Page 61 of Flights and Sights

A few moments later, I pulled away from the kiss and sighed happily. “Ready?”

“For what?”

“To get out of the shower and spend the rest of the day worshiping each other?”

Paxton laughed. “Fuck yes.”

***

Late that next morning, we made our way to town hall once again, ready to hear the verdict. There was a larger crowd at town hall that Tuesday than I’d expected. I was a little shocked at how many people were rallying around Paxton and Celestial Cask. I guess this town isn’t so bad after all, I let myself think.

The council took their seats as Paxton and I sat in the second row again, but this time at the end, the rest of the row filled with townspeople.

Barbara Traylor called the meeting to order and quickly, the room hushed.

“Hello everyone. I know we’re all here to see the results of the vote. Let’s just get on with it, shall we?” The audience murmured its agreement and the council nodded. “Okay, then. We will have a vote between Clark and Ramsey’s plan, or Mr. Lowell’s plan to expand Celestial Cask. There is also the option to abstain. All those in favor of the Clark-Ramsey plan?”

Three town council members raised their hands. My stomach fluttered with possibility. Had we done it? We needed four votes. If anyone abstained, we were sunk.

“And those in favor of Mr. Lowell’s plan?”

Four members, including Barbara Traylor, raised their hands.

We’d done it. A cheer rose up in the town hall, and I took Paxton’s hand as Barbara spoke into the mic. Pax immediately squeezed me as our fingers tangled together.

“Okay, okay. Quiet please. A few closing remarks.” When the room quieted, she continued. “This has been a hotly contested issue and we appreciate everyone’s time and energy on this topic.” She turned her focus to Paxton. “Mr. Lowell, we’ll be in touch with you to discuss the purchase of the parcel of land and how to move forward with the expansion, including permits and licensure. Thank you all for attending. Have a great day.”

Noise rose up in the room again as people began to filter out and leave, chatting about the win—or loss, depending on where they stood on the issue. Paxton looked at me, his brown eyes shining, a huge smile on his face.

“Thank you,” Pax murmured. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”

I pulled him into a tight hug. “I lo—” Realizing what I’d been about to say, I choked on the words. “I love this—for us. You. For you. This is amazing. Congratulations.”

When he looked at me again, his eyes were damp. “I mean it. Thank you.” Paxton stepped back, pulling out of my arms. “We should probably get going. Do you want to go celebrate?”

“Actually,” I mumbled, feeling nauseated, stomach churning. “I should head home. I have a lot of packing to do, and I promised my parents I’d have a farewell dinner with them. Can I… I mean, can we see each other tonight? After?”

Pax kissed me once, quickly, and nodded. “Yeah. Definitely. You can’t leave without saying goodbye.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

***

We’d carpooled, so I made my way home from Paxton’s house a little while later and as I pulled into the driveway of the rental house, I realized the nauseated feeling hadn’t gone away. This felt like the worst thing I’d ever decided to do, to walk away from Paxton and Celestial Cask and Foggy Basin. I made my way inside and started packing, tears stinging my eyes as I folded clothes and stuffed things into my suitcases.

When I’d left all those years ago, escaping Jacob and that disaster of a relationship, nothing had felt more right. Moving to the East Coast had been a respite, a welcome change, a breath of fresh air. Now the idea of going back to my apartment made me feel sick, on so many levels. I didn’t want to get on another plane, not without Paxton. When I tried to envision myself traveling around the world, writing and tasting, it couldn't have felt more wrong. There was no world in which I could leave Paxton behind in Foggy Basin and feel content.

It’s only for three months, I assured myself. Three months is nothing. You’ll be back before you know it. I tried to picture myself sitting on a plane without him, having breakfast in Denmark alone, tasting palm wine in Nigeria with only my notebook by my side.

As tears began to fall, I knew I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t have both. I couldn’t be with Paxton and travel the Fermentation Trail and hope to come back in three months. It would be far too painful—for both of us.

I had a decision to make. I picked up my cell phone and dialed.

Chapter 31 - Paxton

Itook a shaky breath as I walked across the parking lot to the meadery. I needed to talk to Tommy, to share the good news. When I stepped inside, I found Tommy working the taproom bar while Matty did his thing, delivering drinks and laughing with patrons. Tommy glanced over at me and when I caught his eye, his face split into a wide grin.

“Glad you’re here. We just kicked the last of the I Mead More for the day and I need to change the keg.”