The Christmas Rental

by Hendricks, Savannah

  He lined up his shoes and took a practiced stride forward, releasing the ball down the lane. After the ball knocked down all but one pin, Tyler returned to his story. “When they arrived, the residents were vocal about not losing the bowling alley, and my parents didn’t know what to do with it. My folks struggled with a decision because they didn’t want to upset the town.”

  Tyler returned to the lane and effortlessly sent the ball to do its job, taking out the final pin with a spare. “But in the end, a compromise made everyone happy.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.” Lorelei snatched up her ball and stared down the lane. “You have way more bowling skills than I do. But it sounds as though you’ve had years of near-daily practice.”

  She released the ball and leaned to the right as though the ball would follow her lead. Tyler pressed his lips together to keep from chuckling aloud. The pins tumbled.

  “Strike! Yes!” Lorelei pumped her fists in the air and spun around toward Tyler.

  Mary Ann fed off her mom’s excitement and squealed, smacking her hands on the high chair’s tray.

  “So, your parents kept the bowling alley and started up their real estate business?”

  Tyler went for his ball, waiting for the machine to reset the pins. “Yes, they restarted it up, so to speak. They’d both worked for a well-known real estate firm out of St. Paul and were looking to open their own business and raise me in a small town. They switched up the bowling alley slightly, removing the area that held all the shoe rentals and snack bar, and replaced it with the real estate office. They added the self-service beverage bar and shoe checkout. And it’s still the town’s gathering place, depending on how busy the pizza place and café end up. Sometimes residents will sit for hours over coffee reminiscing about the past, laughing at stories.”

  Lorelei went to her jacket, pulled out some toys from the oversize pockets, and set them in front of Mary Ann. “Did you like growing up here?”

  Tyler released the ball but didn’t stay to watch what pins it knocked over. All his attention remained on Lorelei and the way she glowed from within. Spending time with her created a feeling of joy inside of him. He tried to explain it to himself, but he’d never felt such emotion before, and even with all of his years of reading, he couldn’t find the words. It’s only been a few hours, what’s up with all the feelings? Knock it off. This is not middle school.

  “Tyler?” Lorelei stood in front of him.

  “Yes, I loved it.” Tyler turned around to see all the pins still standing. “And I want to raise my family here too.” He pulled at his ear, itching behind it. “Did I not hit a single pin?”

  Lorelei shook her head. “Maybe I can beat you after all.” She smirked and tapped his arm with the back of her hand.

  A chill ran through his entire body as though he’d stepped outside without a jacket on. It reminded him of when he read a great scene in a book or saw the beauty in nature—a feeling of peace and excitement at the same time.

  “More cider?” He pointed to the beverage bar. “It’s not as good as Sharon’s, but . . . I can go back to the café and get us some more—if you want, I mean. You don’t have to.” Stop rambling!

  “I’d love some, but I’m thinking Mary Ann and I should probably head home sooner rather than later. I still need to unpack, and I’m a little tired from the drive. Plus, I worked sixty-two hours this week, and I’m in need of catching up on my sleep.”

  “Of course. I’m sure your daughter could use a good night’s sleep, too.”

  Lorelei picked up her bowling ball. “I must sound so old.” Her face scrunched. “You're nice to welcome us. I’m sorry.” The ball sailed down the lane, taking out all but the three right pins.

  “You don’t sound old at all. I would say I’m tired too, but I didn’t want to sound like a copycat.” Tyler grinned.

  “But we must finish this game.” Lorelei waited at the ball return. “Tell me something about the Norths. I know they’re my family, but I don’t know much about my aunt and uncle. It’s kind of sad. I hope that changes soon.”

  “Let’s see, they always rent out their home every December, and the company—my company, well, the family company—has always managed it, except this time. I will say that when your uncle dropped off the contract, I don’t think I’ve seen him smile so grand.”

  “It’s been a few years coming, at least on my end. I’m sure they’ve asked my parents to visit.” Lorelei cradled the bowling ball. “My dad and his sister Candace were never close from what I’ve heard. There is a ten-year age gap between them and completely different lifestyles. My folks are not big on small-town Christmases. Do you know they asked me if I’d have internet here or if I have to go into Booth?” She laughed and ended it with another yawn.

