@flyingsassysaddles HELLO YES NEWMAINE INCOMING!
The party was going wonderfully. Every business partner Jacob had ever met was in attendance, drinking the night away. The Christmas Eve party was something that his family threw every year to show off their wealth. It was at these parties that he would meet his two closest friends, Liam and Lance. The two were as different as night and day, though both were crucial to his sanity. Neither one bought into the idea that wealth was everything, unlike their families. Jacob’s own family, the Anderson’s, were well known in the business world. Their factories made just about anything one could dream of and, to many, he was a charismatic young man who seemed born to run the company. The truth was, he had been adopted at the age of five from a run down orphanage, a fact people told him he should be ashamed of. But he couldn’t. That run down building raised him more than these parties ever did. And she most of all.
“What a lovely evening. Though, I do think most people would prefer you inside.” Jacob let out a curt laugh, turning to face Lance. Liam gave him a gentle grin from behind the taller man.
“You’re still thinking about her, aren’t you?” Liam shook his head. “I’d tell you to let it go but we all know that will never happen.”
“No, it won’t. I can’t help it. She meant everything to me. Hell, she still does.”
“Jacob, it’s been 15 years. Do you really think you’re still in love with that girl?” Lance questioned, adjusting his glasses before taking a seat beside him. “Do you think she ever remembers you?”
“I hope so.”
“You’re a fool, you know that, right?” Liam rested his hand on Jacob’s shoulder as the other boy laughed, looking down at the town below.
“Better a lovesick fool than a heartless dumbass.”
:: ::
The party lights shone from the hill. Mack hated those lights. While she and the other workers slaved away, those family held parties with their extravagant clothing and imported wine. One thought kept her going, day after day. Him.
“Are you thinking about Mr.Anderson again, Mackie?” Warren was the only person about to get away with such a nickname. Mack honestly didn’t know of any way to get him to stop. She stopped walking, staring at those faint lights. Mr.Anderson. Jacob. They had been so close before they were adopted. Now he was the heir to a major business and she was practically dirt on his shoe. Maybe not even that. “Hey, c’mon. We get tomorrow off, we might as well take advantage of it. Besides, Mr.Fancy-Pants is probably too busy with his oh so important guests.” Warren stuck his tongue out, trying to make the taller girl laugh without much success.
“I’m sure you’re right. Why would someone like him bother to make time for people like us.” If he truly remembered and cared for her, why did he ignore her when he visited the mill? And if he wouldn’t give her the time of day, why would she do so for him? “Let’s get going. I hear someone made pastries and I refuse to miss out.”
:: ::
Jacob wasn’t sure who had first suggested that they sneak off. His money would always be on Liam, the younger boy had a knack for trouble, but Lance did hate parties as well and often did what he could to get out of them. Regardless of whose idea it was, Jacob wasn’t complaining. The town was alive, candles glowing on every porch. There seemed to be no boundaries, people walking in and out of houses at random. He even found himself in the middle of a snowball fight with some of the local children.
It was Liam who pointed out the girl. Tall, dark hair, striking violet eyes. His comment was so innocent.
“Say, she matches your description, doesn’t she?”
Jacob froze. No matter how hard his friends tried to pull him, he couldn’t move. After all these years, she lived in the mill town right by his home? For how long? How had he never seen her? Lance hissed in his ear, warning him that people were staring. He finally allowed them to pull him aside, hidden from the masses.
“Wait, was that her? Jacob, was that ‘Mackenzie’? The girl you’ve been pining after for damn near your entire life?” Liam nodded slowly. “I mean, wonderful pick. Stunning woman.” Jacob heard a smack, signaling that Lance had enough of the comments. A snort was heard to their side. Glancing over, the three notice they had been joined by a much shorter boy.
“You can call her stunning all you want, Mackie is not interested, Mr.Blond-Who-Can’t-Whisper.” Liam twitched.
“And who, pray tell, are you?” Lance moved in between the two.
“Mackie’s best friend. Well, friend. Well, I’m not sure if she’d call me a friend. Mackie is very picky. I’m Warren. She and I work at the mill together.” Warren shrugged, moving to leave. “Yeah, she’s still in love with this guy who basically ignores her. Bye!” With that, he was gone among the snowdrifts. Jacob felt his mouth dry up. Ignore her? He would never ignore her. But, then again, how had he missed her? She was working in one of his mills! One he had visited on countless occasions!
“We need to head back. If everyone finds out we-”
“No.” Lance blinked, turning to stare.
“I’m sorry?”
“No. I need to talk to her. Even if she hates me, I just…” Liam sighed.
“Lance and I will cover for you. Just go win your beaut back.” Lance rolled his eyes, grabbing Liam’s arm. “Just be back before morning. Be safe.” With that, they were gone, leaving Jacob alone at the treeline. He turned back towards the town, looking for any sight of his lost love.
It didn’t take too long. Mack had always been hard to miss, even as children. She walked with an air of confidence that generated a lot of respect. However, she was fast. Jogging after her was difficult in the crowded area and he soon lost her again. It felt like hours before he saw her duck into an alleyway, following soon after. Once there, a strong arm grabbed him, shoving him against the wall.
“Who are you and why are you following me?” The cold fury in her voice and eyes stung harder than the wind. A moment later he was dropped. “Mr.Anderson, you ought not be down here. Go home.” The snow crunched under her feet.
“Wait!” A brief pause. “Wait, please.” Jacob forced himself to his feet, stumbling after her. Finally, she turned, giving him a dirty look.
“Yes, sir?” He winced at the tone, standing straight.
“I…” He gulped. “How long…?”
“How long? How long? 15 years and that’s what you ask? That’s rich. I’ve been here long enough. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I plan on enjoying my time off.” As she turned, Jacob felt himself move. She hadn’t expected him to grab her, that much was obvious, but the yank caught her far more off guard. With a snarl, she whipped her head around. All fight seemed to leave her eyes once they met his own.
“Mack. Mack.” Warm tears rolled down his face. He felt himself laugh, though it almost seemed far away. “It’s really you. You’re here. You’re…” A soft sob broke his grin for a moment. Shakily, he lifted his hand to her cheek, rubbing his thumb against it. Her own hand reached up, placing itself over his.
“You ignored me, Jacob. I’m no fool.” He shook his head.
“I would never do anything of the sort, love. And you may not be a fool but I must be. A lovesick fool.” He could hear a faint bell toll, 1, 2, 12 times. Midnight. “A fool whose Christmas wish finally came true.” A harsh yank on his jacket forced him down, making yet another Christmas wish come true.