heart flutters and I smile at him. “Yeah, I’m okay with that.”
“Good. Now, let me kiss my woman.” He leans in as his lips softly touch mine. His kisses are so addicting, but a gust of wind blows and the tree above us drops a bunch of leaves on top of us and our food. We laugh as we pull apart and brush the autumn leaves out of each other’s hair and out of our meal.
As the sun begins to set, Trevor starts packing up the picnic. "I hate to cut this evening short, but I've got an early morning tomorrow. I’ve got a big and complicated surgery in the OR, and I need to get my sleep."
"Of course," I say, helping him fold the blanket. "Saving lives is pretty important. Besides, I’ve got some things to get done tonight, too. Someone’s been keeping me up late at nightthe last few nights " I wiggle my eyebrows, “Although, I’m not complaining in the slightest.”
