A Christmas Kind of Perfect Read online

  “What I need to say is a little awkward, but I think it’s time I come clean. You remember me talking about Bud, the corporate guru who came to teach us some new marketing strategies?”

  Conrad lifted his gaze and locked eyes with Suzanne.

  She pulled in a breath and squared up her shoulders. “He’s quite the accomplished realtor, and our personalities click. Do you understand my meaning? He’s opening up an enormous office in Madison, taking half of our office with him. He wants me at the helm. It’s the break I’ve been waiting for.”

  Although she tried to conceal it, Conrad heard the crack in her voice, the pull of air into her lungs. She needed to get the words out. But what almost killed him, were the tears she was fighting. This was so unexpected. But then, they both understood what was really going on here. “I know how much your career means to you.”

  She pushed her glass away from her to the center of the table. “Oh, good. I was hoping you’d agree. So, you’re OK with us taking some time apart to figure things out?”

  Conrad gazed at the slender hand that slipped into his. He rubbed his callused thumb across her knuckles, realizing it would be the last opportunity he’d repeat the endearment. “If that’s what you think is best.”

  She tilted her head toward him. Her face softening, “Now what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?”

  Conrad shook his head. “It’s not important. It can wait.”

  She withdrew her hand and stood up from the table. It broke free from his embrace like a kite string through his fingers. He understood the meaning. She was gone.

  “Now, if you don’t mind, I promised my mother I’d stop by and help her with the party decorations. I can see from here it’s started snowing outside, so I’d like to get over there before the roads turn messy.”

  Conrad got to his feet and helped Suzanne on with her coat. He squeezed her shoulders.

  “I loved our time together. I wish you only happiness,” he whispered in her ear. He hoped she believed him because it was true.

  She turned to face him. The teary-eyed woman of a moment ago was gone. She stood with a resolve that impressed him. “I’m going to be fine. I’ll bury myself in my work and take Bud up on his offer, but would you accept some advice from someone who loved you?”

  Conrad’s ears perked at the past tense affection. He cast his gaze down at his feet. He wasn’t sure what to expect but prepared himself for what he deserved.

  She slid on her ebony black leather gloves as if it was any other day and not what it was—the end of them. “Don’t wait this time. Go after her.”

  Conrad’s jaw dropped. She knew.

  Their eyes met and held. In the next moment, in the elegant style he’d grown accustom to, she leaned toward him. Her long blond hair falling forward, the exotic scent of her perfume filling the space. She brushed his cheek with a kiss as soft as the skin of one of Melanie’s newborn sons. “Good-bye, love.” Without another word, she turned and walked away.

  26

  Yesterday had been difficult. It was her final day at the store. She would miss being a part of Window Shopping.

  Lila found Aunt Cathy in the kitchen reading the newspaper. She set it aside when Lila entered the room and sipped from her mug of coffee.

  “You look awful. Did you sleep at all?” her aunt asked.

  Lila yawned. “Not much.” She pulled the sides of her robe together and tied the sash. It was a rough night despite her conviction not to dwell on everything that happened. She noticed her aunt wasn’t dressed in her typical pink furry robe and slippers. “Where are you off to today?”

  “I got a call from Melanie yesterday. She asked if I could help her mother out at the store this afternoon, especially with your Twelve Days of Christmas Sale. That’s why I turned in early last night. I need all the stamina I can muster.”

  Lila shuffled into the room. “It’s Christmas cookie platters today.”

  Her aunt raised her brows.

  “Buy one, get one half off.” Lila hoped to satisfy her aunt’s question.

  “I’m not talking about the sale.” Aunt Cathy’s tone told Lila that she meant business.

  Aunt Cathy took a deep inhale, “Are you flying out today?”

  “I’m taking that afternoon flight to LaGuardia.”

  Cathy raised her voice a notch. “Did you hear they’re predicting four-to-six inches of snow?”

  “I watched the news last night. The storm isn’t moving in until later this afternoon. Plus, the sport utility vehicle has four-wheel drive. I’ll be all right. I do not want you to worry about me.” She was feigning a courage she didn’t possess but the last thing she wanted was to worry her aunt.

