Chapter 10 Clara
O NE PLACE I NEVER EXPECTED to find myself is in an accidental standoff with a reindeer on a Christmas tree farm.
Maggie looked exhausted and uncomfortable at breakfast, a fibromyalgia flare-up she said, so I told her to let me know if she had anything I could help her with. She explained her daughter is usually around to help out but she had a baby a few months ago and Maggie doesn’t like to bother her.
I was very clear that I am here to be bothered with anything that makes her life easier and more comfortable. I left the breakfast table with a grocery list and petty cash.
When I went back to my room I opened up the closet and pushed my clothes to the side to reveal my curling, barely-holding-on plan and added the name Maggie beside everyone else.
Sure, she isn’t directly involved in the Holly doll project, but she did lose business because of it when the blogger canceled their reservation.
I added make her life easier underneath her name.
Everyone else’s question marks got a little bit bigger in my mind.
The grocery store trip gave me a false sense of achievement.
Which means when Maggie mentioned she’d been planning to pick out the B I might need a new sticky note for that. “What’re you even doing here?”
“It’s a Christmas tree farm. I’m picking out Christmas trees…”
“But you’re not here for Christmas.” There’s almost a question in his statement. It sits somewhere between him reassuring himself and mild panic. Maybe a touch of curiosity if I’m kind to myself.
It’s tempting to play into his obvious fear, but I remember the question mark under his name and that I’ve already had my fun with him today, so I decide against it. “I’m helping Maggie. She isn’t feeling great today.”
His expression immediately changes to real concern. “Why didn’t she call me? What does she need?”
The night we met, Jack was constantly being asked to help with things. Even though he sighed every time the phone lit up, he didn’t once screen anybody’s call. The town meeting was full of updates on things Jack had fixed. His role in this community is very clearly problem solver.
“I’m sure she’ll call you if there’s something I can’t do for her,” I say, deflecting. “I’ll tell her you’re around if she needs you.”
Jack’s mouth opens like he’s going to say something but closes just as quick. I feel like the words thank you were on the tip of his tongue, but I might be being optimistic. “Okay.”
I want to tell him I have a plan, that even when I’m joking with him, fixing things is on my mind, but I don’t. Jack’s going to see what I can do.