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“What was wrong with those judges?” Blake asked.
“I’d venture to guess we weren’t as good back then as we thought we were,” Rhett said, taking Holly’s hand. “I believe one of the judges called it ‘overwrought.’”
“Which we had to look up in the dictionary later,” Holly said, laughing. “And we never did get to go to the pool.”
“But we had each other,” Rhett said. “Which took the sting out of it.”
“Not to mention the hours and hours of practice that kept us out of trouble,” Holly said.
They left the stage still holding hands, smiling at each other like they shared a secret.
The rest of the show was equally as entertaining. Blake shared some footage she’d taken of Beck, which reeked of the same ailment I had—infatuation with her subject. I drew mine. She filmed hers.
Jack demonstrated on an electric skillet how to make his famous Bologna Quesadilla, followed by Knox whittling a Christmas tree ornament, which he gave to Madeleine. Upon closer look, I could see it was a miniature cabin.
This whole month was getting more interesting by the minute. The longing and love that seemed to exist in this room was as clear to me as anything ever had been. There was Luci and me, doomed because of my emotional baggage and damage. Rhett and Holly, doomed by life decisions that took them in opposite directions. Knox and Madeleine, too stubborn to see what was right in front of them. Blake already half in love with a man she’d probably never see again after the month ended.
It was only Jack and Ivy who would leave here with their hearts still intact.
19
GRANT
Most of us drifted back to the bar after the talent show, still hyped up from the entertainment, our voices carrying in the quiet of the evening. Luci and I had agreed to go with the others for a drink and then meet at her cabin later.
I ordered a beer from the bartender and was standing waiting for it when Carol sidled up next to me. “Hello, Grant. You have a moment? Come sit with me.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She led me over to a corner, somewhat apart from the rest who had settled at the bar or the long table.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Carol asked. “Or is it too much—this month of celebrating.”
“I’m enjoying myself very much. It’s nice to slow down.”
“I can imagine so. At your age, I was always exhausted. Now, Jack’s given me a life of luxury. I’m half way to being worthless.”
“No, ma’am. Impossible. It’s clear how much your Stonehaven bunch loves you. You might not realize how they feel about you, but it’s obvious to me.” I picked up my glass to take a sip.
“Speaking of feelings.” Carol wiped away the condensation my beer glass had made on the table with her hand. “I promised Luci I’d stay out of it, but I’m finding it harder and harder to keep my word.”
“Ma’am?”
“It’s obvious what’s happening between you two.”
My stomach lurched and a throbbing started at the back of my eyes. “What do you mean by stay out of it?”
“I hate to see two people feel the way you do and not be brave enough to seize it.”
I stared into my beer.
“Young man, I’ve been around a lot longer than you, and I’ll tell you the one thing I know above all else. Love is the only thing that matters in this world. I can speak about it with authority, since most of my life that’s all I had. These kids of mine have been my whole world. I’m grateful for how they turned out, but I also worry. And pray. A lot. Now that Jack’s found his person, I want it for Luci too. I’d hate to see her leave this place more broken than she came into it.”
“I’d hate that too.”
“I mostly try to stay out of my kids’ lives but, in this case, I feel I must say something. You must go to Jack and tell him the truth. Trust him enough that he’ll understand. Let him see your heart. He’s a kind man, Grant. And he loves his sister with everything he has. He wants her to be happy. We both know she’s been lonely. But when she’s with you, she loses that sadness in her eyes. I’ll say it plainly because that’s the kind of person I am. I see you clearly. And I think it’s time for you to do what’s right by Luci.”
I glanced sideways, feeling eyes upon me. It was Jack at the bar, watching Carol and me. God only knows what he was thinking. Prickles of anxiety worked their way into my stomach. This was all too messy.
