Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
As much as she hated waking up before she absolutely had to, Sloane got up and made Will a travel mug of coffee for him to take on the drive to the airport and then sleepily kissed him goodbye. She knew they’d talk later that day, but she had to agree with him—saying goodbye sucked.
There was a mild debate going on in her head about whether she should go back to bed for a little while or simply start her day. The smell of coffee was still in the air, so she opted to make herself a cup and get moving.
Grabbing a notebook from her desk, she walked over to the kitchen table and sat down and began making a list of all the things she was going to need to do so she could move to Sweetbriar Ridge and live with Will as soon as reasonably possible.
Tell her parents she was moving. Maybe she’d wait on that one for a day or two.
Call the landlord about breaking her lease. That call could be made at nine o’clock sharp.
Get boxes for packing. She’d start hitting up the local supermarkets and her friends for those.
Quit her job.
Staring at the words on the page, Sloane tapped her pen. Quit. Her. Job. Saying the words before had given her great anxiety, but now? Now it seemed freeing. But she didn’t want to be foolish. There was a healthy balance in her savings account, and she knew that the cost to move would be minimal because she’d do it mostly herself with the help of family. The biggest question was if she should quit now so she could focus on the move, or give her two weeks’ notice and deal with the misery her boss was going to dish out?
Decisions, decisions, decisions…
After a long sip of coffee, she felt herself finally waking up and her brain was starting to engage too. Quit her job. Well, her parents didn’t raise her to be irresponsible, so she’d give her notice.
And if her jerk of a boss gave her any grief, she’d leave earlier. But for now, she would do the right thing.
“Okay then,” she murmured and relaxed a bit. It may only be four items on the page, but having some direction to go in left her feeling like a little bit of weight had been lifted. And with that, she stood, stretched and lazily got on with her day.
Two days later, the weight was back.
Her landlord was fine with her breaking her lease, and because she had been a good tenant, there were no fees to be paid. He asked her for a hard date for when she’d be out, and she had hesitated, but told him two weeks. Looking around her apartment, she already collected her fair share of boxes so she could easily start packing.
But she was definitely going to quit her job.
In normal circumstances, Sloane was not a quitter, and it bothered her more than it should have that she was going to have to leave this way. Why couldn’t people just be decent? Why did her boss have to be such a tool all the damn time? Honestly, she had thought she could make it through the two weeks. After she’d spoken to him on Monday, he thanked her for giving her notice and wished her well.
Then, he took all of her accounts away and simply had her doing grunt work.
Including cleaning the office bathrooms.
So yeah, tomorrow was going to be her last day.
Actually, today should have been her last day, but she didn’t pack up her stuff and that was her fault for not planning better. But either way, tomorrow was it for her. And maybe once she closed that door, she’d feel better about it.
Later, when she was sharing this with Will, he seemed puzzled by her reaction. “Why are you even upset? This guy has been a jackass since forever. You can’t possibly be surprised, Sloane. And besides, think of how much less stress you're going to have after tomorrow.”
“I know you’re right, but…”
“Hell, if it were me, I would go in, grab my shit, and leave. Don’t give him the full day. Just…be done.”
“Will…I don’t know if I can do that. It’s just not who I am. I don’t believe in burning any bridges.”
He sounded like he was about to say something, but changed his mind. “Okay, I get it. Have you told your parents yet?”
“I’m having dinner with them tomorrow night.”
“How do you think they’re going to take the news?”
“My mom already predicted this was going to happen, so I don’t think she’s going to be surprised. But I’m not so sure about my dad. Although…being that he already adores you because you share his hobby, I don’t think it’s going to be an issue.”
And she tried to ease up on the sarcasm.
“Are you going to…you know…talk to him?”
She wasn’t stupid. She knew what he was referring to. “I am,” she said confidently. “I have no idea if he’s going to fully get it, but I know I’ll feel better getting it off my chest.”
