Snowdrop Kisses Part Twenty-Four
A Christmas love story featuring a plucky florist and a tall dark and handsome entrepreneur
Previously… in part 23 Wendy and James make love and a terrible realisation dawns on Wendy.
Chapter 47
Wendy remembered how James had looked in the hallway at three a.m. the night of the party. He was worn out, his tie undone and his shirt un-tucked. He had been with someone else.
No. She must be wrong. Wendy began pacing. She was being jealous. Untrusting. James wasn’t like that. She would ask him when he came back. She raced to the window, scanning the grounds. Where was he?
She would meet him downstairs. She dashed down the main staircase, and a thought occurred to her: Kim’s floor plan. She could see who was sleeping in the room that James exited that night. Maybe it was empty.
She hurried to the office and snatched up the plan from the desk. It took her a moment to orient herself, but she saw her name easily enough. It was written in different colour ink because she had been a late addition. She saw the bathroom at the end of the hall and counted back two doors. She felt like she had been punched in the stomach. There was the name she dreaded: “Catriona Hunt.”
Wendy pictured exactly what happened on Saturday night: how Catriona and James waited for the last party guests to leave, and then went to Catriona’s room to do exactly what Wendy and James had done last night. Not exactly, a small part of Wendy’s brain protested; there couldn’t have been as much laughter or tenderness.
James Crofton was a user, and she had been used. The weight of her own stupidity overwhelmed her. How could she have convinced herself that James was different? Hadn’t she just spent the past few years delivering flowers to his conquests? He didn’t feel tenderness for her, he was probably like that with all of his women.
Wendy went to the window for some air. A tow truck pulled into the long drive. Earl was coming to get her car. She rushed back upstairs to her old bedroom, grabbed her things, hurried down the stairs and out the door.
“Hi.” She waved at the grizzled older man, who wore a dirty plaid shirt and overalls.
“Howdy. You must be Wendy.”
“That’s me,” she forced out a smile. There was no sign of James. “Can you get me and my car and out of here?”
Earl whistled. “You sure are in a hurry, lady.”
“I need to get back to the city.”
“Well, I don’t like to rush things. Have you looked under the hood?”
“I don’t care what’s wrong with it, I just want to leave.” All her thoughts were consumed with James. Thank God she hadn’t told him she loved him! What a fool he would think she was! At least she could keep her dignity through this whole sordid mess.
Earl would not be hurried, however. “I’ll just have a quick looksie. Won’t take a second.”
Before Wendy could protest he was peering at the engine.
“Do you see anything,” she asked impatiently.
“Here’s your problem. All your spark plugs have come loose.” He pulled a wrench from his pocket and set to work.
“Can you fix it?” she asked.
“Already done. Someone loosened them all.”
“Someone?” Wendy was momentarily distracted from her misery. “Are you saying my car was sabotaged?”
“Your plugs wouldn’t get like that on their own, missy. Someone wanted you to stay put.”
Wendy recalled Harry’s conversation with Minna at La Maison all those weeks ago. He talked about being a mechanic in the Korean War. Harry had also set her and James up in the conservatory. He must have done this. Wendy sagged. Were all men sneaks? It wasn’t just men. She recalled her suspicions of Kim. Those two were in league together.
Earl wouldn’t accept payment for such an easy job and was already driving towards the road when James came running up to Wendy’s car, dressed in sweat pants. She stood by the car, about to get in.
“Wendy, where are you going?” His voice registered a very convincing mixture of concern and bewilderment. No wonder he had so many women, if he could pull off this little-boy-hurt act.
“Earl fixed my car, so I’ve got no reason to stay,” she said coolly. “I told you, I have to get back to Ottawa as soon as possible.”
“Yes, but I thought after last night...”
“Last night was a one time deal, James,” she said firmly. She was angry that he would try to get her to stay for further sexcapades. “I’m leaving now. Thanks, it was fun.”
James’ eyes darkened. “Fun?” he demanded, “Was that all it was?”
Had he never been turned down before? Was his ego so huge? “Yes, and the fun’s over. I know you usually make this speech. Sorry I used up all my flowers, or I’d give you a dozen.”
She turned from James, and was about to get into her car when she felt a hand on her arm.
“What’s this all about?”
“I’m sorry,” she fought back a quiver. She was, desperate to get away from him. His touch was making her weaken. “I have to go.”
He released her and for once she managed to sidle into the drivers’ seat with dignity. Wendy’s last image of James was of him staring bleakly after her car, the empty house looming behind him.
Chapter 48
It was Christmas Eve morning. It had been a week since that terrible Monday morning. Wendy was actually feeling worse then when she’d pulled out of James’ driveway.
