14. Lydia

14

LYDIA

V iolet and I made a bazillion sales today at the gallery. Saturdays were our busiest days and today proved it. It was time to close up early so we could make it across the street to the Winter Bash. Ben had texted to say he'd meet us at the gallery and we could all walk over together. Violet and I spent the whole morning deciding which three of Ben's pictures we wanted to display in the store. I couldn't wait to tell him which ones.

"What's Jake up to today?" Violet asked.

I peered over at her from across the room to see her trying to hide her smile and failing.

"I don't know," I called out. "He left a note on the kitchen counter this morning saying he was going golfing with some friends. That's all I know."

Violet shrugged and smiled but kept her focus on the computer. "Nice. Will he be at the Winter Bash?"

I marched over to her and stood before the desk until she lifted her face to me. When she did, I glared at her. "No more talk about Jake. I had a date with Max last night and it went great."

"That's wonderful," Violet agreed. "I just think you're better matched with Jake."

"You haven't even met Max. You can't say that."

She shrugged again. "I know what I know."

The bell on the door jingled and in walked Ben. His blond hair was in disarray from the mountain wind, and he was bundled up in his blue coat and jeans.

"Hey," he greeted, acknowledging me and Violet with a wave. He pointed out at the crowd across the street. "It's packed over there. I got to listen to one of the bands warm up and I'm impressed."

"Oh, which one?" Violet shouted excitedly. "Was it the group with three guys and the main singer had long, brown hair?"

Ben's face lit up. "Yeah, that's it. They're awesome." He walked over to us and I waved a hand between him and my sister. "Ben, this is my sister, Violet. Violet, this is Ben Davis."

Violet thrust out her hand, obviously still excited about their conversation. "It's nice to meet you. Lydia and I are ecstatic about your photographs. We can't wait to tell you which ones we want."

Ben beamed even more, his sole focus on her. It was clear right before my face; they instantly connected. I could feel the sparks between them. "How about we grab some food and beer and discuss it?" He looked to me for confirmation. "Are you ladies ready?"

Violet nodded and bolted away from the computer. "I am. I'm ready to listen to good music."

We locked up and headed across the street to the park. Ben and Violet talked the entire time, and there was never an awkward moment. Their conversation flowed so freely that I couldn't help but be mesmerized by it. Even though Ben was supposed to be one of my paths, I no longer felt connected to it. Seeing him with my sister warmed my heart, and the moment I felt that, the mistletoe on my sweater sent warmth through me as well.

I stopped mid-step and touched it, loving how it made my fingers tingle. But why did it activate? Margaret said it was supposed to help guide me on my paths, but it was apparent Ben wasn't going to be one of them. If only there were a mistletoe manual Margaret could've given me.

Violet and Ben glanced back at me and stopped.

"Sis, you okay?" Violet called out.

The mistletoe tingled my fingers as I watched her and Ben together. It turned out I didn't need a mistletoe manual; his path was connected to mine because of Violet. They were meant to find each other, not me and him. It was as clear as day. However, if that was the case, there was only one other path . . . Max.

I waved at Violet and Ben to keep going. "I'm fine! You guys go. I'm going to grab a drink and meet back up with you."

It didn't take much convincing; they walked off and never once stopped talking. It just so happened I knew exactly where I wanted to go. I walked past The Refined Roadster and waved at Macy and Jeremiah, who were slammed with customers.

The Winter Bash was all about the music and trying beers from the local breweries. Mountain Top Brewery was one of my favorites; they had the best Christmas ale. It had the perfect blend of honey, ginger, and cinnamon and it paired great with sugar cookies.

I strolled over to their booth and reached into my purse for my credit card. Before I could pull it out and order, Jake stepped up beside me.

"We'll take two Christmas ales, please," he said, handing over his card. He winked at me and the butterflies in my stomach came back with a vengeance.

All three guys standing behind the table looked at Jake, and their eyes bugged out of their heads. "You're Jake Reynolds," one said, clearly starstruck. Jake shook their hands, and they asked him questions about golfing and his plans for future tournaments.

I couldn't help but admire how he spoke to people. He was so polite and friendly, and what made it even better was that he was genuine.

The guys offered us free beers for the night if Jake would take a picture with them, so I took their phones and snapped the photos.

Jake grabbed our beers and nodded at the guys. "We'll be back. Thanks, fellas."

I took my beer from Jake and closed my eyes as the first sip went down my throat. "I look forward to this beer every year."

Shockingly, there was no one in the gazebo, so we climbed the stairs and sat down inside.

Jake looked down into his cup and smiled. "I forgot how nice it was to be here for the holidays." He sat back and watched as more people filtered into the park. "I don't know how I lost sight of it all."

"Well, you're here now," I said. "That's all that matters."

His gaze narrowed at me. "You know, I was coming to find you to see if you were all right."

