A Sidelined Christmas by Toni Shiloh

Author:Toni Shiloh
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christmas, african american christian fiction, christian contemporary romance, novellas
Publisher: Toni Shiloh
Published: 2018-02-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4th

The line for donuts ended in the vestibule, a corridor away from the conference room where they were displayed. All Bebe wanted to do was go home and curl up in front of the TV. Instead, she stood there waiting for a donut with Hope. The girl lived for the powdered donuts every Sunday. Bebe preferred glazed donuts, which most likely would be gone by the time they made it to the front of the line.

The hairs on the back of her neck rose to attention as the smell of lemon and a woody undertone enveloped her. The urge to lean back into Jay’s arms overwhelmed her. Straightening her shoulders, Bebe turned slightly. “What are you doing standing up?” She grimaced inwardly at her tone. That hadn’t been what she wanted to say.

“I want a donut.”

“Mr. Walker, you should rest.” Hope looked at him, her brow furrowed.

Bebe stifled a chuckle.

“Then how can I get a donut?”

“I’ll get you one.” Hope rolled her eyes. “Don’t you know when you’re supposed to ask for help? Grownups,” she mumbled.

Jay’s face lit with laughter, the crinkles around his eyes joining in the joke. “I suppose that means I should sit back down?”

“Yes, sir.” Hope dipped her head, hands folded primly in front of her. “We’ll find you and bring you a donut.”

“Thank you.” He turned to her, leaning close. “See you soon, Bebe Gordon.”

An ominous flush went down her spine. At least, that’s what she told herself. She refused to entertain anything further with this man. He would go back to Texas and live the rest of his life, and she would stay in Peachwood Bay.

Why?

Bebe blinked. What kind of question was that? But why did she want to stay here in this town? It was her plan B, not a life-long dream. But Texas had never been on her radar either. Well, maybe for a brief few months before she and Jay had ended their relationship. She’d thought about transferring after a semester to be with him since she had been already accepted to Georgia Tech.

Only, he had hedged and fudged about their relationship, and all her dreams had gone out the window. She couldn’t help but remember his words from the other night. Honestly, I don’t know what my future holds, but I know I don’t want to let go of you as easily as I did the last time.

Could they have a future together?

No. No. Men like him did not stick around. They threw money at the situation and abdicated their responsibility. Jay hadn’t even stepped foot in their hometown in over eight years. Eight years! That had to be a sign that this reaction to him was simply hormonal. Who wouldn’t feel some sort of spark at seeing their first love, right?

“Hey, Bebe.”

She turned and smiled at May, giving her a hug. “Hey, May. I didn’t see you in service.” They always sat together.

“Sorry, girl. I sat with Ryan.”

“Ryan?”

“You know, Jay’s physical therapist?”

“Wow. You guys seem awfully...” What? Chummy? Glued at the hip? Cliché after cliché danced through her mind.

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