The shop was quiet as Vivienne followed the online flower auction out of Toronto. Typically, Wendy monitored the prices, but she couldn’t be bothered. A light snow drifted down outside. It was pretty and festive, but Wendy wasn’t in the mood.
Wendy sighed.
“Holy crap. If you sigh one more time, I’m duct taping your mouth shut.” Vivienne glared at her.
“Huh?” Wendy blinked.
“You’ve been moping around like your puppy just died. You’re not double-checking my work; you’re trusting me to negotiate with wholesalers, and you didn’t say anything when I came in late. You’re wigging me out.”
“I’m just tired from all the extra work the LCC party has brought in.” It was true, their orders had doubled since last Saturday.
“Bull. The old Wendy would be high on life with business doing so well. I know what the problem is; it’s that James Crofton. You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”
Wendy was too startled to reply.
Vivienne walked toward her, wagging a finger. “What have I told you about men, Wendy? They’re users, enslaving women in an eternal patriarchal cycle consisting of cooking, cleaning and orgasm faking – not to mention their gross toe hair.”
“I know, Viv. I know. Down with the penisses!”
“That’s the spirit. Now get over here and look at these prices.”
Wendy spent the rest of the morning suppressing as many sighs as she could. She must have been doing something right, because Vivienne stopped glowering at her.
At mid-morning Harry Hepple called in his order for the holidays. Thankfully Vivienne spoke to him. Wendy was still angry with him and Kim for their meddling at Stonehaven. She was such an emotional basket case, however, she didn’t trust herself to talk to them. She’d end up either sobbing or heaving heavy objects.
She was forced to test her reaction at noon when she picked up the phone and heard Kim’s voice. Wendy’s heart gave a little lurch, as it did with anything connected to James. “Hi, Kim.” She kept her voice calm.
“Wendy! I’ve been trying to catch you all week. We never had a chance to talk. Did you enjoy the party?” Kim sounded so cheerful on the phone that Wendy’s suspicions waned a little.
“I had an interesting time.” Understatement of the decade.
“I want to hear all about it. Listen, I know you were getting my dress dry-cleaned. Do you think you could bring it to the office today?”
Wendy didn’t want to go anywhere near LCC or James. “I can drop it off later tonight.” When LCC was closed. “I’ll leave it with the security guard in the lobby.”
“If you’ve got the time, I’d prefer it today. The office is really quiet because James is in New York for the holidays. Come in and we can chat.”
With James out of town there was no harm in stopping by and she did have to return the dress. “I’ll be there in about an hour.”
Wendy rode the elevator to LCC’s fifth floor. Despite her better judgement she was curious to see James’ office. One quick glance took in the primary colours and relaxed atmosphere, and it pleased her, despite her feelings about James. Christmas carols were playing and it sounded like the employees were having a karaoke party in the break room. Unless you were in retail, Christmas Eve was never a very busy day at work.
Wendy exchanged pleasantries with Tonya, and then went to Kim’s desk, handing over the dress as she sat down.
“It’s great to see you.” Kim smiled warmly at her.
“How are you? This place seems fun,” said Wendy, nodding toward the Karaoke party in the breakroom.
Kim laughed with a little snort. “It’s been anything but fun lately. James has been a nightmare. He snaps at everyone and is working incredibly long hours. Anyway, tell me how the party was!”
This was Wendy’s opportunity to get to the bottom of things. “Why don’t you tell me what was really going on?”
Kim looked wary at her serious tone.
Wendy continued, “Why were you so eager to get me to the party? You brought that dress especially for me, didn’t you? You and Harry were in cahoots.”
Kim blushed and was about to speak when her eyes flew to a point behind Wendy. “Oh, look, it’s James. What a surprise!”
Wendy whipped around in her chair. James stood behind her. “You’re supposed to be in New York,” she blurted.
James scowled. “I don’t leave until after Christmas. Sorry to disappoint.”
Wendy turned and stared at Kim accusingly, but the older woman had already leapt from her chair, nearly knocking it over in her haste. “Oh dear. I must have got my dates muddled. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve forgotten some papers in the photocopier. Merry Christmas, Wendy!” She hurried away.
Wendy stood to face James. The silence stretched between them. He looked terrible. His usually immaculate suit was rumpled, his hair was tousled, and worse of all were his eyes. They were not their usual gleaming blue, but were dulled and almost gray with exhaustion. There were new lines on his face and his shoulders stooped.
“How have you been?” She was worried. Was he sick?
“OK, and yourself?”
