Chapter 18
EVE
I'd pulled up the rental truck I'd filled with everything we'd need to set up the light trail. I shared the plan with the guys from the fire department and divided everyone into groups so that several guys worked on each theme.
I'd even asked Morgan Sterling, an electrician, to inspect the setup to ensure that everything was connected properly and safe.
The last thing I needed was a fire or something that could stop the holiday light trail before it started.
I ran from section to section, answering questions about placement. We adjusted the characters so the displays were attractive and tested everything to make sure it worked.
While Morgan inspected the connections, I ordered pizza and soda for the guys.
They leaned against their vehicles, eating, drinking, and talking. Maddox seemed to set himself apart from everyone. I wondered if he did that because he felt separate from them or if it had something to do with being the boss soon.
It made sense that a supervisor wouldn't get in the thick of a social gathering, but Maddox wasn't that yet.
After they were done eating, I cleaned up. When Maddox moved to help me, I said, "You can go home. I think Morgan will be here for a while."
He nodded. "Sofia needs to get to bed."
"Thanks for helping. Everything looks great," I told Sofia.
She twirled in a circle, her gloved hands floating out from her side. "I can't believe you used my design."
"It was good," I said.
"Now let's get you to bed," Maddox said to Sofia. Then he kissed my cheek.
I waved goodbye as they left, excited that the light trail had come together so quickly.
While Morgan inspected everything, I pulled out my laptop and worked on the designs for the signs I wanted to put up around town, both in Telluride and here.
I decided that all proceeds would benefit the fire department.
I felt good about that decision. They'd come through for us this season.
When Morgan knocked on my window, I opened the door and hopped out. "How does it look?"
"I made sure everything was connected properly so you should be good to go. If it's windy, you'll need to walk around and resecure the connections. They tend to come loose."
"Thanks for doing that."
"I have a feeling it's going to be a popular attraction."
"I hope so. It was a lot of fun to plan and build. Although Sofia was the one who came up with the specific design."
Morgan nodded as he moved toward his truck. "It's a nice addition to the town. You're doing a good job here."
"I know you're already working at the inn, but would you be willing to inspect the other buildings and write a report on what needs to be done?"
He nodded. "I can do that."
I let out a breath. "I don't want to wait until we have a problem."
"You definitely want to fix things before they become a problem." He placed his tools in the bed of his truck.
"I really appreciate your help here and at the inn."
He closed the tailgate. "You and your sister are practically family."
I smiled, pleased that he thought that. "That's good to hear."
Morgan got into his truck, and I headed home. The last few nights, Maddox hadn't asked me to come over. I wasn't sure if it was because this past weekend scared him. I wouldn't be surprised if so.
We'd spent a lot of time together, and he might be questioning whether it was a good idea. I needed to be careful. After Sunday, I felt like I was in a free fall, and it was too late to turn back.
At home, I turned on the fireplace in my room and got into my pajamas. It was another quiet night.
How would it be if I went home to Maddox? Would we cook dinner together, then play a game or watch a movie before Sofia went to bed? It was a nice vision. My phone buzzed.
Maddox: Sofia's in bed.
Eve: I bet she was excited about the trail being done.
Maddox: She had a hard time settling down. She can't wait for the trail to be open.
Eve: Everything is ready to go. I don't see why we couldn't open it this weekend. Maybe a soft open tomorrow since I haven't had much time to advertise it.
Maddox: You did a good job with it.
Eve: That was mainly Sofia.
Maddox: But you picked the blowups and the themes.
Eve: It was a spur of the moment decision.
Maddox: It's going to be great.
Eve: I'm driving around town tomorrow, putting up signs.
Maddox: Do you need help? I'm off work.
Eve: I'd love the help.
Maddox: I think everyone has seen us around town as a couple now.
I hated that he brought that up. It made me feel like this was still an act, and I'd stopped thinking that a while ago.
Eve: We are friends who hang out together for real. Not to convince anyone of anything.
Maddox: I'd like to do more of that.
Eve: Me too.
Warmth spread through me. I wasn't looking for a relationship, especially not during the holiday season. This was my busy time. But I was falling more for Maddox every day. I liked that he'd stopped by the other night for hot chocolate.
Maddox: I went to a grief support group before we came to see you.
That made me pause.