  “We do have internet.” Tyler tilted his head. “And the Norths have mentioned you over the last few years. They said how they tried to get you and your parents to come up a few Christmases ago.”

  “We’ve been in touch more often since I became a doctor. My Aunt Candace loves to pen letters still and knows about my love for small-town life.” Lorelei waved her hand at the thought. “Enough about me, did your parents have to learn how to run the bowling alley? Or does it run itself?” The alley filled with the sound of three pins knocked over by Lorelei’s ball.

  “It does run itself for the most part, which is why they made it more self-serve. It allowed me to be in charge as a kid. By the age of ten, I could wax the floors and repair and maintain the pinsetter and the ball return.”

  “Very impressive. At age ten, I was dressing up in party attire and putting on makeup.” Lorelei grinned, batting her lashes. She took a seat on the chair and leaned on her knees. “Why are your parents so set on you keeping the business running? It sounds to me like it’s not your dream job.” Lorelei rubbed her lips together. “I don’t mean to sound crass.”

  Tyler sat next to her. “Not at all, I ask myself that every day. It’s because I don’t have the guts to confront my parents. And it’s the reason I gave up on my original dream of owning the bookstore.” He chuckled. “It’s not funny, but it’s true.”

  Lorelei giggled. “I’m sorry. I’m not laughing at you.” She started giggling again.

  Tyler leaned into Lorelei and bumped her arm. “I think you are.” He smiled.

  She continued to giggle uncontrollably, gasping for breath. Tyler folded his arms and waited for her to stop.

  “Okay,” she gasped. “I’m sorry. The reason I’m laughing is because we’re in the same boat. I can’t find the courage to make the life I want for myself and my daughter.”

  “We’re adults. Why can’t we be . . . adults?” Tyler inquired, leaning back in the plastic curved chair. “Are you an only child?”

  “Yes, and you?”

  “Yes, and that’s why—because our parents’ dreams were forced wholly upon us versus spread over several other siblings.”

  The bell above the office door rang.

  “Ty?” a female voice called out.

  “Jodi, hi.” He spun around toward the door.

  “Here are your keys, thanks again. I—” Jodi froze, her hand outstretched with the keys. “Sorry, I didn’t know you were with someone.”

  Tyler stood up. “No worries. Jodi, this is Lorelei, your new boss.”

  Lorelei eased off the chair as though trying to gain composure from her laugh-fest moments ago. “Hi, nice to meet you.”

  Tyler gathered the keys from Jodi as she moved to shake Lorelei’s hand.

  “Nice to meet you, Doctor,” she offered with her brow twisted.

  Lorelei held up her hand. “No, please, Lorelei is fine.”

  “I heard from Dr. North that you work as an emergency room doctor. I’m pretty sure you should be addressed properly.” Jodi clasped her hands together.

  As long as Tyler had known Jodi, she was easily impressed, which was probably how she’d been suckered into buying her lemon of a car.

  “Trust me”—Lorelei l
ifted her daughter from the high chair—“just because it cost an astronomical amount of money for my degree, doesn’t make me any more important or useful than you or Tyler or anyone in this town for that matter.”

  Great, she’s humble, too. Tyler ran his hand through his hair as if doing so would lessen his growing attraction to Lorelei’s soul.

  Jodi softly smiled and held her hands together. “And who is this little one?” She loved babies, and it took every ounce of her willpower not to snatch them from their parents’ arms so she could hug them. Although he’d seen it happen more than once.

  “This is my daughter, Mary Ann.” Lorelei smiled down at her as she balanced her on her hip.

  Jodi reached her finger out, and Mary Ann spotted it, taking hold of it. The smile on Jodi’s face showcased how much she enjoyed being around children.

  “How do you know Tyler? Oh, are you . . . together?” Lorelei leaned back from Jodi. “I hope it’s okay that we were hanging out. He was only trying to show me around town, make sure I met some people.”

  Jodi placed her hand on her chest and chuckled as she glanced over at Tyler. “No, Tyler and me?”