  “I wish you never made that flight reservation last week when your agent called.”

  “After what I witnessed last night, it’s a blessing I did.”

  Cathy motioned for Lila to join her at the table. “Sit down a minute and tell me what happened.”

  Lila pulled out a chair after she filled a mug with coffee. Her insides churned like a handful of walnuts destined for the nut mill.

  “I was part of an interesting exchange with Suzanne and her mother at the store.”

  Aunt Cathy’s shoulder blades hit the back of her chair. Her mouth gaped open. “They were at Window Shopping?” she asked.

  Lila widened her eyes and continued, “Mrs. Matthews suggested to Suzanne she should register for wedding gifts with the store when the time comes.”

  “Real…ly.” Aunt Cathy strung out each syllable to emphasize her surprise.

  “It’s what followed Mrs. Matthews’s suggestion that surprised me.”

  Cathy leaned in, pressing her full waist against the table’s edge. “Explain.”

  “I don’t think Suzanne cares one way or another if Conrad proposes. It’s the way she responded to the suggestion and the ice in her eyes.”

  “She never was a good fit for our Conrad.” Aunt Cathy resumed her ramrod position in the chair.

  “That’s not all that happened. I took their gift down to Albright Jewelers for engraving.”

  “Aha, aha.”

  “When I was back in my car, waiting for it to warm up, I spotted Conrad walking into the store.”

  If she was surprised, Aunt Cathy didn’t show it. “And?” She shrugged as if she needed more to make a full assessment of the situation.

  “What do you mean, ‘and’? Isn’t it obvious?”

  Cathy scowled. “No, it isn’t. Not to me.”

  Lila folded her arms across her chest. “He’s decided to propose to Suzanne.”

  “That the conclusion you’ve jumped to all on your own?”

  “He told me he wanted to get his life in order. Well, I guess this is it.”

  Cathy shook her head. “You can’t assume anything for sure until you talk with him.”

  “He walked into a jewelry store and after our argument a few days ago, I’m not surprised. It all makes sense now.”

  Cathy placed her hands on full hips. “Well, your day was certainly full, wasn’t it? Now I understand why you didn’t sleep at all last night. What did you two have words about?”

  Heat rose up Lila’s neck. “He accused me of running off to the big city, and I reminded him of the responsibilities we both made to other people. It’s the same old argument rearing its head.”

  “Don’t you dare search for a reason to run. Not again. Remember when we talked about the applesauce skins in the sauce?”

  Lila paused, giving merit to what her aunt was reminding her of—that unsettled issues tend to resurface in life.

  “Honey, God’s already forgiven you for the hurt you’ve caused Conrad. It’s time you forgive yourself, and Conrad has to do the very exact thing. I swear. You two are your own worst enemies.”

  Lila drank from her mug, the caffeinated brew working its magic. “It’s too late, Aunt Cathy. I won’t interfere. Conrad’s made up his mind. It’s time for me to go home.” The words left her mouth, but
in her heart, she realized New York would never be the same special place on Earth it used to be.

  “Are you going to tell him you’re leaving?”

  Lila refrained from answering for a minute fighting the urge to be sick. The coffee she’d enjoyed moments ago now working against her. “I think I’ll save him the awkward truth of telling me he’s proposed.”

  “Oh, Lila.” Aunt Cathy got up from the table and opened her arms. “How I wish you’d change your mind. Something about all this doesn’t sit well with me.”

  Lila stood from the table and walked into her aunt’s open arms, the scent of lavender closing in all around her. She was going to miss these loving arms. “Thank you, for everything,” she whispered. She’d remember this moment. The last hours before she left Conrad.

  Aunt Cathy placed her hands on Lila’s arms and looked her straight in the eyes. “This has been your home since your parents’ terrible accident, and it always will be for as long as the good Lord gives me.”

  “You’re too good to me.” Lila gazed at her aunt as if for the last time cataloging every detail like a new item that arrived at the store. Although they spoke on the phone often, she wasn’t sure when the next time they’d be together. Her new life was slipping away. “I guess I’d better get going. I want a head start to beat this snow.”

