The Christmas Layover

by Robert Tate Miller

  They were standing on the street just outside Tina’s house. Jake had suggested he drive, but Ally had insisted they walk the four and a half blocks. She soon regretted the decision as, a block into the walk, it started to snow yet again, and she was freezing.

  “Brrrr,” Ally said and gave her scarf another loop.

  Jake gave her a look. “Sure you’re up for this?”

  “Don’t you worry about me,” Ally said. “I’m tougher than I look.”

  Tina’s quaint, dark gray two-story cottage house was beautifully decked out for Christmas, with strands of garlands wound around the porch posts and a big red-and-green wreath on the door. The picket fence, which Ally realized was pretty much a staple feature in Bethlehem, was strung with white teardrop Christmas lights. The house was dark inside, save for one dim light on upstairs and the glowing Christmas tree in the living room window. The yard was covered with snow that was getting a fresh coat. “Let me get this straight,” Ally said. “You sneak over here every December 22nd and build a snowman in the yard?”

  “Pretty much,” Jake said. “Each year I have to wait a little longer because Maddie’s bedtime keeps getting later.”

  “But what if there’s no snow?”

  “Yeah, we did have that problem a couple of years ago. Luckily, I have a buddy who works at Echo Mountain Ski Resort. I drove two hours one-way to load up my pickup with manmade snow. Had more than I needed, so I spread the rest in the yard.”

  Ally smiled. How sweet that he would go to all that trouble.

  “Does Maddie know you’re the culprit?” Ally asked.

  “She pretends she doesn’t,” Jake said. “Though I did catch her peeking out the window one night several years back. To be honest, I think she enjoys the fantasy more than the reality.”

  “Don’t we all?” Ally said. “So,” she added, “let’s get started.”

  Jake swung open the gate. “I like your attitude.”

  He retrieved a canvas bag of supplies that he kept hidden beneath the porch steps, explaining that he stowed the bag at his sister’s so that he’d have the materials on hand year in and year out when he stole over in the night to do this snowman-building deed. As she worked side-by-side with Jake constructing the surprise snowman, Ally noticed that he seemed a bit chattier than usual. She liked it. He was getting more comfortable with her.

  “So anyway,” Jake said, “when this all started, Maddie was into Bob the Builder. That’s why she named him Snowman Bob. One year, I put one of Mom’s wigs on him just to test that, and she still called him Snowman Bob.” Ally laughed as she packed some icy snow onto Bob’s mid-section. “Been doing it every year since she was four. And, tomorrow morning, she’ll wake up, remember what day it is, run outside and…here he’ll be.” Ally stepped back and took in their joint venture. They’d been at it for about a half hour, and she thought they’d done a pretty fair job.

  “I bet this one’s the best yet,” she said.

  “Yeah,” Jake said. “And it’s all because of you.”

  “Oh really?” Ally asked. “Are you patronizing me?”

  “Maybe a little,” Jake said.

  “Well, that won’t do.” Ally picked up a clump of snow and flung it at him. “That’s what you get.”

  “Oh, it’s on now!” Jake said. He went to retaliate, quickly packing some frozen snow into a ball, while Ally worked furiously to beat him to the punch. Ally’s shrieking laughter echoed down the street, bouncing off the houses.

  “You’re going to wake the whole neighborhood,” Jake teased.

  “It’s your fault,” she said. She picked up another handful of snow and plopped it on his head, then let out another cackle of laughter that reverberated down the block.

  “Nice,” Jake said. “Real nice. How would you like it down your back?” Jake grabbed a chunk of ice.

  “Don’t you dare!” Ally said. She made a halfhearted attempt to avoid capture, but Jake grabbed her around the waist as Ally laughed so hard she could barely catch her breath. “Jake, you’d better not! Ahhh! That’s cold!” Jake managed to slip a chunk of ice down her collar, and Ally felt the freezing cold against her bare skin. As she squirmed trying to dislodge it, Ally realized that, for the moment, at least, her troubles were miles away. She felt girlish and euphoric. So, this is what fun feels like, she thought.

  The snow battle lasted no more than a couple of minutes, but Ally felt like she’d had a real workout. If there had been ringside judges, she felt she would have held her own, gotten a split decision at the very least. Jake had just as much snow on him as she did.

  The bout ended like some clichéd romantic comedy with the participants tumbling into the snow, Jake ending up on top of her, looking down into her face, which Ally could feel was pink with flush. Her head rested on the firm snow, and she could feel the cold on her exposed neck. They were both laughing and breathing hard, and then Ally realized they were all alone and face-to-face. She felt calm and happy as she looked up into his sea-blue eyes. He’s got specks of brown in his pupils, she thought. She also picked out a few light freckles high on his cheeks that she hadn’t seen before.

  His eyes were locked on hers, searching. She could sense him wanting to kiss her, and she felt a sudden warmth rush through her. Ally recognized it instantly. Desire. She wanted that kiss, wanted his lips on hers. She wanted to reach up and grab him by the lapel and pull him down to her, but, instead, she waited. It was his move. Why is he hesitating? Can’t he read my signals? Doesn’t he know I want it?