I took another sip of my beer. "What do you mean? Why wouldn't I be all right?" But then, thoughts of last night entered my mind. "Oh, are you talking about how you interrupted my farewell with Max last night?"

Jake tried to hide his smile and failed. "Sorry about that."

"Yeah, you look sorry," I grumbled playfully. "Not to worry, though, I'm going to see him again tomorrow. We're meeting at Willow Creek Village to see Nana and his grandfather."

Jake averted his gaze to the crowd. "How is your nana? I haven't seen her in a while."

"She's good. I think she really likes Max's grandfather. Honestly, I never thought she'd move on, but I'm happy she is."

"Look at you," he joked. "You're turning into the town matchmaker."

I rolled my eyes. "I haven't matched up anyone."

"You sure about that?" He turned his head toward the crowd, and I followed his line of sight. He was looking directly at Violet and Ben. "I thought that guy was supposed to be your date tonight?"

I shrugged. "Things change. I don't mind it at all," I said, waving a hand toward my sister. "I like seeing Violet smile. She was heartbroken after she and her boyfriend broke up. Something tells me he's the furthest thing on her mind right now."

"What about you?" Jake asked. "Do you think things will get serious with Max?"

He was the only path left to take, and we got along perfectly. How could he not be my match?

"Max is great," I said. "I could see us having a future together."

Jake finished his beer and stared into the distance as if something was on his mind; his expression was a mixture of sadness and anger. I wanted to ask him what was wrong, but he stood and glanced down at his empty cup.

"I'm going to grab another beer." His conflicted green eyes met mine. "Would you like another one?"

All I could do was nod and feel my heart ache the second he walked away. Why did I feel like that?

"Lydia!" Violet shouted, her smile bright as she rushed up into the gazebo. I watched as Ben walked alongside Jake to the brewery booths. Violet sat beside me and I could feel her electric energy.

"Are you and Ben having fun?" I asked.

Violet nodded. "We are. I went ahead and told him which pics of his we wanted in the gallery."

"Is he happy about our choices?"

Her smile widened. "He's ecstatic. I'll get them printed and framed on Monday. He's going to stop by to see where we put them." She sat back and looked up at the twinkling lights above us. "If only someone from one of those nature magazines would stop in. You know they'd love his work."

"Yes, they would," I agreed. "Let's keep our fingers crossed. Ben has a talent that everyone in the world needs to see."

Violet cleared her throat and met my gaze; there was an uncertainty in them that gave me pause.

"Violet, what's wrong?" I asked her.

She shook her head. "Nothing. It's just . . ." She paused momentarily and puffed out a breath. "Okay, here's the thing. What would you say if I told you that Ben and I might make plans to get together this week?"

"Like a date?" I questioned, lifting my brows.

"Yeah . . . maybe." She flung her arms in the air, her voice shaky with nerves. "Okay, so yeah, a date. Is that okay? I know you met him first. So, if you like him that way, I'll back off. The last thing I want is for a guy to come between us."

Watching her flail around with her words made me burst out with laughter. I liked Ben and he seemed like a great guy, but there wasn't a connection between us. Obviously, there was one with them, and I wasn't about to stand in the way.

Violet stared at me as if I'd lost my mind. "What's so funny?"

The universe worked in mysterious ways; if only she knew what I went through to bring Ben into our lives. I wanted to tell her I traveled through time, but would she believe me? Who knows, but I wasn't going to find out.

"You and Ben are getting along great," I said, taking her hands in mine. "I think you look cute together. I haven't seen you smile so bright in a long time."

Violet clutched her stomach and sighed. "I have never had this feeling in my stomach before. It's exciting, but also scary. I don't want to get hurt again."

I squeezed her hands. "You can't be afraid to take chances."

Her lips pursed. "Oh yeah. You might want to practice what you preach, sis."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

She giggled and shook her head. "You say you can't be afraid to take chances, but what are you doing with Jake? I don't see you taking chances with him. Are you afraid?"

Her words caught me off guard.

"No," I answered quickly, not even attempting to think more on what she said. "Jake and I aren't anything. Besides, it's Max who I'm interested in."

Jake and Ben chuckled together as they walked up the steps into the gazebo, carrying our drinks. My eyes met Jake's and that warmth inside me grew.

Violet grabbed my arm and leaned in close. "Tell that lie to someone who'll believe you. I see what I see. Maybe it's time you open your eyes."

Her words echoed in my mind. They were what Margaret had said to me during my time-traveling dreams, and they were how I found Max and Ben. Jake was never part of the equation; Margaret made it clear my choices were between Max and Ben. And after tonight, there was only one choice.

Tomorrow, I'm spending the day with Max. We won't have any distractions, so it will be the perfect time to focus on him and not think about Jake.

It was going to be a good day.