Page 11 of Curvy Christmas Magic for the Mountain Man
The next morning, I wake up to find a text from Celia.
Hey. You seemed angry when you left. I hope I didn't say anything wrong or do anything to upset you. I really appreciate all of your help with my aunt.
I stare at the message for a long time, reading it over and over. She sounds genuinely concerned, but that just makes everything worse. Of course she's worried. She thinks she's upset her helpful handyman, who just did her a massive favor. She doesn't know that I'm nursing a broken heart. I toss my phone onto my bed and get up, dressing for a day down the mountain.
After running a few errands in Corvid Valley, Tyson and I meet up at Corvid Valley Diner for lunch. When I enter the joint it feels like a black cloud is hovering over me.
My friend gives me a curious look, but our waitress interrupts before he has time to say anything. "Hi. I'm Gabby.I'm going to be your waitress for today," she says. I order a chocolate malt and a water, and Tyson orders his drink before she walks off to let us look at the menu.
"What's your deal today?" Tyson asks.
"Oh, nothing," I say, trying to avoid the topic.
"Is it about that witch you were helping? Something to do with her aunt?"
Rolling my eyes, I'm annoyed I had texted him about this. "Yes. But it doesn't matter."
"Why doesn't it matter? Didn't you just spend Thanksgiving there?"
"Yep. And it went well. I played my part beautifully, apparently. Celia's aunt bought it," I say.
Tyson arches his eyebrow at me. "Isn't that a good thing? Wasn't that the whole point?"
"Yep. That's exactly what the whole point was."
Gabby returns with our drinks. I order the chicken fried steak, and Tyson gets a burger. When our waitress saunters off, Tyson takes a sip of his soda and gives me an obnoxious smile.
"You like her, don't you?"
"Who? Gabby the waitress? I saw a wedding ring on her finger."
"No. Not Gabby the waitress," Tyson says, laughing. "This Celia lady, the witch. You like her."
"It doesn't matter that I do. Given that she was all excited that her aunt bought it, in her words, it's obvious that she's not into me."
"Oh, stop being such a grump and give her another chance."
Right then, my phone lights up with another text from Celia, and I let out an involuntary groan. "Is that her?" Tyson says, attempting to grab my phone.
"Yes."
"What does she want? Usually, when a woman's not interested in you, she doesn't text you," he says, giving me a sly grin.
Looking down, I read the text out loud.
"Are you around to talk?"
"Uh, you need to get your ass back up that mountain after lunch," Tyson says firmly.
"You think?"
"Yes, dude. If she wants to talk to you, there has to be a reason. Give her a chance, man."
"Fine," I say, and I text her back.
I'm down in the valley, but I'll be home by evening.
How about I cook us dinner? See you at seven?