  “OK, but I still don’t like this. Did you call the airport and make sure your flight is running on time, or even scheduled? Sometimes they cancel flights due to bad weather coming in.”

  “Already did that before I came down. There’s no snow in New York. All I need to do is get to the airport. It’ll be OK,” Lila used a tone filled with confidence she wished was real.

  “Fine, huh? I’m not sure about that. You never did like driving in snow.”

  “Don’t forget I grew up here. I still remember how to drive in winter weather.”

  Aunt Cathy offered up her hands. “When’s the last time you drove in a snowstorm? You told me you take cabs everywhere in New York.”

  Lila walked her mug over to the kitchen sink. “I’m going to miss all your mothering. No one in New York cares like you do.”

  “That’s an easy solution. Don’t go back.” Aunt Cathy slapped her hands together as if the discussion was over.

  Lila exhaled, “I must, and there’s a part of you that realizes as much.”

  “Will you do me a favor? Call me when you reach the airport. Phone service is sporadic with an approaching storm. I’ll be sick with worry until that phone rings.”

  Lila turned and kissed her aunt’s cheek and headed for her room. “I will. Now you have a terrific day at the store today and sell, sell, sell those platters.”

  “Still as stubborn as you were as a child.”

  Lila smiled at her aunt’s scolding, but her heart was anything but happy.

  27

  Conrad woke surprised he'd slept as well as he had. Then again, his life was finally in a place that made absolute sense to him—the future he desired within his grasp. The last time he spoke with Lila, he’d been a total jerk. What was he thinking? Losing his temper never solved anything. Why didn’t he turn around and apologize? There were times when his short fuse got the best of him, causing walls to erect and regrets to move in. He’d stormed off like an immature kid, but he’d make it up to her today.

  Everything was planned out on how he’d handle this. After a quick shower, he’d grab a thermos of coffee and head down to Window Shopping. After working there for almost a month, building the ski chalet, he remembered it was usually quiet first thing in the morning, but this was the day before Christmas Eve. He hoped it wasn’t busy, but if it was, he’d wait for a reprieve. He needed time to say what he wanted to say to her. After rehearsing plenty last night as he lay in bed before falling asleep. He was ready.

  He was about to step out the door when a series of phone calls left him dealing with an irate client who demanded to speak to him and settle an issue. The misunderstanding set him back a good two hours. Now, finally, he was on his way to the store, surprised to find the road conditions treacherous. He’d thought the storm wasn’t expected until much later.

  He parked a block away from the store. Lifting his collar to shield his face from the snow, he stomped down the sidewalk, his footsteps sinking deep. His heart slammed against his chest—pure adrenaline. Finally, things were going to work out as they were meant to five years ago.

  He opened the door to the store and walked in, oblivious to the Christmas music but not to the number of customers waiting to check out. He scanned the room for Lila. To his surprise, he found Melanie’s mother, Mrs. Lange, behind the counter.

  After she’d checked out three customers, Conrad inched his way to the counter. “Hello, Mrs. Lange. I’d like to speak to Lila.”

  Mrs. Lange restacked a pile of flyers. “I thought she left. That’s why I’m here.”

  Conrad’s throat seized. “What do you mean?” The words stuck on his tongue like sticky taffy in a little boy’s teeth.

  Mrs. Lange shrugged her shoulders. “She told Melanie she needed me to take over full-time starting today. Her Aunt Cathy is coming in this afternoon. She might be able to help you out.”

  Conrad rapped his knuckles three times on the counter. “Thanks, that helps.” He turned and headed for the front door, battling his greatest fear—that he was too late. He ran back to his truck, fighting the wind and snow that pelted his face. His only concern was to find Lila.

  He jumped in his truck, threw it into four-wheel-drive and fought the slow traffic over to Lila’s. Once there, Conrad rang the doorbell at least half a dozen times. He wanted to be sure that Mrs. Williams heard it. The adrenaline surging earlier now began to fray into tiny shards inside of him.

