Page 12 of A Mistletoe Mix Up
Jane and I are more than boss/employee; she’s become a friend, too. She’s always been kind and welcoming. In fact, everyone in this town is. So I stayed, even after Wanderer was fixed. It’s the longest I’ve stayed anywhere, actually.
After my dad left when I was a kid, Mama and I were always moving around. “It’s an adventure,” she would always say. So I guess it’s just a habit to always be on the move and never let anyone get too close.
Then I met Grayson. He’s the closest friend I’ve ever had in my whole life. He’s caring, a bit too serious sometimes, but he puts up with my free-spirited personality. It’s easy with him, effortless.
I wish I had taken a picture last night to have as a reference. Instead, I start sketching from my memory. The sunset, the trees, and Gray’s arm wrapped around me. The rough texture of the pencil against the paper soothes me. I get lost in the drawing and feel a smile forming on my lips.
“Amazing.” A familiar voice ripples through my concentration.
I jolt, slamming my sketchbook shut. Grayson. Of course, it’s him right now. Heat rushes up my neck, and I can feel my cheeks changing colors as I glance up at him. He’s leaning against the bookshelf, arms folded across his chest.
“Who says you can sneak up on a girl like that?” I point my pencil at him like a weapon.
His lips twitch into a smirk, and he slides his hands into his uniform pockets. “I didn’t sneak up on you—I just walked over here.”
“You should know better, Gray. How many things have I thrown at you?”
“I’ll remember to announce my presence next time,” he says, amusement coating his words.
I nod and inhale deeply. “Wait, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be saving the town, one traffic violation at a time?”
He smirks. “I’m on my lunch break and wanted to check on you.”
I furrow my brows. “Why would you need to check on me?”
“Well, one: you’re my best friend. So I can check on you anytime. And two: Mr. Johnson told me about the water leak.”
I sigh. “One: he didn’t need to tell you. And two: I’m fine. I can crash in Wanderer for a few days while it’s getting fixed.”
“We live in a small town, remember? It’s like a big family, news travels fast and they all care about you.”
“But no one needs to worry about me. I’ve been on my own for a long time.”
“Tandy,” he picks up my feet and sits on the footstool in front of me, “it’s okay to let people care for you. I care for you. Jane and the Brooks care for you. So does the whole town. We love you.”
I blink, staring at him. I’m not used to people caring about me, not like this. Especially not so openly and freely.
I swallow down the emotions. “Love me? I didn’t realize we were at that stage yet, Gray.” I wink, using sarcasm and jokes instead of facing my feelings; it’s really mature, I know.
A shadow of surprise washes over his face. He clears his throat and breaks eye contact. Did I manage to stump Officer Perfect? Well, it’s about time.
“I just meant…you know…” He stumbles over his words. It’s adorable and so very uncharacteristic of him. “That you’re loved in the community. You’ve made a home here.”
“I reckon the town loves you, too. But, really, I’m fine.” I wave him off.
His warm eyes hold mine, the stubborn set of his jaw telling me he’s not convinced.
“Gray, it’s just a small house problem. I can handle it.”
“Of course you can handle it…But you don’t have to. Not alone.” He sets his hand on mine, sending a tingle up my arm. “You can stay with Gramps and me while it gets fixed.”
My eyes widen. “I can’t impose on you guys like that.” I shake my head vigorously. “No way.”
“It’s not an imposition if we offer. I already asked him, and he said absolutely.”
“Gray, I…” I’m completely lost for words.
“Let me help, Tandy.”
