Chapter Fifteen

Annie

"It's hard to believe Christmas is in two days," I point out as we're waiting for the show to start. Luckily, Brent was able to snag a couple tickets at the last minute, thanks to his connections.

"I know. I spoke to my folks earlier and they reminded me that dinner would be ready at two. Though I'd much rather spend time with you."

My face falls. I hadn't even considered he might not be here. Wait, did he just say he'd rather spend time with me instead of being with his family?

"Have you had a chance to check on your Jeep?"

"There's still too much snow piled around it to do anything. I knew better than to park it there in the first place. My father said if the roads were passible, he'd come and pick me up. Most likely, tomorrow afternoon, while my mom is busy baking."

"Oh," I manage to say before the lights dim and the music begins to play.

I try to enjoy the show as much as possible—after all, it was my idea to come here in the first place—but I can't help thinking I'll be here…alone on Christmas day.

"Want to grab another hot chocolate from that coffee shop we went to yesterday? I know it's late but—," he says and takes my hand in his as we exit the theater. "I'm just not ready to call it a night yet."

I can't help thinking I'm dreaming this whole thing up…that I'm not really here in Lake Tahoe…that I'm not having the time of my life…that Brent is just something I've made up in my head. But it is real. And Brent is everything I've ever wanted a man to be.

"I'd love to," I blurt before he's able to get in another word.

The coffee shop is nowhere near as busy as it was the day before, but there's still quite a few people enjoying coffees and hot chocolates. It's not until the barista walks by with cleaning supplies in her hand that we realize it's just shy of midnight.

"I'm sorry I kept you out so late," he says and picks up our empty cups to throw them into the trash.

"Don't be."

Brent shakes his head then gazes into my eyes. "Do you think people are put in our lives for a reason?"

"I've been wondering that myself," I admit.

The lights dim and I know it's time for us to leave. I'm not sure where things stand between us but I'd rather enjoy the moment, as perfect as it is.

Before we get on the elevator to go to our rooms, Brent asks if he can have my phone number. "When I check out tomorrow, I'd like to have a way to still talk to you," he says nervously.

While I'd hoped he would come back to stay following his time with his family, at least for one more night, I can't imagine what it's costing him, even with the employee discount. I don't normally give my number out to strangers, but Brent is hardly a stranger anymore.

"So does this mean—" my voice trails off as I fight to keep from getting emotional. He's seen me upset before, but this was unexpected. I'm not ready to say goodbye.

"I'd like to think I'm a better person than that," he says and takes both of my hands in his. "I'll call you and we'll make plans to do something, okay?"

I nod and force a smile. "Okay."

"Good night, Annie," he says and reaches up to wipe a tear.

"Be careful tomorrow. And Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas."

I slip out of my clothes and climb in the bed in the early morning hours. As wonderful as the day has been, I feel as though something is missing. Why is my heart breaking right now?