Page 44 of Fake It Till We Fall
Except when it came to me.
Because when it had mattered most, he’d been the one to walk away and break my heart.
I stared at the tree until my eyes burned. What we were doing now felt easy and fun, and so help me…it feltreal.But I couldn’t let myself forget that it wasn’t.
And it never had been.
He’d made sure of that when we were kids.
Only, sitting here with the glow of the tree he’d insisted on getting us, it was hard to remember why I ever thought that.
Chapter Twelve
Harper
The bell over the door of Earth’s Own chimed as I stepped into the warm shop that smelled of cinnamon and cardamom. Strings of twinkle lights ran along the shelves, making the jars of tea sparkle like they belonged in a Christmas market.
“It’s always so welcoming in here,” I told Lauren as I scooped up apackage of organic gingerbread. “I just love this store. What a great addition to Trickle Creek.”
“Thank you.” My new friend smiled warmly. “I’ve really tried to bring new and different products in.”
Lauren was hardly new to town, but because she’d moved here after I left, she was new to me. But both living and working in the plaza, we’d become friendly in a short amount of time. Especially considering she always seemed to be with Brody.
Well, less so lately, according to Grayson. There seemed to be some story between the two of them, but I didn’t know Lauren well enough yet to ask her about it.
From the back of the store, a customer caught her eye. Lauren turned to me quickly before going to help her. “Let me know if I can help you find anything, okay?”
“For sure. I was just hoping to pick up a few stocking stuffers.”
I took my time browsing the homemade soaps and bath salts, lifting each one to my nose to find the perfect scent for Grandma. I lingered over a cedar and orange-scented bar that reminded me of Grayson.
I was about to put it in my basket when a voice stopped me.
“Harper. Hey.”
I turned to see Doctor Samuels by the bulk bins, a paper bag of sliced almonds in his hand.
“Doctor.” I smiled. “I was actually hoping to run into you.”
His expression softened. “I hope everything is okay?”
“Oh yeah. I’m fine.” I hesitated. “I was actually hoping to speak to you about my grandma. She’s been pretty vague about her health lately. I’m concerned that there’s not more I can be doing for her while I’m…well, while I’m home,” I continued quickly. “I want to make sure that she’s got everything she needs and help in the restaurant and…well, I guess I just want to know what the prognosis is.” I blew out a breath. Now that the question was out there, I wished I could take it back.
Was knowing the truth of the situation really going to make it any better?
The doctor smiled kindly as he shook his head. “Harper, you know I can’t talk about her case without her permission. Patient confidentiality.”
I knew that. Still, the words felt like defeat.
“I understand,” I said. “It’s just that Grandma is from a generation that doesn’t like to talk about these things. All she’s told me is that she’s sick. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you howdifficult it is for me to be far away and not know exactly how much…” I let the sentence drift away.
Doctor Samuels nodded and took a step closer. “I’m sure it’s very hard,” he said. “You’re planning on leaving for work again, I take it?”
I started to nod, but finished with a shrug.
“Your grandmother is a strong woman, but time does have a way of catching up with us all. Perhaps we can set up a time for both of you to come in together. That way, we can discuss any concerns you might have with her present and won’t be in breach of any confidentiality issues. Would that help?”
“Yes.” I blew out a breath. “I would really appreciate that. I’ll talk to Grandma and call the clinic to set it up.” I shook his hand. “Thank you, Doctor Samuels.”
