Dear Santa(48)

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On New Year’s Eve, Lindy left the office later than normal and returned to her apartment with no plans in mind. No place to celebrate and, worse, no one to celebrate it with. If she was in Wenatchee, she’d be with Billy, and when midnight arrived, he’d take her in his arms, stare down at her, and smile before he kissed her into the new year. Instead, she’d spend the evening alone and miserable, wishing she could be with Billy and Peggy. Her friend had let her know she was headed to the Wine Press for a New Year’s party with Jayne and Chloe, and several others.

    As Lindy walked into her sterile apartment, things suddenly became clear. All this week, she’d pushed thoughts of Billy from her head and her heart. Only her heart refused to listen. Her heart knew exactly what she needed most. It should have been obvious. It wasn’t until she faced that cold, dark apartment that she knew what she had to do.

Although it was crazy, even foolish, Lindy threw an overnight bag into her car and headed out. Because of the snow, Stevens Pass had chains required, but Snoqualmie Pass was open. Lindy didn’t care how long it took; she was headed to Wenatchee.

The first call she made was to her parents. Her mother answered and Lindy blurted out, “Mom, I’m coming home.”

“For how long?” her mother asked.

“I don’t know, but, Mom, I think it just might be for good.” As soon as she said the words, her heart sprang free. This was what she wanted most. Deep down she had the assurance she’d made the right decision. All at once she felt the crazy need to laugh. She inhaled oxygen into her lungs, and held it there as a sense of freedom filled her. It was as if she’d been walking around all this week in handcuffs, looking to make the most of what once had seemed important. Only Lindy knew now what really mattered. It wasn’t proving herself to anyone at Media Blast or accepting accolades from the Ferguson Group. It was being with those she loved, those closest to her heart.

    Once she was on the road, she felt like everyone in the city had the same idea. The traffic was bumper to bumper. What helped her keep from growing frustrated and impatient was knowing she would bring in the new year with Billy. But at this rate, it didn’t look like she’d arrive much before midnight.

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.