Eve: I didn't realize that was something you were doing.
Maddox: Frank wanted me to talk to a therapist, which I am. But I saw this flyer at the town hall. Thought it might help.
I allowed people to hang flyers on the bulletin in the town hall, but I hadn't looked at it in a while.
Eve: What did you think of it?
Maddox: It was good. Really good.
Eve: I'm glad it was helpful. I'd imagine it was nice to connect with people who've been through the same thing.
Maddox: I got some phone numbers from other single parents. Apparently, they connect outside of the group meetings.
I chewed my lip. Would he connect with someone at these meetings who was a single mom? Would they have more in common than we did?
I didn't like the way that made me feel. I should be supportive, not jealous.
Eve: That's great. I'm happy for you.
Maddox: It feels like I'm finally getting my shit together.
Eve: There's no timeline on these things, and it wasn't like your life was falling apart.
Sometimes I felt like I hadn't dealt with mine. I certainly wasn't doing everything that Maddox was, but then again, he was a parent.
Eve: Did you want to bring Sofia tomorrow to test the light trail?
Maddox: She'd love that. She enjoyed being part of everything.
Eve: She was the designer, after all.
Maddox: She's so proud of herself.
Eve: She should be. It was a genius idea.
I still couldn't believe I hadn't thought of it. The light trails I'd been to were all linear. You saw one thing after the other. But our trail had themed stops, inviting people to linger.
Eve: I scheduled a hot chocolate truck to be stationed at the entrance to the trail so that people feel like they can take their time or go through as many times as they'd like.
Maddox: It's going to be a hit.
Eve: As long as everyone knows about it.
Maddox: We'll plaster Christmas Town and Telluride with flyers tomorrow.
Eve: Don't forget the firehouse.
Maddox: I think you're their favorite person at the moment. You always bring food, and you host events that benefit the department.
Eve: I put everyone to work too. Can't forget that.
Maddox: You're a master deal maker. You get whatever you want without making the other person feel like they're being manipulated.
My sister had said as much but in person it sounded more like teasing. On text, I couldn't tell if he was being serious or not.
Eve: Ouch
Maddox: Sorry I just reread that, and it sounded awful. I didn't mean it like that. It's a good thing.
I called him, and he answered on a laugh. "I'm sorry. I really didn't mean it like that. I like being manipulated by you."
My lips quirked. "Are you sure about that?"
"I'm positive. I didn't mean anything negative by it. You have this way of giving everyone what they want. That's not a manipulator." He fell silent for a few seconds. "It's more like a life planner where you’re helping people.”
I bit my lip but couldn't stop myself from asking, "What if I want you?
His side of the line fell silent. "Then I'd say you can have me."
"Mmm. I wish I was there right now." I wanted to show him how I felt.
"I want that too. But no more midnight meetings. No more hiding."
Pleasure flowed through me at his words. As much as I wanted to spend time with him, I wanted to do this the right way. "Are we officially dating then?"
"I'd say so. Tomorrow, it's you, me, and Sofia at the light trail, drinking hot chocolate."
"Sounds like the perfect night." I'd be working, considering how I could improve the light trail, but I could focus on them too.
"I'd better get to bed if I want to have energy to hang flyers around town."
"Good night, Maddox."
"Night, Eve."
I clicked End on the call and lay back on my pillows. I couldn't believe that things with Maddox had worked out so perfectly. He was talking to a therapist and attending grief support meetings. He was healing and getting exactly what he needed to have a healthy relationship.
There was a voice in my head, asking me what I'd done to deal with my parents' death. But I rolled over, promising myself I'd handle it after Christmas. I'd have more time to pause and figure things out.
My life was filled with work stress. I was a new business owner. But eventually I'd have to focus on my personal life.
I'd gotten through Thanksgiving, and I was positive that I could be with Maddox and Sofia at Christmas and be okay. I'm sure there'd be reminders, but nothing I couldn't handle. And what was that saying? It got easier with time, not harder?
I was going to be just fine.
The next morning, I went to the office early to get some work done before Maddox was due to meet me. I'd gotten through quite a few emails and requests for toy donations before I heard his heavy footsteps on the stairs as he made his way to me.
At the knock on my open door, I said, "Come in."
He held two coffees in his hand, balancing a bag of something that smelled sweet.
"You brought coffee and food."