  Ally suddenly felt foolish, mentally cross-examining herself. Why are you thinking about kisses? Your break-up with Tim isn’t even cold yet. And, lest you forget, you’re leaving soon, back to your tattered life. There’s nothing good that can come from a kiss, no matter how much you think you want it. Ally further studied Jake’s lovely eyes. She knew he was thinking similar conflicted thoughts, maybe cross-examining himself, too. Just do it, she thought. Kiss me. Why do you have to be such a gentleman when I really just want your lips on mine?

  “Hey guys.” Ally looked over to see Tina standing on the edge of the porch, hugging her bathrobe tightly about her. Jake quickly stood up. A little too quickly, Ally decided.

  “Oh hi,” Jake said. Terrible actor, Ally thought. He didn’t even try to play it off coolly. Ally wondered what would have happened if Tina hadn’t interrupted them. Curse my timing. Ally stood up on her own. Jake seemed too busy distancing himself from her to offer his hand.

  “Hi sis,” Jake said. Ally noticed the curious smile on Tina’s face. It was clear that Jake’s sister knew full well she’d caught them in a compromising position.

  “Hope I’m not interrupting anything,” Tina said.

  “Oh, no!” Jake said much too quickly. “We were just finishing up Snowman Bob.” Ally was amused as Jake gestured to the snowman as if that might distract his sister from what she’d seen.

  “Well, welcome back, Snowman Bob,” Tina said. “He looks especially robust this year. I’m sure that was Ally’s doing.”

  “Yes,” Jake said. “She was a big help. Right, Ally?”

  “I guess so,” Ally said. “I just packed on snow. Not a lot of skill involved.” She exchanged a furtive glance with Tina, and it was as if they could read each other’s minds. Jake’s acting funny, huh?

  “Maddie’s going to be so excited,” Tina said. “She’s been jabbering about it for days. Kinda sad, though. Once she morphs into a poopy teenager, she’ll be too cool for Snowman Bob.”

  “I’m sure I’ll be ready to retire him by then,” Jake said.

  “So, Jake. I hear you’re going to have competition at the Great Christmas Cookie Bake-off tomorrow night,” Tina said. “Mom says Ally and Noel have an unbeatably delicious cookie entry.”

  Jake shot a look at Ally. “I’m not really expecting competition.”

  Ally gave him a playful punch on the arm. “You know what they say. An arrogant bug is a cocky roach.”

  “Oh wow,” Jake said.
“Now I’m an insect. Very nice, yoga lady.”

  Ally looked at Tina. “Tina, is your brother always this impossible to deal with?”

  “Pretty much,” Tina said.

  “Well,” Ally said, “just so you know, Noel and I are in this to win.”

  “Be warned, Ally,” Tina said. “Jake’s a pretty fair cookie-baker.”

  “Not afraid at all,” Ally said. “We welcome the competition. With Peggy in our corner, we’re unbeatable.”

  “Wow,” Jake said. “Can’t believe my own mother’s helping the enemy.” He shook his head in mock dismay. “All right then. I guess it’s on.”

  “Yep,” Ally said. “On like Donkey Kong.”

  “So, okay,” Tina said, “I’m freezing my bunions off, so I’m gonna go back inside.”

  “Night,” Ally and Jake said in unison.

  Tina turned back just before disappearing inside. “You can go back to your kiss now.”

  After the door closed behind her, Ally and Jake exchanged a look. Ally relished the sheepish smile on his handsome face.

  “Not sure what she’s talking about,” he said.

  “No idea,” Ally said. The clock in the town hall tower started to peal.

  “Well, I should get you back,” Jake said.

  “Right,” Ally replied. “Don’t want to turn into a pumpkin. Night, Snowman Bob.”

  Ally relished yet another walk back along the quiet street and past the glimmering houses. It almost felt like walks with Jake were becoming routine.

  “You know,” Ally said as they passed a particularly festive home that looked a bit like a gingerbread house, “I could never live here, but I can sort of get the whole appeal. I mean, for those who don’t crave excitement or anything especially interesting in their lives.”

  Jake laughed. “Not exactly a ringing endorsement.”

  “Well, I mean, it’s nice, I guess,” Ally said. “But, then again, I’ve only gotten a small dose, and at Christmas time—with everybody rolling out the red carpet for the passengers of the ill-fortuned Flight 1225.”

  “Do you consider it ill fortune?” Jake asked. “That you’re here?”

  “Now don’t go twisting my words,” Ally said, giving him a playful nudge with her shoulder. “My mother does that.”

  Jake laughed. “Sorry.”

  They walked in silence the rest of the way, stopping just outside Peggy’s gate. “This was fun,” Jake said. “Thanks for your help.”

  “Sure,” Ally said. “I hope Maddie’s cool with our version of Snowman Bob.”

  “Are you kidding? You’re right. I think this is the best one yet.”

