Chapter 17

CHAPTER 17

NINA

The weeks have flown by and we’re now in the home stretch.

National Read a Book Day is this Friday and I’m both nervous and excited. Reading in front of a crowd has become easier each time I do it, but I feel it’s only because Jay is there, hiding in the shadows, being my support system.

But Jay, Wes and Maverick completed the job at the library yesterday and are moving on to their next big job at the local diner. I feel empty knowing he’s not in the same building with me anymore, and I also feel afraid and alone and I hate that I’ve grown dependent upon him.

The entire town is talking about it and at my latest romance book club, they couldn’t stop falling over the idea of seeing me read in front of everyone.

Everyone.

Mrs. Holly approaches me as the last of the women leave the room for the night.

“You did wonderful again tonight, Nina. I don’t think you realize how perfect you fit in here.”

I smile at her, feeling none of that. “I’m still not the slightest bit comfortable.”

“I did notice a difference tonight and the only thing I can think of is that Jay wasn’t here working while you were reading.” She gives a knowing smile. “Just knowing he’s close is comforting to you, isn’t it?”

I nod. “It is.” I don't tell her he can hear me reading. That's our little secret.

“But nonetheless, you were stunning tonight, and it just shows you're capable of doing it yourself.”

I shrug, fighting tears though I've no idea where they’re coming from.

“That's not to be confused with saying you have to do anything alone. You're a strong woman, Nina. You’re capable of anything you put your mind to, whether you believe it or not. Whether you're comfortable or not, you can do it. And you are doing it. You moved to a new town. You took a new job. You've met a man who's making you rethink a lot. It’s okay to be nervous or afraid of what's next, but know, whatever comes next, if you want to enjoy it with him, you can. And there's nothing wrong with that.”

A lone tear slips down my cheek. “Oh heaven sweet girl. Why are you crying?”

“Because you're saying everything I've been thinking but need to be told it’s okay to do.” She ushers me to a chair and I sit and tell her about my ex. How he wasn’t supportive. How he made me feel small. How he took my love for something and stepped on it.

“I’m falling in love with Jay, Mrs. Holly. And between him and the event and all this stuff coming to the surface, I've never been more afraid of making the wrong choice.”

“There is no wrong choice here, Nina. You're already in a town that loves you and loves love . Magnolia Point was built on a happily ever after. They want nothing more than to see it happen for everyone here. And especially for Jay Parker. No one saw you coming, but once you showed up, they knew you were his.”

“Seems like a bunch of busy bodies just wishing on falling stars.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. But if I didn't let them wish on a star, I wouldn't be here sixty years later with the love of my life. Jay's parents wouldn't have met without them, his dad and uncle wouldn't have started the HVAC company. Conservationist Shelly and Finn bonded at the beach over turtles. Polished off wouldn’t be here and Jill and Tate wouldn’t be together. And that coffee shop you love so much? Pour Some Sugar On Me wouldn’t exist if Harrison and February never got together. So, you see, the town is responsible for a lot of happily ever afters. They haven’t gotten it wrong yet.”