Something Just Like This Page 5

  “Thanks. Everyone says that, but it doesn’t change the situation.”

  “I know. When my parents divorced, I heard that all the time. If someone wasn’t telling me how sorry they were, they were asking how I was holding up. I was nine, my brother was eleven. It wasn’t easy. And ever since then, it’s been a juggling act.”

  “You mean balancing.”

  “No, I mean juggling. I would kill for balance. My mom is still in love with my dad, I’m sure, and my dad’s girlfriends keep getting younger and younger. His latest is younger than me.”

  “Ouch.”

  “I’m so used to it now that it doesn’t faze me.”

  I’d be affected by it. I couldn’t imagine my dad dating someone younger, especially someone close to my age. I don’t have to worry about that though. Once Mom died, Dad went to live in his own fantasy land, moving to Minnesota after reconnecting with a high school girlfriend. Courtney took it harder than me, and she misses him sometimes. I try not to. He doesn’t make much an effort to see us, so we don’t bust our butt trying to do so either. He doesn’t even know his grandchildren.

  The city representatives take their places around the tree. “It’s about to start,” I lean over and whisper in Juliette’s ear. I pull back, realizing I don’t need to put my lips so close to her to speak, though she doesn’t push me away. I breathe her in while I can. Mmm. She smells like strawberries. I wish I could inhale every part of her. I bet she smells like strawberries all over.

  Before I can say anything, I take a drink of my coffee, chugging it like a beer. It’s hot, but so am I, so I don’t take the time to care.

  “I’ve never attended one of these.”

  “You haven’t?” The tree lighting is a tradition in our town. Most make it a family outing and stop off to visit Santa after. “I come every single year.”

  “You do? Do you usually come alone?”

  “Sometimes.” Most times. It’s a time for me to reflect on my mom. She used to come with me all the time. In fact, it was the three of us—my mom, Courtney, and me. Dad used to come with, but once my mom became sick, he drifted away. He didn’t come that last year. He didn’t do too much that year except feel sorry for himself when he should have been spending time with his family. Everyone deals with grief in their own way, though, and I guess that was his. Though I wonder if he knew that denying reality doesn’t change the past.

  “Sometimes. So do you normally bring first dates here?”

  “Is this a date?” I flirt with her because I’m pretty sure she’s flirting with me. I haven’t been on a date for some time, but I remember what flirting feels like. And this definitely feels like flirting.

  Instead of answering me, she shrugs, and her smile tells me everything I need to know.

  Mayor Janine Gunderson steps up to the podium next to the large tree. She taps the microphone two times before she speaks.

  “Good evening, and welcome as we celebrate the start of the holiday season. Today we’ll light the Oakfield Holiday Tree, but before we do so, I need to thank a few people. First and foremost, thank you to Marie and Martin Meyer for donating this amazing tree and the Chamber of Commerce for donating the lights. The team at Oakfield Electric for making sure we keep the lights on, and all of you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to be here with us today.

  “This tree represents the holiday season, but it stands for so much more. Let this tree represent the strength we have as a community, the joys we share as family, and the dedication of each one of you in this outstanding, awesome place called Earth.

  “With that, I’d like you to join me as we light for the first time the Oakfield Holiday Tree!”

  Mayor Gunderson starts the clapping, and the community follows as they stand on their feet if they already aren’t, the lights brightening up the night sky. A musical rendition begins of “Joy To The World” by the Oakfield High School Band. The blue star on top of the tree is radiant, and as I stare at the tree, I have to catch my breath.

  Juliette loops her arm with mine as she looks up at the tree. I wonder how she would react if I reached my hand up and took hers in mine. I don’t though, too afraid I’ll scare her away.

  Once the band softens their music and we can hear each other speak again, we sit back down on the bench. I’m disappointed when our arms are no longer touching.

  “How’s my favorite little girl doing?”

  I can’t believe she is asking about Abby. Any other woman I’ve been on a date with has never asked about anyone in my family. Sure, I never introduced them to Abby, Audrey, Courtney, or Arthur, but they didn’t even take the time to ask if I had family.