“I’ve, I’ve well… I’ve been miserable,” she confessed and then was appalled by her own honesty.
The anger drained from James’ face and he looked concerned. “What’s wrong? Has something happened with the business?”
“Yes,” she said, grateful he offered an excuse for her blunder. “Things haven’t been going as well as I’d like.”
“What is it? Can I help?”
“No, no,” she said. “It’s fine.” She walked towards the elevator eager to make her escape before a confession of undying love slipped out.
James followed and put a hand on her arm. She stiffened, quelling the primal response that welled up inside her at his touch. He let her go.
“I’m serious. If your business needs a boost, I can help. I want to… I feel I owe you something.”
Wendy bristled and some of her spunk returned. “Don’t worry about it; you don’t owe me anything. Frankly I find it a little offensive that you think you do.”
James scowled. “You’re misinterpreting. I didn’t mean because of that night, but because of the great job you did with the flowers. Can we talk privately?”
She glanced around. They were starting to attract curious stares.
Wendy was torn. She desperately wanted to prolong her time with him, but she recognized this desire for the pathetic impulse it was. The bing of the elevator sounded behind her. “Sorry. I’ve got somewhere else I need to be.”
It’s a Christmas miracle — there’s a bonus chapter!!
Chapter 49
Wendy nodded at Vivienne when she returned to the shop. Her emotions were all over the map. She was shaken by how strong her feelings were for James, and a mighty anger was brewing over Kim’s continued interference in her love life.
“We had a few customers while you were out. Someone even bought that awful fern thing we’ve been trying to unload.”
“That’s good,” Wendy said.
“Harry Hepple called. He wants his bouquets delivered. He said that his car is in the shop, or something.”
“Uh huh,” Wendy mumbled.
“He asked me all sorts of questions about you. Isn’t that weird?”
“Totally.” Wendy grabbed a broom and began sweeping a spot on the floor.
“Then the Prime Minister came in, riding a giant reindeer. Shania Twain was on his shoulders, singing Christmas carols.”
“That’s great,” Wendy said.
“You haven’t heard a word I’m saying.”
“I’m sorry Viv, it’s just…” but she couldn’t contain her feelings anymore. Everything seemed so dark, so hopeless. Tears pricked at her eyes and she started to cry. And cry. And cry. Eventually, Vivienne came over and patted her awkwardly on the arm.
When Wendy’s tears finally subsided, Vivienne handed her a tissue. “You’d better use this. You’re all snotty.”
Wendy laughed and blew her nose.
Vivienne’s tone was brusque. “You said we were closing early for Christmas Eve. Go home now. Have a cup of tea or a shot of whiskey. I can lock up.”
“I can’t abandon the store.”
“Yes you can. No one wants to buy flowers from a miserable, tear-stained woman. You’ll do much more good sobbing your eyes out at home. Just drop Mr. Hepple’s flowers off on your way.”
Wendy looked up. Harry’s flowers. Her sadness was replaced by fury. The old man was the cause of all her misery, and she was going to have it out with him. She wiped her eyes and grabbed the bouquets. She’d deliver the flowers to him, along with a big fat piece of her mind.
Wendy pulled up to the bed and breakfast, marched to the front door and jabbed at the doorbell. No answer. What was he playing at? He knew she was coming, because Vivienne had phoned him. She entered the building and called out his name. Her voice echoed through the spacious foyer. Not here. She moved through the main floor, but stopped short when she entered the dining room. No one was there, but dozens of candles were lit, two martinis were set out on a side table, and romantic music played from the stereo.
What was Harry doing? All of Wendy’s suspicions were aroused. She walked through to the kitchen, but it was empty. She returned to the dining room and yelped. James stood in the opposite doorway.
“Wendy!”
Her heart leapt. He must have planned this with Harry. Was he going to explain himself? Promise to end his womanizing ways? Wendy stopped thinking when James stepped forward and swept her into a kiss. His lips pressed down firmly on hers, she yielded, moulding her body to his.
Finally, coming up for air, Wendy was the first to speak. “James, about that morning at Stonehaven…”
“Forget all that,” he rasped. “When I saw your car outside, and realised you planned this…”
Wendy went numb. He hadn’t organized this meeting. He had no intention of building a meaningful relationship with her. In fact, he wanted her to ignore the fact that he was also sleeping with Catriona!
She pushed away from him. “Forgetting is my problem. Maybe if I had remembered that you were such a player, it wouldn’t have been such a shock to find out that you slept with Catriona the night of the party!”
“What?” The roar of disbelief did not come from James, but from Harry, who burst out of the closet at the back of the room, Minna at his heels.
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