The Forgotten Christmas Letter (#opennovellacontest)

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Was this what she felt for him two years ago? If so, she was off to a great start knowing she was very much attracted to him. Or was it the wonderful heartfelt hug he was giving her that added to the attraction? Either way, she was sorry when he let go of her and she had to face him, rather face the fact she had to tell him the bad news.

"Um, I think we should talk, alone," she whispered, avoiding direct eye contact with the other few patrons in the room.

"Of course," he smiled with white even teeth. His breath smelled minty, like he had eaten a mint candy. "Meet me at my truck, I just need to load up this lot," he nodded behind him to the stack of boxes, then handed over the keys to his truck.

He quickly turned away to grab his stack and all she could do was stare down at his keys and bite her lip. Wonderful, he trusted her, didn't that make her feel special. He wasn't even mad he hadn't heard from her, just accepted her, just like that. Then she turned and headed out the door, clicked on the beeper button and was very relieved to see that his truck was only two vehicles down from where she had parked.

The door to the cafe opened and out he strolled with his trolley. She quickly rushed over to hold the door open as the wheel on the trolly caught on an icy patch. He grinned his thanks and with seemingly no effort at all, wheeled it over ice and snow to his truck.

"Do you mind unlocking the trunk?"

She pressed the trunk button like he asked and he quickly began unloading the boxes inside. As she stood and watched the fast and efficient way he did the task she felt a little useless.

"You can climb in and warm it up." Wow, he really acted as if they hadn't been apart for two years. So why was she beginning to act like it too, she asked herself as she climbed inside the truck and inserted the key. The engine easily turned over and she gazed around inside, it was clean, no clutter at all, which made her tempted to look inside the glove compartment but decided that would be taking familiarity too far.

The truck tilted a bit as he hopped inside then gazed at her with longing. "You really are here."

"Um, Nick?" She was held spellbound by with the same sort of longing, only hers was the longing to remember him.

"Yeah, Callie?"

"I, I'm really sorry. I," this time she dragged her gaze away, guilt swamping over her. "I don't remember you." Her quick glance back showed her he was left stunned.

"What?"

"I honestly don't remember you. I wish I did, I really do. You're wonderful," she trailed off as a sudden guarded look crossed his features. "What you wrote..." again she trailed off when he stared back.

"You really don't remember me." His voice was flat and cold, like all the warmth had been drained from him.

"I'm sorry."

"Why did you come then?"

"I had to meet you, to see you, to find out what happened to me, I mean, to us." She rubbed her gloved hands.

He barely glanced at her hands and with an automatic movement, reached over and turned on the heat. Then they both heard her stomach growl.

She gave a shaky laugh. "I missed lunch. It was a long ride, the roads were slick."

He just stared out the windshield before looking back at her. "Where are you staying?"

"Um, I registered at the hotel two doors away. I'm glad they were able to take reservations through email. You have great reception here."