Chapter Eight
New Year’s Eve
Aweek had passed since he’d heard from her.
Brad was still at the office, working on the final patch to secure their server from being hacked again. He had worked night and day, even spending some nights in his office until they’d regained control of their databases.
He was almost to the point where he could breathe easy again. But that worried him. He couldn’t help but wonder what new problem would befall them next.
But in between all of the work, he found his thoughts often drifting back to Abby. For some reason, he’d expected more messages asking him a random question, like what color he thought the flowers should be.
Maybe he should check in and see how the party preparations were going. If nothing else, he could offer to pay for the decorations. It wasn’t a lot, but it was something. He reached for his phone.
Brad: How are things going?
He set aside his phone, not expecting an immediate response. And yet a few seconds later, his phone dinged.
Abby: Are you on another blind date?
He let out a laugh. That wasn’t the response he’d been expecting. He thought back to his mother’s matchmaking. Her and her neighbor got it into their heads that their single offsprings should get together.
It didn’t work out. He wasn’t interested in dating. And his date already had a rocker boyfriend who had a lot of tattoos that she didn’t think his mother would approve of.
Brad: Definitely not. Do you have a New Year’s date?
It wasn’t until he sent the message that he realized his error. He didn’t want her to read too much into his question. It wasn’t like he cared who she dated.
Just then an image filled his mind of her all dressed up and sitting in a restaurant with some guy as she stared adoringly into his eyes. A frown pulled at the corners of Brad’s lips. He shoved aside the image.
Abby: Oh, yes. He’s amazing.
Brad: That’s great.
His back teeth ground together. He didn’t know why he let her date bother him. After all, she was annoying and pushy. She was everything he didn’t want in a date. And yet the knowledge that she was out on a date that she was enjoying left a sour feeling in the pit of her stomach.
Abby: He’s so handsome. He’s a total gentleman. He’s a prince.
Brad rolled his eyes: He sounds perfect.
Abby: He is.
He should end this conversation. He didn’t want to discuss this perfect guy. And yet he couldn’t stop his fingers from moving over the screen.
Brad: Where did you meet Mr. Perfect?
Abby: On my television.
Brad: What?
Abby: *laughing emoji* He’s a character in a movie.
He reread her response. Was she serious? He breathed a sigh of relief. He didn’t know why it mattered to him if she was alone or not. Maybe it was because he didn’t want to be the only one without plans for the New Year.
Brad: So, you’re spending another holiday alone at home?
Abby: I told you I’m not alone. I have a hottie on the television.
He smiled and shook his head. He’d certainly misjudged her the first time they’d met. She was fun and kept him guessing.
Brad: I still think that is considered being alone.
Abby: *frowning emoji* Don’t ruin it for me.
Brad: Sorry. Wouldn’t want to spoil your hot date with an illusion.
Abby: Hey, don’t be rude. Let a girl dream.
Brad let out another laugh. She definitely had more spunk than he’d originally given her credit for. She intrigued him. Too bad she lived so far away.
Brad: How are plans for the party going?
Abby: Good. No thanks to you.
Ouch! But he supposed he deserved it. He should figure out a way to make it up to her. But how?
Brad: Sorry about that. But it probably worked out for the best.
Abby: Says the man who hasn’t helped.
Brad: Is there anything left to do?
Abby: Yes. Thought you’d never ask.
Brad: What is it? Order flowers? Balloons?
Abby: You need to arrive a day early to decorate.
Decorate? He thought about asking if she was serious, but even via a text message he knew she was dead serious. Guilt smacked him in the face. He hadn’t even been planning to attend the party. He didn’t do those sorts of events. And with the problems at the office, he should really stay home.
Brad: I don’t think you want me decorating.
Abby: Do you know how to tie a knot?
Brad: Seriously?
Abby: Just answer the question.
Brad expelled an exasperated sigh: Yes.
Abby: Do you know how to tape things?
Brad rolled his eyes: Yes.
Abby: You’re hired.
He hadn’t planned to return to Bayberry so quickly. In fact, he hadn’t been planning to return until the wedding. He’d been hoping to convince Reed and Sadie to visit him in Chicago.
But he’d had to leave Bayberry before he’d been able to have the conversation with Reed.
In fact, they hadn’t had much time to talk about anything but work in the past few weeks.
Perhaps this was just the excuse he needed to pop in and plant some seeds in Reed’s mind about moving his family to Chicago.
With that thought in mind, he lifted his phone and began typing.
Brad: I’ll be there.
Abby: Are you sure?
Brad: Of course.
Abby: It’s just I wonder if another work emergency is going to come up.
Brad: It won’t.
Abby: Remember the party is a secret. You’ll have to sneak into town.
Brad: Sneak???
Abby: Yes. Sadie wants to surprise Reed.
Brad hesitated: Okay. I’ll do my best.
Instead of going to a New Year’s party or watching television as the ball dropped in Times Square, Brad made airline reservations. He wasn’t sure about this sneaking around stuff, but it was for Reed, so he’d do it.