Page 88 of Fake It Till We Fall
I nodded.
“I’m sure both of us had something to do with her decision,” Willa continued. “This is about her. And what she wants.” Her eyes softened as she watched me. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t be part of that.”
I swallowed hard and turned my gaze back to the dashboard.
“I’ve said it before, Grayson. You’ve spent far too long making sure that everyone around you has what they need. It’s okay to want something for yourself.” Her tone was maternal, but firm. “It’s okay to choose yourselfandher.”
I didn’t hesitate. “I do choose her, Willa. I always have.”
She gave me a look that told me she didn’t believe me. “Have you ever told her that?”
“Of course I—no.” The realization hit me hard.
Over and over, I’d wanted Harper. I’dchosenher. But when my back was up against the wall, every single time, I pushed her away before she could do it first because I was a fool, thinking that it would hurt less that way.
And I’d done it again. Instead of fighting for her and telling her exactly how I felt, once more, I’d pushed her away.
I dropped my head and swallowed hard.
I’d been such an idiot.
And this time it might have cost me everything.
She didn’t rush me, but when I finally looked up, Willa was watching me carefully. “It’s not too late, Grayson. If you truly do choose her, I think it’s long past time you tell her that, don’t you?”
Chapter 24
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Harper
The kitchen had been a blur of activity for the last few days. When Kevin came to me with the idea of creating a New Year’s feast, I’d been hesitant at first. But only because of the short timeline. Could I pull together impressive dishes in only a few days? Even with Kevin’s talented help, it would be tough. And if we could do it, could we sell the tickets to make it worthwhile?
It turned out that the answer to both questions was—yes.
I’d pushed myself harder than I had in a long time, coming up with just the right dishes that would be accessible to locals and tourists alike, but still impress. Kevin was an incredible help, and it turned out we made an amazing team.
Once word got out, every plate and every table was sold out within hours. And after long days and even longer nights, every customer walked away raving about the food and stuffed full.
For the first time, I didn’t feel like I was borrowing Grandma’s dream. I was building my own.
And it felt good.
Really good.
But with dinner service over, and our customers all heading out into the cold night to join in the New Year’s Eve celebrations in the plaza, my stomach was once more in knots. I’d managed to focus on the feast and making sure every detail turned out perfectly, but that didn’t mean that thoughts of Grayson still didn’t sneak into the quiet moments.
And even the loud ones.
The truth was, thoughts of Grayson were never far away, and that wasn’t likely to change anytime soon. Which meant I needed to find him and talk to him, no matter what the outcome was.
I left Kevin and our part-time staff to handle the cleanup and stepped out into the bustle of the plaza.
Our fight, and his words, still hurt. Every time I closed my eyes, I could see the look on his face and how closed-off he was before hearing anything I had to say. If he didn’t want me, I knew it would sting. But I’d survive.
And the one thing I knew for sure: I couldn’t let another year roll over without saying exactly what I should have said years ago.
The plaza was alive with music and laughter. People were everywhere: gathered around the fire pits, surrounding the vendor stalls, or dancing in front of the stage to the live band. I had to admit, Trickle Creek really did know how to throw a party.