“I hope it all goes exactly the way you want it to.” He paused. “So…do you have a moving date yet?”
“I had given my landlord two weeks, and I think it’s going to take almost that time to get packed and organized. I’m hoping either my dad or one of my brothers will drive the moving truck and I can just follow in my car. Let’s aim for two weeks.”
“Okay. I wish it were sooner, but I think I can hold on for that long,” he teased. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“You know I’m bringing some of my own furniture, right? There are just some pieces that I really don’t want to part with. It might be a little tight in your house for a while.”
“We can put some stuff in storage—and I’m including mine in that statement, so don’t worry.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
“So…um…if you quit your job tomorrow, and you’re not bringing all your stuff, maybe you don’t have to wait the two weeks? Maybe you can be here sooner?”
“Will?”
“Hmm?”
“I have a lot to do to pack up all my things. You’re going to be busy and working, so let’s just let it be, okay?”
He huffed dramatically. “Fine.”
She chuckled and could almost picture him pouting like a child. “In a few weeks, we won’t have to worry about this at all. Won’t that be worth it?”
“Maybe.”
“Okay, Mr. Grouch, I’m going to go do some packing. Tonight’s task is going through my clothes. Moving is a great excuse to clean out my closet.”
“If you find something you could use for a naughty nurse costume…”
“I thought we let that idea go,” she said with a laugh.
“Never,” he said firmly. “Just thinking of you dressed like that…”
“I’m hanging up now!”
“Okay, okay…go pack. I love you.”
“Love you too.”
After she hung up, Sloane started thinking about the move and Sweetbriar Ridge and how much she couldn’t wait to get there and be part of the community. More than anything, she wanted to settle into a new life that didn’t have her traveling back and forth on the weekends and where she could open herself up to new experiences.
And experience more Sweetbriar Ridge festivals with Will that didn’t include kissing and running.
Okay, maybe the kissing, but her running days were over.
Thank God!
She had some questions about the festivals—she wanted to get involved and help or volunteer where she could. Looking at the clock she saw it was only a little after seven. So, she decided to step back from her packing for a few more minutes and see what she could do to become an active citizen of Sweetbriar Ridge.
She called Hailey.
“Guess who’s moving to Sweetbriar Ridge?” she said when her sister answered the phone.
“Oh my God! Really? You’re really doing it? Do you need to stay with me and Max? You can totally have the guest room for as long as you need! Oh, this is going to be so much fun! And Layla is going to love having her Aunt Sloane right here with her!”
“Um, Hales?”
“Hmm?”
“First, I’m super glad that you’re excited, but…I’m not going to be staying with you. I’m moving in with Will.”
“Oh, wow! Seriously? Already? Did you tell Mom and Dad?”
“No, and you are not allowed to say a word about how fast I’m moving in with Will. You and Max have us beat, so…relax.”
“No need to get snarky,” Hailey murmured.
“I’m just saying,” she reasoned. “But yes, it’s really happening. I’m thinking I’ll be there in two weeks, but I haven’t fully worked everything out yet. I’m having dinner with Mom and Dad tomorrow so that will help me decide.”
“How come?”
“Because I’m going to need their help—and Finn’s and Ben’s and Kyle’s—with the move.”
“Ah. Gotcha. You could just ask Will to fly down like what Max and I did. Then you just tow your car behind the moving truck.”
“Will’s got a lot going on with the garage, so I think it will be fine if Dad or one of the guys helps out.”
“Are you nervous? Excited? Are you freaking out? This is a big step! You never talked about wanting to move in with any guy you ever dated.”
“That’s because I never felt for anyone the way I feel about Will. It’s a little scary, but I’m ready for it.”
“I’m so happy for you! What can I do to help you?”
“Well…that’s why I’m calling. I feel like maybe I’m supposed to be doing something to…you know…be a part of the community. Am I supposed to notify anyone that I’m moving there? Is there some organization I’m supposed to join?”
