Blizzard conditions had stopped traffic just this side of the pass with an avalanche warning. Lindy was stuck in it with everyone else, waiting for the all-clear sign before she could continue. An hour later, she was losing heart. She could be trapped here for heaven knew how long. While waiting, she called Peggy.
“Have you found a roommate yet?” Lindy asked as soon as her friend answered.
“No, why? Have you changed your mind?”
“Yup. It may take me a month to set everything into motion, if you’re still willing to wait that long.” Her friend was right, Lindy wouldn’t have a problem subletting her apartment. As for Media Blast, the proposal was accepted, and the team would be able to follow through without her. Starting her own business would be a risk, but one she was willing to take. The benefits far outweighed the risk.
“Does Billy know?” Peggy asked.
“Not yet. I’m headed to the Wine Press as soon as I can get there. I’m on my way, only traffic is completely stopped.”
“I’ll be there.”
“I know.”
“You didn’t tell Billy my suggestion, did you?” Peggy said.
“No.”
“I thought as much.”
“Why?”
“Billy’s hardly been himself ever since you left. We both have been down. We decided to drown our misery together and were talking. I ended up telling him about my idea of you moving back, sharing an apartment with me, and starting up your own business. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him more depressed. I wish I hadn’t said anything.”
“I’ll explain when I see him.” She’d do more than explain, she’d be sure he knew how badly she wanted to be with him, and that she was falling in love with him.
Peggy sighed into the phone. “You do that. I’m headed to the Wine Press for the party now.”
“Don’t let Billy know I’m coming.”
“I promise I won’t, but I’d sure like to see his face when you walk in the door.”
“Say a prayer I make it. There’s an avalanche warning in place, which means I could be stuck here for hours.”
“I’ll be looking for you.”
It felt like a lifetime before traffic began to move again. Noticing the time, Lindy realized she should arrive close to eleven-thirty. New Year’s had always been a fun time for Lindy. Like everything else, this year was different, and while it wasn’t anything she had expected, she knew beyond a doubt it would be the best one of her life.
Her timing was perfect, and she pulled into Wenatchee with a half-hour to spare. Her parents knew not to wait up for her. Her mother said she’d keep the porch light on.
As she expected, the restaurant was busy and the bar crowded. She saw Peggy first, but not Billy.
Peggy rushed forward and hugged her. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Me, too.” Even the thought of returning to Seattle the next day depressed her. Still, no matter the hassle of getting to Wenatchee, it was worth every minute as long as she saw Billy.
“Where’s Billy?” she asked, looking around the crowd and not seeing him.
“I haven’t seen him for a while,” Peggy said, looking around.
“He must be in his office.” Lindy headed in that direction.
When she walked into the kitchen no one raised an eyebrow. One of the chefs actually lifted his chin, indicating Billy was where she suspected.
A sense of anticipated happiness spread over her as she knocked at his door.
“Who is it?” he asked, sounding irritated.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Instead of answering, Lindy opened the door. Billy looked up from his desk and wordlessly stared at her as if she were an apparition. He briefly closed his eyes before he slowly came to his feet and walked around the desk. It was almost as if he didn’t know what to say.
“I wasn’t expecting to see you.”
“I know. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision.” She noticed that he kept his distance. And she knew why, too. Billy didn’t dare hope she was back for good this time.
“It’s good to see you, Lindy,” he said, placing his hand on the edge of his desk as if to steady himself. “I suppose you’re heading back tomorrow?”
“Yeah, unfortunately. Media Blast is going to want at least two weeks’ notice.”
His gaze shot to hers. “You’re giving your notice?”
“It’ll take some time to find someone to sublet my apartment, so it might be longer than two weeks.”