Lydia's Pine Harbor Christmas, стр. 9
“Marco!”
He turned and, without looking back, waved and walked inside.
In spite of Marco’s efforts to burst her dating bubble—efforts that included presenting her with a background check upon picking her up the next morning—Lydia went out with Bryce. And it went well.
Over coffee, they chatted about all sorts of things. He was easy to talk to and had a good sense of humor. While they talked, Lydia did a thorough study of his blue eyes, sandy hair, and strong jawline. He was taller than Marco by at least an inch, maybe two, and his hands were well-formed, with long fingers and remarkably well-manicured nails. She could see him ten years in the future, walking out of a bank in his topcoat and suit then stepping onto a commuter train to go home to his house in the suburbs.
After coffee, according to plan, they strolled down the street and looked at the shop windows, remarking on and laughing at things that they saw. Then they arrived at a small park by the main street that was used every winter as an ice-skating rink. A kiosk stood at the far side of the pond, where ice skates could be rented for a modest amount.
Bryce grabbed her elbow. “Come on. We’ve got to.”
“Do you know how to skate?”
“Ten years of hockey. I played through high school, so yes. How about you?”
“I took a few figure-skating classes, but I could never manage to spin or skate backward. It became too embarrassing, so I moved on to something I could manage.”
“And that was…?”
“Needlework.”
“I’ll bet you’re amazing.”
“Oh, I am! If needlework ever makes the Olympics, I’m in.” She laughed. “I could teach you.”
He grimaced. “No thanks.”
“I taught Marco to crochet.” She smiled as she recalled the two of them leaning over the counter in the Gallery while she taught him the chain stitch. He was so fun to watch because he took it so seriously.
Bryce’s face appeared stuck in a grimace. “I’ll leave the knitting to Marco.”
“Crocheting.”
“Whatever. Let’s skate.”
“Okay, but prepare to watch me fall—more than once.”
“You won’t, because I’ll catch you.”
She could hardly turn down an offer like that, especially with those blue eyes shining at her. “Okay.”
He took her hand, and they ran to the kiosk. Ten minutes later, they were laced up and skating. As promised, whenever she started to falter, he caught her. Moving forward, hand in hand with him, Lydia was struck by the strangest sensation. They were having fun. She was on a date, feeling happy and carefree, with none of the usual angst that she felt when she’d gone out with others, especially Marco. Not that any time she spent with Marco could be classified as a date, but she wished that it could. Being with Bryce was different. They were so entirely at ease with each other, and Lydia thought she could enjoy getting used to the feeling.
An hour later, they turned in their skates, and Bryce took her home. They sat parked outside Lydia’s apartment and talked until the windows fogged up.
Lydia said, “I better go in before my mother gets the wrong idea.”
Bryce smiled gently and said, “I don’t know about the wrong idea. It seems like a good idea.” Then he leaned closer and touched his lips to hers. They were soft, and his kiss was so gentle and nice that Lydia couldn’t help but smile as they parted.
“See you at school.”
“Bye.”
He waited until she closed the apartment door behind her, then she heard him drive off. After a quick climb up the stairs and a hasty hello to her mother, she went to her room, then she collapsed onto her bed and stared at the ceiling. Maybe Bryce was her chance. Maybe she would finally get over Marco.
Marco hurried to finish his shift at the bar then went upstairs to study, but for a long while, he stared at his phone. It was none of his business how Lydia’s date had gone. But what if she’s lying in the gutter somewhere? Sure, Bryce looked okay on paper, but Marco still wasn’t sure he bought Bryce’s whole nice-guy act. Someone needed to check and make sure Lydia was okay. Of course, her mother would notice if she didn’t come home. But her mother could be out with Dylan and have no idea her daughter was in trouble. He doubted Lydia had even told her mother that she had a coffee non-date. Marco was the only one in a position to save her if she needed saving. If something happened, Marco would never forgive himself for not having checked up on her. So that was that. It had to be done.
Marco: Are you still alive?
Lydia: Very.
Marco: Where are you?
Lydia: Home.
Marco: Good.
Lydia: Did you need something?
Marco: No, I’m good.
Lydia: Me too. See you tomorrow.
Marco: You’re driving.
Lydia: I know.
Marco: Okay, bye.
Lydia: Bye.
Marco swiped away the text window. Very alive? What’s that supposed to mean?
Six
Marco was standing outside, ready to go the next morning when Lydia picked him up. He realized he might appear overly eager to see her, but he couldn’t help it. He was. Marco couldn’t seem to shake the tendency to cringe every time he thought about Lydia’s date the previous night. Not wanting to make matters worse, he had promised himself that he wouldn’t make an issue of it. He got in and put a coffee in her cup holder.
“What’s this?”
“What does it look like? It’s coffee.”
She practically sang, “That was so nice of you! Thanks!”
Marco frowned. “Relax. It’s just coffee.”
Lydia laughed. “I am relaxed. I just thought it was nice. You’re nice.”
“You’re… in an awfully good mood.” I wonder why. That made him cranky.
“Am I? I guess because it’s the last day of final exams before Christmas, it’s the start of winter break—and it’s a new day.”
Marco practically spit out his coffee. “You have