“You’re adorable,” her sister said with amusement. “There’s nothing you have to do before you get here. Once you move and get settled, we’ll start introducing you to people and you’ll figure out what things you might want to get involved with. Have you talked to Levi about working with him?”
“Oh, crap! I knew I was forgetting something. Dammit!”
“Shoot him a text when we get off the phone and just make plans to see him when you get here.”
“Okay, okay. Sure. That will work.”
“Did you give your boss notice?”
Sloane explained that whole situation and how frustrated she was. “I’m just going to go in tomorrow, pack up my stuff, and leave. I tried to do the right thing, but clearly you can’t with some people.”
“Wow. Sorry.”
“I shouldn’t be surprised, but…I am.”
“Screw that guy. You were too good for that company anyway.”
“Thanks, Hales.”
“Now, tell me what you’re going to say to Mom and Dad tomorrow!”
They talked for another hour, and when she hung up, she felt even more confident than she had before.
The next morning, she walked into her office with a box in her hands. Without a word, she boxed up her entire cubicle, said goodbye to the few people she actually liked, and then stopped by the boss’s office on her way out.
“Sloane? What in the world? You said you’d give me two weeks!”
“That was when I thought I’d still be doing my job. I’m not sticking around to clean toilets, Dan. And I deserved to be treated with more respect than that. So…thank you for the few opportunities you gave me. Have a pleasant life.” And with that, she walked out the door.
In the car, she burst into hysterical laughter, unable to believe she actually went through with it.
Feeling motivated, she went straight home and began ruthlessly going through her apartment. She was motivated and felt so much lighter that she was able to make decisions on what she was keeping, what she was donating, and what she was selling. The day flew by and before she knew it, it was time to head over to her parents and cross one more thing off her list.
On her way, she stopped at her mother’s favorite bakery and picked up a box of cupcakes, and when she pulled into their driveway, she was no longer freaking out about telling them her plans.
“Hey! There’s my girl!” Bridget said when she walked in. “Oh! Cupcakes! Thank you!”
“Hey, Mom,” she said, kissing her on the cheek. “Where’s Dad?”
“He’s finishing up a call with one of his foremen. Come and sit. I made stuffed meatloaf and mashed potatoes for dinner. I hope you’re hungry.”
“I am. I’ve been super busy all day with packing and…”
Her mother’s eyes went wide. “Packing? What…I mean, why are you packing?”
Dammit.
“I was hoping to tell you and Dad at the same time.”
“Tell us what?” her father asked as he strolled into the room. “Ooh…are those cupcakes in that box?” He stopped and kissed her on the cheek before sitting down at the kitchen table beside her.
“They are! I know how much you and Mom love them.”
“Sloane,” her mother said, taking a step closer. “You were about to tell us both something.”
“Oh, right. So…I’ve decided to move to Sweetbriar Ridge!” she said excitedly.
“To be near Hailey?” her dad asked in confusion. “I know you’ve been missing your sister since she moved, but it seems a bit drastic to move to be closer to her.”
“Well, sort of. But mostly, to be with Will. I’m moving in with him.”
For a moment, no one said a word and she couldn’t gauge her father’s reaction at all.
“I know you both probably have some thoughts on this,” she said carefully, “but I’ve put a lot of thought into it, and I believe this is the right thing for me. I already quit my job, and I gave my landlord two weeks' notice.” Then she looked directly at her father. “I was hoping maybe you would drive the moving truck for me. You can check on things at The Ridge and hang out with Uncle Ronan for a few days and then fly back.”
He frowned. “You’re moving in with a man you barely know.”
Sighing patiently, she reminded him of Hailey and Max. “You know that Will and I were casual acquaintances for a long time. And doing the whole long-distance thing really isn’t working for us. He just became a partner at the garage and I wouldn’t dare ask him to give that up.”
“And yet he’s asking you to abandon your family!”