  “She’s doing awesome. You made her day with the special tour of Santa’s Village. You’re a lifesaver.”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t say that.”

  “Well, I would. She has a tough few months ahead of her.” She doesn’t reply, and I don’t blame her. How is she supposed to react to that? “What about you? You mentioned a brother. What’s he like?”

  She inhales deeply, and if she exhales, I don’t see it. “I don’t really know. I don’t talk to him a lot.”

  “No?”

  “No. He’s been in, um, jail for the past few years.”

  That I was not expecting. Maybe an argument years ago that caused them to drift apart, or a genuine dislike for each other. Not jail, though. That’s big.

  “If you don’t mind me asking, what’s he serving time for?”

  “Murder.”

  I gasp, and she laughs.

  “Okay, I shouldn’t laugh about murder. Sorry. He forged some checks and got caught. He’s out in about two or three weeks.”

  “I’m glad it wasn’t homicide but stealing is a big deal, too. Are you planning on seeing him when he’s out?”

  She lifts her shoulders and drops them again. “My mom wants us to. She thinks we should have this Christmas celebration. I have no desire to see him or talk to him though.”

  I’m not sure what to say to her. I couldn’t imagine not talking to my sister. If my mother were still around, I’d be sure to grant her every wish she had when it came to me and Courtney. Our bond was always strong, but losing a parent makes it even stronger.

  “You’re close with your sister, then?”

  “Very. Courtney is an amazing mother, and she’s also a lot of fun. Whenever she goes out, she’s the life of the party. I mean, now that she has Abby and a baby, she doesn’t go out as much. When she does, though, she goes all night.”

  “This tree really is something else,” she says as she lowers her head onto my shoulder, her strawberry scented hair overtaking my nose. Every part of this feels natural, and I want to wrap my arms around her. “It’s so massive and powerful. It makes me want to believe in things I’ve never believed in before.”

  “Oh yeah? Like what?”

  “Christmas.”

  7

  Landon

  I didn’t kiss Juliette like the idiot I am. I wanted to more than anything, and so many opportunities arose, but I didn’t take them. Moron! I walked her to her car, our hands so close we almost held them, and our stares lingered as she leaned against the door. I didn’t go in for the kiss. I should have, and I’ll regret it every day until I see her again. And then I’m kissing her. No excuses.

  I stare down at my phone, her phone number popping back at me, a picture she let me take of her as her contact picture. When I added her contact info into my phone, I told her it prompted me for a picture. It didn’t. I wanted to have one. She posed silly, with her hands framing her face as though she were in that Madonna video, “Vogue.” I want to stare at the photo for hours. I can’t, though. As much as I’d love to make that my full-time job, I have an appointment today with a Mr. Thad Conners to discuss Abby and Audrey’s financial future.

  One I’ll be providing them with.

  I arrive at the building promptly at nine for our nine-fifteen meeting. I’ve seen this building downtown before but I’ve neve
r been inside. It’s massive and modern, a look I prefer. Everything is sleek, right down to the mahogany service desk at the front to direct people to where they need to go. The name of the company seems familiar, too, Booker & Smith. Where have I heard that before? I shrug and approach the desk, a young woman probably fresh out of college standing behind it.

  “May I help you?” Her voice explodes with enthusiasm, and I appreciate her work ethic. The person at the front desk should make clients feel welcome, and she’s doing that.

  “Mr. Thad Conners,” I advise her. “I don’t recall what floor he is on.” I should have checked that information before I came. Deduct one point from my score for unpreparedness though I don’t know what I’m keeping score for.

  I wait as she clicks the keys on her keyboard. How many steps are there to find a floor number? Finally, she puts her finger up in an aha moment as though she’d figured out what scoundrel was behind the mask in a Scooby Doo episode. “Sixteenth floor, suite 1605.”

