Chapter 7 #3
Chelsey laughed and Taylor grinned, causing that mischievous dimple of his to show up. She caught herself leaning toward him and straightened quickly. What was happening to her? She shoved a piece of crust in her mouth.
“Maybe next June you should think about doing the bachelor auction out here,” Taylor said.
“That’s exactly what I’ve been saying for three years.
” Wendy walked by with a plate full of pizza.
She sat on the bench next to the one Taylor and Chelsey shared.
She set her plate down and gestured with her hands.
“Picture this—wicker chairs with thick cushions arranged in intimate groups around a cozy propane-gas firepits where guests could relax and chat. Strings of light bulbs crisscrossing above them, adding a festive element. With a little more planning, this area could host bigger groups for receptions, banquets and parties.”
Taylor rested his elbows on his knees. “You’ve really thought about this, haven’t you?”
Wendy nodded. “The only problem, besides funding, is that the city council claims this little patch of green sits too close to wetlands, which can’t be disturbed.”
Taylor looked behind him. “I never noticed those cattails before. I don’t see why that area couldn’t be included in some landscaping. Maybe a bridge over the area and a walkway around it that would lead naturally to and from the gazebo.”
Wendy studied the gazebo. “Fresh paint job and perennial flowering shrubs would instantly update the space.”
Chelsey and Wendy glanced at each other. They’d been down this road with the city council; no one knew what to do with the area or didn’t have the time to talk with them about it. Maybe Taylor could make a few “suggestions” to his dad, the mayor.
“I see the wheels turning in your brain,” Taylor said to Chelsey. “You want me to talk to my dad, don’t you.”
Wendy pointed a piece of pizza at him. “You’re the expert.”
“Baby steps.” Chelsey pointed to the arbor a little way from the patio area. “This year we added mistletoe.”
Taylor arched an eyebrow. “But it’s not Christmas.”
Chelsey smiled at him “It shouldn’t matter what season it is to give someone the chance to kiss their sweetheart.” She kept her eyes focused on the upper half of his face and tried not to look at his lips.
Someone called Wendy’s name, and she hurried off. Chelsey appreciated that their volunteers and employees were comfortable in asking for help or advice. But now she was alone with Taylor again. What was he thinking?
Taylor ran a hand through his hair and took a long breath. “Chelsey, I need to talk to you.”
“I’m sorry, I can’t right now.” She waved her hand around. She didn’t want to hear that Taylor Compton was leaving again. She didn’t have the strength mentally at the moment. “I have all of this mess going on…” She ran a hand across her forehead. Her head felt funny and sluggish.
Taylor knelt in front of her, brushed dark hair off her forehead and tucked that one rogue strand behind her ear. “Are you okay?”
She could dive into those blue eyes of his. If she leaned a little closer, just a little, she could kiss him.
Chelsey straightened so quickly her head spun and her stomach roiled. How awesome would it be if she threw up right now on Taylor?
“I just need a minute.” She put her head between her legs. Taylor pulled her hair back and held it in place on her back, warming a spot between her shoulder blades with his touch.
“What did your mom always say, Chelsey?”
Chelsey was so distracted by the touch of Taylor’s hand that it took a moment to find her voice.
“‘There’s always a surprise. All you have to do is make it a positive one,’” Chelsey mumbled.
Taylor shifted beside her, but he didn’t leave.
He didn’t say anything for a few moments and Chelsey wondered if he thought she was crazy.
She would’ve sat up and found an excuse to put distance between the two of them, but right then he started to gently comb his fingers through her hair, causing her body to react to him, wanting to lean into him.
Finally, he took a deep breath. “Your mom said that to me once.” His voice was raspy and emotional.
Chelsey turned her head to the side until she was looking at Taylor. His eyes were glazed over, and he had a faraway look on his face. Chelsey couldn’t imagine in what context her mom would’ve said those words to him.
Taylor lowered his head so Chelsey was unable to study his countenance anymore. “You probably didn’t know it, but I came to your house that day.”
That. Day.
Chelsey’s heart dropped to the bottom of her already weak stomach.
There were a few days that stuck out in Chelsey’s mind but the one that had affected her the most was the day she and Taylor talked about getting married as soon as they both graduated from college.
She had her colors and a dress picked out.
She wanted the ceremony to be held in the first place they met. Did Taylor remember?
The second big day that stuck out to Chelsey was the day Taylor left the country without saying a word to her.