“Dad, please,” she said wearily. “I have a ton of family in Sweetbriar Ridge. And Mom said the two of you were thinking of living there part time! She even said that Patrick is looking for houses for you! So, I’m not abandoning anyone. We’re all just…shifting geographically.” Reaching across the table, she rested her hand on top of his. “I know you like Will. The two of you talked about cars both nights we were at The Ridge.”
His expression softened slightly. “I know he’s a good guy.”
“But…?”
“But…you’re my baby, Sloane. I know you haven’t lived here at home for several years, but…I’m used to you being close by. I’m going to miss seeing you. Sunday dinners with the family aren’t going to be the same.”
Okay, here was her opening.
“I think Sunday dinners are going to be fine,” she said. “I realized recently that I had a huge issue with you.”
“Me?” he asked incredulously. “Why? What did I do?”
“When I met Will and he told me what he did for a living, it was a huge turnoff. The whole car thing made me almost hostile. Then I realized why.”
“Why?”
“Because you, Ben, Finn, and Kyle…it’s your thing. You had this great hobby or interest or whatever you want to call it, and it totally excluded me and Hailey. I don’t think it bothered her, but clearly, it bothered me. You never took any interest in things that I liked and I just resented that.”
His shoulders sagged. “Sloane, I had no idea. I always loved cars, and your brothers just naturally gravitated toward them as well. It wasn’t intentional, sweetheart.”
“I know that now,” she assured him. “But I can’t help but wish that you and I had something that was just ours.” She shrugged. “Which is silly now that I’m moving.”
Turning his hand over, he squeezed hers. “Tell you what. When you get settled in Sweetbriar Ridge, I want you to find something for us to do together. Just me and you. And whenever I’m in town, we’ll do it.”
“Dad…”
“What? I’m serious! You are my baby girl, and I don’t want you resenting me. That breaks my heart knowing you’ve felt this way all this time and never said anything. It’s not too late, though. We can find something and make it our own. Okay?”
She nodded as tears stung her eyes. “Okay.” And before she knew it, they were both on their feet hugging. Her mom joined in, and they stayed like that for several long minutes.
It was the best moment she’d had with her parents in years, and it meant everything that they were supportive of her move.
One more thing accomplished!
Will was beginning to believe there was some sort of black cloud over them.
Sloane hadn’t made the move to Sweetbriar Ridge as scheduled because her car broke down. The irony wasn’t lost on him. It wasn’t practical for him to go there and try to fix it, so he had no option but to trust her choice in mechanics. The transmission had gone on it, and it took a little over a week for her to get it back. Because of the delay, she had to temporarily move in with her parents since her landlord had leased her apartment.
She backed out the following weekend because it was her father’s birthday, and she didn’t feel right making him drive for two days and miss celebrating with the family. He had been tempted to argue that there was family here in Virginia he could celebrate with, but decided to keep that observation to himself. It would have been great if he could have gone to her, celebrated Kevin’s birthday, and then driven the moving truck himself, but two of the mechanics were out with the stomach flu, and Devin begged him to put in the extra hours.
How was he supposed to say no to that?
Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for him to come down with the stomach flu, and that knocked him out for about four days, and he was too afraid to let Sloane come near him and risk getting her sick.
That meant her move was put off for another week.
Which, oddly enough, she wasn’t overly upset about. When he’d asked her about it, she simply said she was getting extra time to say goodbye to friends and do all the things she was going to miss in Florida.
He cursed, wondering why he was the only one upset about all the delays.
“You’re making that face again,” Devin said as he walked into the garage. “What’s wrong now?”
“Nothing.”
“Oh, for crying out loud,” Devin huffed. “If this is about Sloane’s move again…”
“Hey! So I’m pissed! I have a right to be! I just want her here with me, man. I can’t help it.”
“It’s only one more week. You’ll live.”
He flipped him the finger and turned back to the truck he was working on.
“And she’ll be here for the festival, right?” Devin asked.
“That’s the plan, but…”
“Don’t jinx it or look for issues,” Devin quickly interrupted. “I know the last couple of weeks have been rough, but…”
“You have no idea.”