  “Hey, now, Jodi, be a bit nicer to my ego, please,” Tyler joked.

  Lorelei looked at Tyler and then back at Jodi. “So, you’re not . . .?”

  “Dating? Together?” Jodi’s voice was high. “No.”

  “We’re great friends. We grew up together,” Tyler added. “This is a close-knit community, and everyone is as close as family. Jodi and I—” He glanced at Jodi, rubbing the back of his neck.

  “We drive each other nuts. We’re like brother and sister.” Jodi made a funny face at Mary Ann, and she responded with a belly giggle.

  He glanced over at Lorelei. Did her face relax as though she was relieved by this news?

  “Yes, I can only handle so much Jodi at a time.” Tyler winked.

  “I think Lorelei understands.” Jodi elbowed him.

  Tyler rested his arm on Jodi’s shoulder and smirked.

  She pointed at him. “See, this is what I’m talking about. Annoying.” Jodi laughed and slid out from under his arm. “Anyway, I’m your uncle’s secretary at the office. I hope you don’t find me annoying because we’ll be working together for the entire month. And even if you fire me, I’ll only be going upstairs. I live in the house, too.”

  “You seem lovely, Jodi.” Lorelei smiled. “And what an amazing commute.”

  “Once you see Jodi’s car, you’ll understand she can’t handle a commute at all.” Tyler prodded. “Unless she could push her car to work.”

  “And that’s why she borrowed your truck?” Lorelei tilted her head.

  “Exactly, her car is too amazing even to drive.” Tyler nodded and crossed his arms.

  “Don’t teach Lorelei your ways.” Jodi shook her finger at him. “My car . . . it . . . it runs when it wants to, and it chose to take the night off.”

  “That sounds like a pain. I guess it’s a great thing that you live where you work.” Lorelei switched hips as Mary Ann drifted off to sleep, her head drooping and wobbling. “If you ever need to run an errand or anything, let me know, and I can take you.” Lorelei leaned her cheek on her daughter’s head.

  For the first time in years, Tyler was grateful for running the family business. Without assisting the Norths with their rental, he wouldn’t have been in a position to work this closely with her. Sure, it might sound drastic, but joy spread through him, knowing in a small way his family business still had a purpose. Unfortunately, she wouldn’t be staying, and he would soon be traveling for months in an effort to live out at least one dream.

  Chapter 8

  She unlocked the Norths’ house door and carried a sleeping Mary Ann inside. Thankfully, she’d left the kitchen lights on to guide her through the unfamiliar home. The suitcases remained in the entryway, causing Lorelei to sigh.

  “Ugh, unpacking,” she whispered and rolled her eyes as she set Mary Ann on the blanket on the living room floor. She gazed out at the merrily illuminated backyard, instantly feeling bad about complaining. Without a doubt, Lorelei knew she could stare at the surrounding forest 365 days a year—decorated for Christmas or not—and never tire of it.

  As she lugged the suitcases up the mahogany stairs, her thoughts returned to the stairs at Kim and Diana’s thrift store. All she wanted to do was immerse herself in each store in town, studying their history. Lorelei desired to meet everyone and for everyone to know her and Mary Ann. She wanted to wave at them from across the street, share a story or a cup of cider.

  After the suitcases were all upstairs and set in the main bedroom, she went down the hall and opened two closed doors. One revealed a guest room with a king-size bed and an antique dresser. When she opened the second door, her eyes lit up. The room held two twin beds and a crib. Under the window sat a glide rocker next to a bookshelf full of children’s literature and a bin of toys.

  “This is perfect,” she said aloud to the empty room. Her shoulders rose to the ceiling in joy as she rubbed her hands together, cupping them and exhaling warmth into them. “If only this house would heat up.”

  She returned to the thermostat at the bottom of the stairs. It was the same model she had at her condo. The screen showed sixty degrees, but no air, hot or cold, came from it when she placed her hand on a return. Lorelei checked the time on her cell phone, and at just after ten, it was a little too late to call Tyler about what to do. Returning to the kitchen, she reread the note from the Norths, still befuddled by no contact number. It did say any issues should be brought to Tyler’s attention. And since her aunt and uncle didn’t have a cell phone to reach them at, it made sense.

