She knew her father had been only trying to help. He had no way of knowing that she wanted to stay a bit longer. Part of her had hoped that with a bit more time, she and Ethan could work things out and she could make him understand that there hadn’t been any malicious intentions behind her being there. Even if she thought this place would be a perfect addition to her father’s company, they never would’ve done anything underhanded in order to obtain the property. It would’ve been handled legal and the Potters would’ve been paid fairly for their land.
But after getting to know them, she understood that there was no dollar value she could put on this place. And she was glad that she’d informed her father early on that this place wasn’t for them. Even before she knew she was at the wrong place. Hopefully her father didn’t want to look at the Potters as a potential investment, because this place was and always should be, the Potters.
Her cheeks burned as the tears continued to stream down. They told her she was welcome, but she knew she’d never return. And even if she did, it would never be the same. These last few days were going to hold some wonderful memories for her. At one point, it even held a promise of something more to come. And when Ethan had kissed her, it was as though her dreams and reality were finally colliding and she actually had found someone who filled a void that she hadn’t known was there.
Since she’d had a taste of happiness and what it could be like to be with him, it really sucked now knowing he couldn’t stand the sight of her. Ethan was eager for her to leave. She wouldn’t have been surprised if he offered to pack her bags for her. Damn this hurt. It was like a knife twisting in her gut.
If this is what caring about someone feels like, I don’t ever want to feel again.
She needed to be strong, at least in front of the others. When she got back home, then she could break if she had to. Who was she kidding? She lived at the hotel. They expected her to be a rock. And she would be, too. It was going to be all business. She was already known for being a firm boss, but all these new emotions that she was battling were going to let go, and God help who it was unleashed on.
Ethan, you should count yourself lucky that it’s not you.
She wiped her tear streaked cheeks and then latched her last suitcase. There was nothing left to do but carry them out to her Jeep and say her goodbyes. This was when she really wished there was a bathroom adjoining her room. She’d love to throw some cold water on her face and freshen up. But if anyone asked if she’d been crying, she already knew what she’d say. And part of it was at least going to be the truth.
Opening her door she brought her bags out with her and left them by the entrance. She could hear the others in the kitchen, which was filled with laugher. Although she hated to break up their joyful time, she couldn’t just sneak out.
With a gentle knock on the door, she peeked her head in. “Hi. I’m all packed.”
Mabel got up and rushed over to her. “Already? I thought we’d have more time. Are you sure you don’t want to stay longer?”
“I really can’t. It’s time for me to get back to work.” Giving her a hug she added, “Thank you for being so patient with me. I won’t forget all those tricks you showed me.”
“I’m going to miss having you around. Please come back when you can. We’ll pick up where we left off.”
Roy said, “And when you come back, I’ll make sure your room has the light you’ve been searching for.”
My room?
“Don’t worry, I’ll bring my own lamp,” she said. Kollette didn’t want Roy going through any trouble on her behalf, especially when she wasn’t coming back.
“I’ll go let Ethan know you’re leaving,” Roy said.
“Don’t bother. I’m sure he’s resting,” she replied.
“He can’t be tired. He went to bed early last night. Besides, he has to carry your luggage to your Jeep.” Roy left the kitchen and Alan followed.
Mabel said softly, “Don’t worry. He’ll come around.”
“Who?”
“Ethan. I know he’s upset right now, but he’ll get over whatever it is. Trust me Kollette, he’s going to miss you when you’re gone. And sometimes, that’s what they need.”
The difference Mabel is he wants me gone, and that’s why I’m leaving.
Kollette couldn’t bring herself to talk about it. Mabel didn’t understand. Ethan wanted her to suffer for what she’d done, and she was. He wanted her gone and she was leaving. No one else might be happy about all this, but at least she knew Ethan would be smiling tonight.
“I’m sure you’re right. Now I better get going before it gets too dark or worse, we start bawling.” With that, she left the kitchen. Her bags were no longer in the living room. Slipping on her coat, she went out onto the porch. Ethan was putting her suitcases in the back of her Jeep. Alan’s plow truck was already heading down the driveway.
It was time for one last shot. What did she have to lose? The odds were she was never going to see him again. Walking over to him she said, “Thank you for bringing out my bags.”
“No problem.”
“I had no idea my father was going to pull all these strings to get me back home. Guess he needs me to get to work.”
“That wasn’t your father, it was me,” Ethan said.
“What? You?”