“Actually, I do,” Devin said, clapping a hand on Will’s shoulder. “I’ve had a front row seat to it all.”
“Yeah…well…sorry.”
“Just…relax. It will all work out.” Then he turned and walked away, and Will wished he had his friend’s confidence. It wasn’t easy to think positively at this point. For so long, he had enjoyed being single and dating casually, but now he was ready for the next phase of life, and that phase was with Sloane.
If she’d ever get here!
“Don’t be mad…”
“I knew it!” Will muttered. “It’s bad news, isn’t it?”
“Unfortunately…yes,” she said sadly. “I guess that stomach bug wasn’t only a Sweetbriar Ridge thing. It hit here and—more specifically—me. It’s awful.”
“Oh, baby, I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I know it is. Are you okay? Do you need anything?”
“It’s got to run its course like it did with you. Mom’s over it, and she’s taking care of me, but I think it would be best if I didn’t commit to fourteen hours of driving. I’m sorry.”
He sighed. “Damn. I was just really looking forward to you finally being here and going to the festival with me. Now I’m going to look silly dressed up in a costume all by myself.”
“You’re not exactly by yourself. The entire town is going to be dressed up,” she reminded him.
“Yeah, well…it’s still not the same. Maybe I’ll just skip it…”
“Don’t you dare!” she cried.
“Why not? It’s going to suck without you there.”
“Will,” she began patiently. “You’ve gone to the festivals without me for your entire life.”
“That’s not completely true,” he argued. “You’ve been with me for the last three years, but I was looking forward to us going together to this one and having it be your first official festival as a resident of the town. I know you’re sick and you can’t help it, but…I’m disappointed.” He paused. “I’m sorry. I’m being a big baby, aren’t I?”
“No,” she assured him. “I’m disappointed too. I was looking forward to seeing you dressed up as a cowboy.”
“I’m a really sexy cowboy, too,” he teased.
“I know you are,” she cooed. “And when I finally get there, I promise we’ll let you dress up like that again.”
He chuckled. “Now you’re just being ridiculous. But I love you for it.”
“And I love you too.”
“And now I’ll have to wait another year to see you walk around town as a sexy nurse.”
She rolled her eyes. “That was never going to happen!” But she couldn’t help but laugh as she said it.
“In my mind, it was.”
“I was going to be a cowgirl, and we would have been adorable.”
“Ugh…I really hate that word. It sounds like a compliment, but it’s really not.”
“That’s not completely true…”
“It is. Trust me.”
“And I was really excited to wear my cowboy hat. I don’t have anyplace else to wear it until next Halloween.”
“We’ll have to pick different costumes next year. I can’t go as the same thing twice.”
That sounded completely adorable—but she kept that observation to herself. “Well, we’ll have to think about it when the time comes around.” She yawned loudly. “Listen, I really need to get some sleep. I’m so sorry to be missing out this weekend.”
“Me too, baby. I wish I were there with you.”
“That’s how I felt when you were sick. And just think, the next time either of us gets sick, we’ll be there for each other. Won’t that be fun?”
“I know you’re trying to make light of this…”
“Then let me,” she said softly. “One more week.”
He sighed. “One more week.”
“And don’t eat too much candy at the festival.”
He let out a small laugh. “I’ll try. The shop is going to be open tomorrow until noon and then we’re closing for the weekend. I’m not going to go over to the festival until tomorrow night. Maybe. Maybe not.”
“Isn’t that when they’re doing the hayrides and the pumpkin patch?”
“Yup. No one to hold onto for the hayride so…I’ll hang out around town and check out the games and see where I can help. I hadn’t volunteered for anything, so…”
“I know. I know. Believe me, I’d give anything to be there with you rather than here…like this.”
“I know that too,” he said, his voice soft like silk. “Go rest and I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Mmm…sounds good. Love you.”
“Love you too.”