Kapitel 30: Heartbreak for Christmas

SUMMER POV

I take a deep breath to face the rest of the night with Raymond. The only thing that keeps me going is the thought of seeing Austin later tonight. I just need to be here for a few hours, and then I will start faking a sickness. I hope my plan works because I really need to see Austin tonight, even if it is just for a moment.

"You look so beautiful tonight, Summer."

I look at my mother standing there waiting with anticipating to hear my response to his all so charming words.

"Thank you, Raymond."

I walk downstairs, and he holds out an arm for me to hook my hand into. That is the last thing I want to do. I want to turn and get out of this hell hole. But the only thing that gets me through the night is the thought of seeing quite possibly the love of my life. My mother then turns around and starts to attend to the rest of her guests.

"What do you think is going to happen between us? Do you really think this is going to go somewhere?"

We walk through the room, and he parades me around the room as if I am a show horse.

"My dear Summer, do you really think that you have any choice in any matter that concerns the man that you would marry one day? Do you not know that your mother has everything worked out for you already?"

I smile fakely at him as I give him my honest answer to his ridiculous statement.

"Raymond, you clearly do not know me at all."

He snaps his head back into my direction, and I know I struck a nerve. "You should know that your mother already picked out the ring I am supposed to propose with tonight after the party."

I can not believe the words that he just spoke to me. How dare my mother thinks she can still decide who I will marry and who I will not. I am a grown woman, and if my mother thinks that I would, for one second, consider marrying Raymond, then she is clearly delusional. I have to get out of this party as soon as possible before he gets the chance to propose.

AUSTIN POV

This morning I wake up with a newfound spring in my step, a newfound Summer that is dancing around in my head. I have not been this excited about Christmas in a very long time, and it seems that I am pushing the jolly to a new limit; Austin Pierce will be attending a Christmas party. But that is not the most exciting part; I shall find myself on some sort of a date with the most beautiful girl in town. What did I do to deserve this? Well, that one I am still trying to figure out.

So I roll out of bed, and I make my way downstairs to take the quick stroll to the post box for the morning paper as I always do. And then it happens…my towel drops. I chuckle at myself as I pick it up, now; if Billy were here, I would have gotten a big old 'I told you so.'

With a cup of coffee in hand, I go and snuggle in bed for just a few more minutes. And as my head dives back into the soft pillows, my thoughts immediately go to Summer. How I wish she will be the girl that will one day wake up next to me with her head snug in my chest. I have never had a girl in this bed before, but I am ready for her to be the first one.

And with much excitement that I start to get ready for this party. It is with extra attention that I find myself perfecting my best cowboy look. I am pulling out all the stops; I want Summer to see that she is the luckiest girl alive. Oh yes, I cannot be Austin if I was not cocky for a least a tiny bit.

Then after an agonizing hour of trying to find the best pair of blue jeans, a nice button-up shirt, and last of all, my favorite cowboy to finish off the 'to die for' look. Well, I would say 'girls eat your hearts out,' but this old heart has found a new home.

But there is one stop that I need to make before I head to the barn. I make a quick stop at Diana's shop.

"Hey Austin, unusual to see you here?"

"Yeah, this one is just as unusual for me. I wanted to check if you have some of those white roses with the pink tips?"

"Yes, of course."

"Give me your biggest bunch."

I know Summer loves them; I remember the first day I met her; she smelled the scent of the ones in the coffee shop. I saw the joy they brought to her face. I bet she will not think that a man like me can remember the smallest thing a woman does.

With the most beautiful bunch of roses for the most exquisite woman, I take the drive to the barn. I am blown away to see how many of the townfolk are here. So I try to make a casual appearance, but if I thought that I would go unseen, then I am sadly mistaken.

The first to come to greet me is my Lucy, but as soon as Sammy sees her coming for me, she comes to my rescue.

"Now, this is a face that I never thought we would see here."

"Hey Sammy, did not think you and James are into this kind of thing?"

"Hey, none of us like then Kightleys, but they sure know how to throw a party. Come join our table; at least you won't have the likes of Lucy hovering around you."

SUMMAR POV

The night carries on, and Raymond makes sure to show me off as his prize that he won. I smile and wave where I need to, and then we go to the bar.

"Aahh…uhm Raymond?"

He is so busy looking at the blonde bombshell next to him that he does not even hear me when I am starting to fake my sickness. I tap him on the shoulder and then fake again.

"Aahh…I think the food did not agree with me. Would you excuse me for a little while?"

"Summer, you can not go now; I still need you to introduce me to the rest of the guests?"

I almost roll his eyes at the obvious concern he has for me.

"I have to go; I am sorry. I will not make it to the bathroom."

"Eeww, go, please!"

Raymond truly would make the best husband any girl could as for, his concern is so profound. I bend over and run to the bathroom, but when no one is looking anymore, I quickly make my way to my room where I could climb down my trusty window.

My heart starts to race at the thought that I could see Austin and that tonight might have been worth it, and it could turn out to be a wonderful night after all. I get into my car drive down to the party as the ground of my family is very large. I feel the roads are icy, and I better drive slow.

I get to the party and quickly make my dress straight. I look one last time in the mirror and make sure my lipstick is just right for one Mr. Austin Pierce. I start to walk towards the barn doors, and I see the people enjoying themselves immensely. The people are drinking and dancing, but I only have eyes for one person.

Finally, I see the man of my dreams. He is more handsome than I remember and it looks like he too is enjoying the party. I lock my eyes on him, but then I stop dead in my tracks. He is not alone, he is dancing with someone, and they are not looking like they are only dancing as friends but more than friends.

AUSTIN POV

But then, as we are about to take a seat, a song starts to play. I know it is Sammy's favorite, so I am not surprised as she asks me to dance with her. So I wrap my arms around her waist and lead her to the floor. Not knowing where to keep my hands, I move them down to the small of her back.

And that is when I see her out the corner of my eye.

"Summer!"

SUMMER POV

All the memories of my exes flood my mind, and I know that this could not have happened to me again. I turn around and run to get into my car. I can not believe this is happening. I feel a waterfall of tears forming in my eyes, and I need to wipe the tears as I can not see clearly, but the thoughts of letting Austin play me like that are just unbearable.

I spin away as I just want to get away as fast as possible. The tears do not stop, and I wipe my eyes dry, but then I see everything spinning. I feel my body flying around in the car for what feels like forever, and then it stops.

"Aaahhh!!"

I put my hand on my forehead and look at the blood on my hand. Then everything turns black.

AUSTIN POV

I immediately rush after her; I hope she does not think of something other because I can only imagine what she thinks she saw.

"Dammit, Austin! What were you thinking!"

I get into my truck and set after her; she is driving out of control; she must be so mad at me.

But then it all happens so fast

"God, Summer No!"