  After she buzzes me through, I join three businessmen in the elevator. They more than likely work here, but I can’t help but wonder if I should have opted for a suit instead of my dark jeans, orange V-neck, and bomber jacket. If not a suit, at least a button up shirt and tie. Oh well. Too late now. Besides, I’m paying this Thad Conners to help me out, not the other way around. Do I need to impress him?

  All three exit the elevator a few floors before me. When I reach my floor, I step off the elevator into a general meeting space. There’s another woman behind a desk, a second check-in point. I approach and give her my name, along with the name of whom I’m to meet.

  “Mr. Conners had to step out to an important meeting.”

  “What?” I pull out my phone. No missed calls. “Why didn’t anyone bother to call me? I wouldn’t have driven in this snow had I known my meeting had been canceled.” Driving in the snow doesn’t bother me, but finding a parking space in one does. With all the winter restrictions it’s difficult to find a spot. And once the snow falls, the streets seem to shrink as it piles on.

  “Your meeting isn’t canceled, Sir. You can see another one of our advisors. He asked Ms. Walsh to coach you today.”

  Coach. That’s an interesting way to describe our meeting. I don’t know who Ms. Walsh is but I’ll see her. I’ve been putting this meeting off for far too long now. I take a seat on a cozy couch in the waiting room. I glance at the magazines but Women’s World and People don’t really catch my attention. The TV is playing A Christmas Story. On Christmas Eve, TBS shows the movie for twenty-four straight hours. I might as well get a head start now.

  Ralphie is just about to shoot his eye out when a bouncy woman hops into the waiting room. “Landon Marquardt? You’re up.” She thumbs me over to her in a way I normally would consider unprofessional but something about the way she does it works for her.

  “How are you today?” She makes small talk as we walk down a long hallway.

  She’s hustling, and I have to pick up the pace to keep her stride. “Fine. I’m glad there was someone here to see me today. I found out when I got here Mr. Conners isn’t available.”

  “Don’t worry about it. Juliette is wonderful.”

  I stop walking. “Did you say Juliette?” No. It can’t be.

  “I sure did.” The woman smiles at me. “She’s great. Trust me.”

  That’s where I know the name of the firm from. Juliette works here. It went over my head when she mentioned it.

  We reach an office with the name Juliette Walsh on a plaque outside the door. The woman knocks and enters. “Your 9:15 is here.” She widens the door for me to enter, and when I do, my thoughts are confirmed.

  “Landon?” Juliette asks me as she stands from a seated position. She’s as surprised as I am.

  “Hi. I guess I’m your 9:15,” I joke as I approach her. We stand awkwardly in front of each other, unsure if we should hug or kiss on the cheek or what. I was on a date with this woman last night, and now I’m in her office seeking financial guidance.

  She pulls a chair out in front of her desk. “Here. Take a seat.” I sit down and watch her every move as she makes her way back to her side of the desk. Her long skirt barely brushes her calves, the fabric rounding every curve seamlessly. I want to bite my knuckles she looks so good.

  “So, you’re here to discuss some financial opportunities.” She folds her hands on the desk as she straightens her posture. She takes this very seriously. As she should. This is her job. My mind is still wandering as she dives in, asking questions about my financial history and what I plan to accomplish. My mind is flooding with so many thoughts about last night. Doesn’t she want to discuss that first? A second date, perhaps?

  “Um, yeah. My nieces, Abby and Audrey, well, as you know their mom is sick, and I want to make sure they are…” It’s hard to say the words, but I have to be strong to get through this. I can’t lose it in front of Juliette, much less at a business meeting. How effeminate would that look? “I want to make sure they are taken care of in case the worst happens.”

  Juliette nods her head in agreement, knowing exactly what I am saying without me actually having to say it, which I’m grateful for. I never want it to come to this. Never. And I hope to God it doesn’t.

  “I think you’re being very responsible for doing this.” She types something on her computer. “Not to mention an amazing brother and uncle.” She doesn’t make eye contact, and I’m not sure if it’s because she’s busy with whatever is on the computer screen or if she doesn’t want to look at me. “Let’s get to work and make a plan.”

