28. Let Her Go

Let Her Go

Nova

I shifted foot to foot in front of the school, clutching my blueprints. I rechecked the time. They had five minutes to get here. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. They would be here. They promised they would be able to get off, and they knew how important this was to me. I needed them to participate. The rules stated it had to be teams of two or more. After a couple of minutes, I started to pace as I anxiously watched for their car to enter the lot. A throat cleared behind me, and I turned to see the Mayor standing there with a sympathetic look.

“I’m sorry, Nova. We can’t wait any longer,” he said. “If your team isn’t here, you won’t be able to enter the contest.”

“They’ll be here. They just got caught up at work,” I assured him. What if I get started, and they join me when they do? It won’t be but mere minutes.” I hoped.

“I’m sorry,” he said again. “It’s against the rules. There’s always next year.” He squeezed my shoulder and then returned inside. My shoulders sag in defeat as I drop to the bench nearby. Well, that was that.

I was still sitting on the bench when Ben’s jeep came speeding into the parking lot. I checked my watch. It was four-thirty. They were an hour and a half late. I used that time to think about my life and future and make some important decisions. I stood as the Jeep screeched to a halt at the curb, and they poured out of it before it stopped rocking. They were falling over themselves with apologies and explanations, all talking simultaneously.

Finally, I held up my hand to silence them and took a fortifying breath. “I get it. I’m a business owner, too. I know that sometimes, things come up that can’t be avoided. Fires need to be put out, and your business should come first. You’ve worked hard for your success.” I tried to smile but knew I wasn’t very successful. “I’m not even mad. I’m just disappointed.”

“Sugar,” Linc said as he tried to hug me.

I held up my hand to stop him and took two steps back. If I let him touch me, I would lose my resolve, and I wouldn’t be able to do what needed to be done. “While I understand, this isn’t what I want. Always being second to Triple Tech isn’t how I want to live.”

“Baby,” Ben interrupted.

“I’m not done talking,” I snapped before continuing. “That feels entirely too much like settling, and I refuse to settle anymore.”

I looked at Grant, expecting him to try to interrupt next, but he remained silent as he glared at me. He could see what was coming and was already building walls between us. It hurt, but I understood. I wish I could build walls so quickly. It would make this next part hurt less. I could feel the emotions threatening to choke me, and I knew I had to get it out before they took over. I would do this without letting them see me cry.

I focus on a general spot between them. “Your part of the contract is complete. You don’t owe me any more of your time. I will hold up my end of the contract as we agreed, but—“ I stopped to blink back tears as a sob threatened to erupt. “But I don’t think we should see each other as we have been anymore. Th-thank you for giving me the magical Christmas season that I wanted.” I started walking to my car without looking at them to see their reactions or give them a chance to reply.

“Nova!” Linc called after me. I could hear the emotions in his voice, and it almost made me turn back around until I heard Grant.

“Let her go,” he ordered darkly.

Those three words felt like a shot to my heart, but they kept me moving toward my car. I got in my car and left the parking lot without allowing myself one more glance at them in my rearview mirror. I managed to hold it together until I am out of sight. Sobbing, I drove to the park and stopped near the bridge. I sat in my car and cried until I couldn’t cry anymore. I loved them, but love isn’t always enough. I pulled myself together and drove home. I refused to feel disappointed when they weren’t waiting in my driveway.

I had plans to put into motion. It was time to move on from Sunflower Falls and see what else the world had to offer.