“I say yes. That would be great. Mom will be relieved to have a solution to the whole how-do-I-fit-everyone-in problem.”
“The key is under the flowerpot by the front door. When I even remember to lock the door.”
“That will work out great, thank you.”
“Well, I better get back to work.” Becky Lee stood up. “You go over there and unpack anytime. You know where the guest bedroom is. I’m working the dinner shift, too, but I should be home around nine thirty or so.”
“Perfect. I’ll see you tonight.”
CHAPTER TWO
Missy told her mother about her plans to stay at Becky Lee’s and noticed the relief that flashed across her mother’s face. Her mother was the ultimate hostess, but only had so much space for a holiday crowd of visitors.
She moved her car from in front of her mother’s house to park by Becky Lee’s cute little cottage. She got out of the car and popped the trunk.
“Missy, is that you?”
She looked up to see Dylan Rivers loping across the street to her. He looked the same. Dark brown hair worn just a tad too long. The ever present hint of a day old beard. Broad shoulders, long legs, and an easy stride.
“Hey, I didn’t know you were in town.” Dylan swooped her up into a hug. “I haven’t seen you in years. I hear things are going great for you in Nashville. I expect to hear you on the radio any day now.”
This was exactly why she hadn’t come home in so many years.
“Dylan, hi. It’s great to see you.”
“You staying at Becky Lee’s?” Dylan nodded towards the cottage.
“I am. Mom’s got a houseful of Dwayne’s family coming for the holidays.”
“Let me help you haul your things in.” Dylan reached into the trunk and grabbed the suitcase and tote bag.
Missy grabbed the guitar and they headed into the cottage. She bent down to get the key from under the flowerpot, but laughed when Dylan just turned the knob and the door swung open.
“Gotta love this town. Been a long time since I’ve been somewhere that you don’t lock your doors.”
“Part of our charm.” Dylan stood back holding the door for Missy to cross inside in front of him.
Missy looked around the front room of Becky Lee’s cottage. Still charming. Still inviting. Nothing much had changed. Nostalgia swept over her and memories flooded back of all the times she’d hung out with her older cousin. She’d always been a bit jealous that Becky Lee had her own home and seemed so happy with her life. Of course Becky Lee had been one of those live in the moment, happy people since she was a young child. Missy envied that.
“Where do you want these?”
“The guest bedroom is down that hall on the left.” Missy pointed.
Dylan disappeared down the hall and came back in a minute. “All set.”
“Thanks for the help.”
“You’re more than welcome.”
“So what are you up to these days?” Missy set down the guitar and turned to Dylan. “Still going out with Valerie?”
Dylan laughed. “Not exactly. We dated for a while after we all graduated, but she decided to head out for Chicago. Wanted the city life. She said there weren’t enough opportunities in a small town. I guess she was a bit like you.”
“Hey, it wasn’t that I didn’t like small town life, I just wanted to try my hand at singing and song writing. There is nothing wrong with Comfort Crossing. I miss the town.”
“Point taken, sorry. Anyway, it looks like our foursome of you and Shawn, and me and Valerie is all busted up now. I kind of thought you’d end up with Shawn, Valerie and I would end up together and we’d stay a foursome.”
“But Shawn married Belinda, I heard.”
“He did. They are sickeningly sweet happy together and crazy about their kid, Billy.” Dylan touched her arm. “Hey, you okay with that?”
“Oh, sure. Glad he’s happy.” Missy wasn’t sure she was glad he was happy, but no need to show how petty she could be. Maybe she’d secretly hoped he was regretting his decision not to move to Nashville with her. Even pining away for her. But no, he was happily married, with a successful career, and an adorable kid to boot.
“I guess some couples are just not meant to be. Like you and Shawn, and me and Valerie.”
“Guess not. We were so young then, too.” Missy pasted on a don’t-care-what-Shawn-did smile. “So, what do you do these days?”
“I work construction with Steve Bergeron, don’t know if you remember him. Also help out Shawn a bit with the Christmas tree lot. I have an on again, off again gig at Frankie’s.”