  This time her eyes meet mine and the energy shooting between us is no joke. It’s all I can handle to not jump across the table and crash my lips onto hers, pulling her close. I push the thought out of my mind, though, knowing the real reason I’m here.

  Though she just gave me one more.

  8

  Juliette

  I didn’t expect Landon to walk through my door today but as he’s leaving, I’m watching him walk away as I exhale the longest breath possible. This was a business meeting, nothing more. I acted as a professional and he as a client. I pat myself on the back for a job well done. So many times during our meeting I wanted him to sit next to me, put his hand on my knee as I punched the numbers into my program, whisper praises in my ear as we came up with a solid plan together.

  I’m amazed I accomplished anything in our meeting considering how many times I pictured him without a shirt on. I spend my days surrounded by suits and ties. His burnt orange shirt that clung to every muscle on his chest was a welcome change. One I’d dream about in bed tonight.

  I lean back in my chair and close my eyes, still picturing him sitting across from me. We never discussed a second date. I wanted him to ask me. I tried using telepathic powers to make him ask, sending signals with a bat of my eye or a sway of my hips. I even tossed my hair behind my shoulder with a silly giggle but he didn’t bite. I can’t say I blame him; it was an immature move. This is the first time in a long time I’ve wanted a second date. I wish I knew how to go about getting one.

  My eyes fly open when there is a knock at my door. “Who was that hottie?” Carly asks as she struts into my office. Her long brown hair is thrown up in a bun, complimented by a thin gold headband. Only someone her age can pull something like that off. If I tried, it would look like I was trying too hard.

  Where do I begin? He’s the most amazing man I’ve ever met. He’s an incredible uncle and an outstanding brother. There are too many pleasant adjectives to describe him. “That was Landon, the guy I told you about.”

  “That’s Landon?” I almost have to help her pick her mouth off the floor. “Are you kidding me? That guy is so hot I’m surprised he didn’t set off the fire alarm.”

  Carly exaggerates a lot, but this time I agree with her. My body is on fire anytime he’s near me. “He’s a rare find.”

  “Hold onto him. They’re scarce.” She fans out her fingers and admires her ring. “I’m happy
I snagged one of them.”

  Eddie isn’t all perfect, despite what Carly thinks. In her eyes, he can do no wrong. His past is a little shady, but he cleaned himself up once he and Carly became serious. She takes credit for the changes he made in his life. I’m glad they’ve found each other.

  “Did he ask you out again?”

  I blow out a breath with an inflated sigh. “Nope. I thought maybe he’d ask me once he saw me today, but no go.”

  Carly bites her lip like she always does when she’s disappointed. I consider her my closest friend, but sometimes our age difference shows when she has reactions such as that one. “Oh, pooh. Well, maybe he didn’t think it would be appropriate in this circumstance.”

  Even though her delivery was childish, she makes a valid point. “I suppose. I hope that’s the case.”

  “You’re going to need a date for the holiday party. That’s coming up pretty soon.”

  “The holiday party? No…no. I’m not going to that.”

  “What?” She sits down and scoots the chair closer to my desk. “You have to go, Jules. You keep me sane at these things.”

  “Then don’t go.” I shouldn’t have to be the one to hold her hand through the event. If she doesn’t want to be there then she should stay home. I’m not about to be guilted into attending.

  “Come on. The company pays for a fancy dinner, you can schmooze with the higher-ups, and, don’t forget the best part, free drinks.”

  “Always with the free alcohol, huh?” I push my chair out from behind my desk and cross my legs. “I don’t know. I despise those events. Even if I did go, I don’t even have a second date with Landon yet.”

  “Why don’t you ask him out?”

  She has got to be kidding. Never in my life have I asked a man out, even as a teenager. There’s no way I’ll start now. “Um, because isn’t that something he should do?”

  “Pfft. Forget the rules. If you like this guy and want to see him again, don’t wait around. Text him, and ask him out. You have his number, right? Please tell me you have his number.”