We talk back and forth for a few more minutes to work out his plan of action and when we finally hang up and I’m almost dry heaving. I know in my heart his action plan might work out for him, but after losing my father, I’ve come to realize life is damn short. I’m not so sure I’m up to his game plan.
A rap on my door alerts me to the fact I’m still naked. I yell out to whoever to give me a minute and quickly yank on my jeans and shirt.
When I open the door it’s to find Mr. McCaid.
“Sorry to disturb you, but I thought you and I might take a drive into town.”
“What?”
“The missus is staying behind and I’d like to talk with you one-on-one.”
I run a hand through my hair and resist the urge to curse out loud. My morning had started out so great and then had quickly gone to hell. “Sure, that would be great. Mind if I finish getting dressed?”
Mr. McCaid walks into my cabin and I retreat to the bedroom to change into new clothing. He’s telling me we’ll grab a bite to eat at a small diner in Deerfield, the closest town, but truthfully my head space isn’t ready for this.
Within five minutes I’m in his truck and we’re making our way down the dirt road to the small town which is a good thirty minute drive. I’m wondering how to begin the conversation when the truth is my heart’s no longer in it.
CHAPTER TEN
Alyssa
I have no idea where the freaking morning went. What the hell was I thinking—spending the night with Blake? God, I’ve got to stop thinking this can be something. He doesn’t even know the real me and I can’t tell him who I am. Our entire relationship is one big lie.
“I think we should move that photo to the left side,” says Kat.
I glance over to where she’s pointing and immediately get what she’s trying to accomplish. “I’m good with that.”
Within seconds Noah is at work, moving the large easel holding the frame which he created to the other side of the large party room. The room has been totally transformed. Yesterday it was a plain, simple ballroom, but within hours the long, wooden tables have made way for black, round tables and chairs. Each table is draped with a black cloth and a bouquet of wild Alberta flowers rests in the center. There are fifteen easels, strategically placed throughout the room to ensue people can walk with ease through the tables. All of the hors d’oeuvres will be brought in with the wait staff who will weave through the expected three hundred guests. I wish to hell Kat hadn’t told me how many people were coming tonight. Thinking about all those people looking at my photos makes me feel ill.
I’m surprised Noah hasn’t ventured into the room, but knowing Becca, who is also in on the surprise for Kat, she’s informed everyone this is a no-enter zone until tonight.
“So, what are you wearing tonight?”
I’m fidgeting with one of my photos on an easel. “What?”
“Alyssa, tell me you’ve got a special dress for tonight,” says Becca, giving me one of her you-had-better looks.
I gulp and feel heat flush my face. “Shit. I totally forgot to spend all of my summer savings on a dress for tonight.” Christ, I can be sassy when I want to.
“Cut the crap. Have you got a dress?”
I shake my head. There had been a time that would have freaked me out. No more.
“Come on,” says Becca, grabbing my hand while issuing a slew of orders to Noah who isn’t looking so pleased.
Becca marches into the front office and spots Amy. Within seconds my size is being discussed like I’m a piece of merchandise. Turns out Amy isn’t near my size. Turns out no one is, which I told Kat five minutes ago. With a huff, Becca glares at me.
“We are going into town.”
“What? You can’t be serious. We don’t have time for this. You’ve got to finish the room.” I don’t want to go into town to buy some fancy dress I’ll only wear once. I almost laugh. I’ve done such a one-eighty in my line of thinking I sometimes wonder who the hell I am.
“We’ve got time, plus I need a pair of shoes.”
I groan and follow Becca outside. She spots one of the crew and within minutes she’s talked him into lending us his pick-up for a couple of hours and we’re making our way into town. That’s one thing about being in a small town I’ve come to love. People actually don’t mind helping each other.
The town isn’t big but it’s charming. The main street has a line of brick buildings, some over a hundred years old and I find it cute how they’ve got hanging baskets filled with wild flowers on all the old-fashioned light posts. We turn onto Main Street and I gasp. Walking across the street is Blake with Mr. McCaid. What the hell is he doing here with the owner of the resort?