  The front door whooshed opened. Cathy stood in the doorway. “For goodness’ sake, Conrad, what on earth has gotten into you?” She clutched at her sweater, drawing it up over her neck. “Come on in out of this storm.”

  He ambled in. Melting snow dripped off his boots falling onto the small foyer rug like a melting ice cream cone on a summer’s day.

  Cathy closed the interior door. “I can pretty well guess why you’re here.”

  Conrad brushed the snow off of his head. It scattered into the air throughout the room. “I’m hoping Lila is…”

  “She left thirty minutes ago, possibly forty-five. I’m not sure you can catch her. This storm came early. I’m worried about her. She’s not used to driving in this kind of weather.”

  Conrad wrestled with the panic that slammed every emergency button in his head. He turned to leave, not wanting to waste another minute.

  “Do you think calling her is a good idea?” Cathy suggested. Worry splashed across her face like freckles on a schoolgirl. She opened both doors for Conrad and stood facing the onslaught of snow and sleet.

  Conrad stepped out onto the concrete stoop. He raised a gloved hand against the weather. “I don’t want her distracted while driving. It could cause an accident. I’ll take the back roads. Don’t worry; I’ll catch up to her.”

  Aunt Cathy nodded. “You’re right. Be safe out there. The news is reporting another foot of snow until this system moves through the area.”

  Conrad gave Cathy a wave good-bye and hustled back to his truck. He tore down the road a little fast for the conditions, but this wasn’t the first snowstorm he’d manhandled in five years, the way it was for Lila. “Keep her from harm, Lord,” he prayed and hit the gas toward Highway 42.

  28

  Once on the highway, Lila refused to think about Conrad. As far as she was concerned, he left her the day he walked into Albright Jewelers. The thought steeled her nerves as she made her way down Highway 42, headed for the airport.

  Although she departed early, hoping to beat the prediction of heavy snow, her tight grip on the steering wheel confirmed it was already too late. She forced tired eyes on the road, wishing she’d slept better. Visibility was awful, a few yards ahead of her vehicle. The road ahead loo
med like a haunted castle waiting to devour her. Conrad was right when he said she’d always been a scaredy-cat over winter storms, and today was no exception. No, no, no. I will not think of Conrad. She lowered her speed and pressed on, but at this rate, she wouldn’t make it to the airport until tomorrow. She could almost reach over and touch her fear, sitting right next to her in the passenger seat. The plows wouldn’t be out yet—they’d wait for the storm to subside. “Don’t panic,” she said out loud. “Take it easy.”

  It was right after she’d passed Fish Creek, heading for Egg Harbor, when she spotted deer. By instinct, she lifted her foot off the gas and slammed on the brakes. Oh, oh! The tires locked. The truck slid on a thick layer of ice. Her eyes shot to the driver’s-side mirror. The back end of the vehicle moved forward in an unnatural angle.

  Lila shrieked. She repositioned her hands on the wheel and tightened her grip, causing her knuckles to appear like snow-topped mountain peaks. She squeezed her eyelids closed. She’d lost control. “Stay with me, Lord!” she cried.

  She bounced forward in her seat avoiding the steering wheel by mere inches. The contents of her purse flew across the dashboard and onto the floor. An abrupt slam brought everything to a deathly silence. The motor idled. She peered through squinted eyes. Fear gripped her. Was the vehicle totaled? She’d never done that before. Panic rose in her throat. She was alone, on a highway less traveled during the winter months, in the middle of a snowstorm, without cellphone service. How long would it be until someone came along to help her? She turned to find the passenger side of the vehicle smashed into a snowbank right next to a utility pole. She exhaled, relieving the tension in her chest that disguised itself as the worst heartburn of her life.

  Up ahead, a family of deer emerged from the protection of the forest. Lila watched the doe as she took calculated steps across the road. The others followed close behind her. They moved in sync, aware of each other’s signals, until they reached safety on the other side, soon disappearing into the forest. They were a family—their natural instincts guiding them away from danger yet drawing them near to protect what was most important—each other.