She was done. She’d spent most of the day in the upstairs lobby/living room finishing up the decorations. And still no sign of Cole. After he’d walked out on her yesterday, she’d had time to reminisce over his dramatic exit, and became angrier the more she thought about it. But doubts started to cloud her mind. How could he imply she was too good for the town? Or him? She’d grown up there, lived there most of her life, and missed the damn place when she was away. She’d had to leave. She couldn’t have stayed with a man who chose his work over her. Standing up, she collected the box of decorations she hadn’t used then went downstairs to the guest counter. Stacy, the front desk girl, greeted her with a smile. “Cole in yet?” Maddy asked. Stacy shook her head. “I don’t think he’s coming in to work since Matt is staying an extra shift, but he should be here to check up on the Christmas Eve party tonight.” Maddy frowned. Cole never missed work. His staff was efficient and trustworthy, but he was always around even when he didn’t have to be.
