Page 13 of Wrapped in Winter
It’s one in the morning, and I’m still awake, staring at the ceiling. I can’t believe I've been delivering to her store. She’s been right here in Wintervale the whole time.
I saw her standing in the low lights of the bar, and it was like there was a spotlight on her. She stood out from the rest of the group she was with. My heart began to race and my palms were sweating. I couldn't take my eyes off her. She was the most beautiful out of the bunch. But her attitude. It's as if I could see the obstinate, strong will rolling right off her.
The first delivery I made to the boutique, I met Blossom. And with her was this little girl who came running around the corner. With light blonde hair and blue eyes, she was so full of life it took me by surprise. I should have seen the resemblance but even more so was the behavior. That little girl spotted me and, with the same strong will, walked right up and asked me to get her a cookie from the bakery down the street. Blossom apologized for her, but I thought it was great. “A girl who knows what she wants.”
I haven’t ever really been around kids before. Growing up, we were taught children are to be seen and not heard. There were lots of fancy dinners with my parents and their stuck-up friends. Sometimes they’d bring their kids who were just as boring as them. My sister and I used to love to try to get them in trouble, but it was usually our antics that brought about the wrong attention. We’d get yelled at, but we’d burst into laughter the minute our parents left the room.
Fuck, I miss her.
When that little girl told me her name was Lily, I almost broke down in tears. Lily was my sister's name and the reason for the lily tattoo on my forearm. Another disappointment to my family. “Business men don’t have tattoos, Drake.”The day I lost her was the worst day of my life. And it was also the day I knew nothing would ever be the same. I was only fourteen, and I had no choice but to fall into the role my dad was carving out for me.
But I knew it wasn’t for me.
I hear the front door open and close and know Cole is home. I get up and see him kicking off his boots.
“Coming down pretty hard out there again. Sorry if I woke you.”
“Nah, I’ve been up.” I go to the kitchen and grab a water bottle. “How was tonight? Is the snow keeping people away?’
He grunts and falls into the chair at the table. “The snow seems to bring them out more.”
I take a seat next to him. “I know who she is.”
His brows furrow. “Who?”
“The girl. I found her.”
His eyes widen. “You did? Who is she?”
“Just like that old man said. I’ve been delivering to her store. Her name is January, and her family owns Dress Me Up boutique in town.”
“Get the fuck outta here! So what did she say?”
“She was caught off guard, that’s for sure.”
“Is she as pretty as you remember or are the stories about bar lighting true?” He chuckles and I shake my head.
“More. She’s stunning.” I run my hand through my hair. “She’s got a kid though.”
“No shit?”
I nod. “Remember the little girl I mentioned on one of my stops?”
He smiles. “The one you bring cookies to?”
“That's her daughter.” I sniff. “Her name is Lily.”
His eyes find mine and soften with sympathy. “Be careful, Drake. I know you, and I know you’re thinking this is a sign.”
“Why else did we end up here?” I muse, shaking my head and drinking from my water bottle. “There’s something about her, Cole. I haven’t been able to shake her from my mind since that night, before I even knew about the kid. But she had a wall up today. Like a ten foot wall. I don't know if I’ll be able to scale it.”
He shrugs and lets out a loud yawn. “Get in good with the kid, and it’ll be smooth sailing.” He sits back in the chair and closes his eyes for a moment. “Wait, you said Dress Me Up? The clothing store?”
I nod. “Mmhm.”
“There’s another sister.” He says it matter-of-factly.
“Besides Blossom? Yeah, there is. Her name is Meadow.” I sit back and give him a sly grin. “But you know that already, don’t you?”