  Lorelei peeked at her daughter, still sleeping on her back on the blanket, as she made her way over to the fireplace. After removing all the wet wood from when she poured water on it earlier, she stacked a set of dry wood in and lit it up. The wood crackled and snapped as the fire spread around each log. She and Mary Ann would need to sleep in the living room tonight in front of the warm fireplace.

  Once she’d slipped into her pajamas and brushed her teeth, Lorelei shut off all the lights and snatched a pillow and a blanket off the bed upstairs before returning to the living room. Snuggling up next to her daughter, she covered them both up and propped the down-feather pillow under her head. She had a view of the lighted trees through the French doors on her right and the glow of the fireplace to her left. Her mind instantly went to Tyler and his dimpled smile. She warmed at the way he made her feel, as if she was home, even though Oakvale was far from her condo. There was something magical about their meeting that Lorelei couldn’t put her finger on quite yet. It was interesting that they faced the same struggle with their parents. Maybe they could help each other. Maybe she’d be able to help Tyler fulfill his bookstore dream.

  Rubbing the chill from her fingers, she turned on her side and gazed at her daughter as the fireplace’s glow danced across her face. She wanted nothing more than to give Mary Ann what she felt was the best life possible. Sleep washed over Lorelei, making her eyes heavy as she tried to formulate a plan that might help Tyler and her.

  Morning light broke through the house’s back windows, causing Lorelei to stir. She rubbed her eyes, grazing her frozen nose. At least it felt frozen as she opened her eyes and lifted her head off the pillow. Sitting completely up, she wrapped her arms around herself.

  “It’s ice-cold in here.” Lorelei made sure Mary Ann was still covered in the blanket and stood up. The fire had all but died out at some point, and the house must have been in the mid-fifties. The clock on the stove read 8:10. She picked up her cell phone, ignored the notifications she needed to answer, and punched in Tyler’s number. While it rang, Lorelei stacked the remaining logs inside the fireplace.

  “Tyler, hi. It’s Lorelei. I hope I’m not calling too early.”

  Lorelei flicked the lighter under the newspaper.

  “No, not at all.” Tyler’s voice was scratchy.

 
She bit her lip, knowing she’d indeed woken him up. “The heater’s not working, and it’s freezing in here. I have the same thermostat, so I don’t think it’s user error. Is there a repair person I can call?”

  “Oofta! I’ll head right over. Give me five minutes.”

  “Thank you, I appreciate it.”

  After ending the call, a babbling noise drew her attention to the floor. Mary Ann had awakened and rolled over onto her stomach, lifting her head and chest off the blanket.

  “I know, baby girl.” She scooped up her daughter. “I’m sorry it’s cold in here. Tyler is coming to see what’s wrong.” As the words left her lips, Lorelei’s eyes widened. With her daughter in tow, she rushed to the hall mirror. Her strawberry blonde bob stuck out at odd angles; the calculated choppy layers now looked jagged and uneven, some strands forked off in two opposite directions, defying gravity and geometry. Yesterday’s mascara circled her eyes like a raccoon.

  Mary Ann bounced on her mom’s hip as she ran down the hall and scurried up the stairs. With one hand, Lorelei dug through the open suitcase in the bedroom and pulled out a hairbrush. After taming her bob, she opened Mary Ann’s suitcase and grabbed the baby wipe bin. Once in the bathroom, she took the baby wipe to her eyes, removing the leftover mascara.

  “How does Mommy look?” Lorelei turned to her daughter. Mary Ann reached out her hand, trying to grab at her mom’s hair.

  There was a knock at the door, and she hurried down the stairs. “Hi, Tyler. You got here quick.”

  The outdoor temperature, which came inside along with Tyler, didn’t seem much colder than the temperature inside the house.

  “It’s freezing in here.” Tyler closed the front door behind him. “Why didn’t you call me earlier?”

  “I didn’t want to disturb you late at night. And I didn’t know a repair company to call.” She switched Mary Ann to her other hip and looked around Tyler. “Where’s Cider?”