  There was an awkward moment that reminded Ally of some high school date that had gone well enough that a kiss might be expected, yet… Jake shoved his hands in his pockets, and she wondered why he again seemed so shy and reluctant to make a move. He’s smart, Ally thought. He’s been hurt, and he knows I’m leaving soon. Damn practicality. Why can’t he be a little spontaneous?

  “Well, goodnight,” Jake said at last.

  “Night,” Ally said. She waited by the gate as Jake crossed the street to his house. He turned back halfway.

  “Listen,” Jake said, “tomorrow morning I’m taking Maddie sledding. If you’d like to come along.”

  “Sledding?” Ally said. “It’s been a long time.”

  Jake smiled. “Then you’re due.”

  Ally mulled it over for a bit. “Wait a second,” she said, “the Christmas Cookie Bake-off is tomorrow evening. This isn’t some elaborate ploy to eliminate the competition, is it? How dare you!”

  Jake laughed. “Don’t worry. We’ll be back in plenty of time.”

  Ally smiled. She got to spend more time with Jake. Wow, she thought. Didn’t really like this guy when I first met him, and now I’m actually looking forward to seeing him again.

  “Okay then,” she said. “I guess I’m in.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Noel woke up chatty the next morning. She gave Ally the play-by-play of the entire previous night’s conversation with Brian. He had bought a Christmas tree, but it remained bare in the corner of their living room, because he wasn’t going to start decorating without her. He had refused to watch another episode of the TV series they were bingeing, even though he’d been tempted a few times to help pass the loneliness without her. He’d made a stocking that said “Chelsea Rose” even though the baby wasn’t due until after Christmas.

  “Brian’s the best husband a girl could ever ask for,” Noel said at one point, and, from all she’d heard, Ally couldn’t debate the point. When Ally told Noel she was heading out to go sledding, Noel prodded her about the previous night. “I know you were with Jake. I saw you two out the window.”

  “It was nothing,” Ally said. “We just built a snowman in the dark.”

  “A snowman?” Noel said. “Cute.” She turned the topic back to Brian and told tales of their own snowman-building escapades. Ally thought she’d avoided any further prodding about Jake, but then Noel abruptly stopped her Brian reminisces to blurt out, “Do you have feelings for Jake?”

  Ally was pulling her sweater on over her head, and the surprise question threw her off her motion. Suddenly, the sweater was stuck on her head. She finally managed to free herself and turned to her temporary roomie.

  “Noel? Really?”

  “I was just wondering,” Noel said.

  “Of course not. I mean…I barely know the guy. And you do know we’re not here forever, right? We’ll be on our way tomorrow, I’m sure. I’ll never see Jake again.” And if you never saw him again, how would you feel about that? Ally asked herself, pretending to be her own therapist.

  “That’s what you keep saying,” Noel said, “but so far tomorrow hasn’t come.”

  Ally laughed and reached into the dresser drawer for a pair of jeans. “Well, Mother Nature seems to have a mind of her own.” Ally yanked on her jeans as she hopped to the window. She saw Jake chuck an old-style wooden sled into the bed of his pickup truck. “Okay,” she said, zipping up her jeans, “I’m going to go. You good?”

  “Oh, sure,” Noel said. “Peggy’s taking me to Doc Baker’s for a checkup, and then we’re getting hair and nails done. I want to look pretty for the big bake-off tonight. So, even if we lose, at least I’ll look good.”

  Ally smiled. “See you later then.”

  “Have fun on your date, Ally.”

  Ally gave her a look at the door. “It’s not a date.”

  “Whatever you say, roomie,” Noel replied with an impish smile. “Whatever you say.”

  …

  Noel’s date comment got Ally thinking as she slipped into the passenger seat of Jake’s pickup truck. Is it a date? Maddie’s presence made it a little murky. Jake had a cup of to-go coffee from Charlie’s waiting for Ally in the truck cup carrier. Thoughtful, she mused. It was still warm. “Thanks for the coffee,” she said.

  “You’re welcome.” Jake shifted into gear, and they lurched off. Ally made sure she sat just close enough to him so that his gearshift hand would brush against her leg, but, at the same time, tried not to be too obvious about it. Does he know I’m doing it on purpose?

  “So, you’re not needed at the diner?” Ally asked as they rolled down the quiet street. She noticed the previous night’s snowfall had layered a fresh new dusting on the bushes and rooftops.

  “Libby knows how to run that place like a well-oiled machine,” Jake said.

  “So, how’s Robbie?” Ally asked. “What’s the latest with Amelia?”

  “He’s a bit down in the dumps,” Jake said. “She came in for dinner last night with the good-looking kid from your flight.”

  “Oh, that’s not good,” Ally said. “Then again, maybe she’s trying to make him jealous.” Ally wasn’t sure she believed that. Amelia didn’t seem the type.

  Jake then laid out the dramatic story from the previous evening, finishing while the truck idled in front of Tina’s house as they waited for Maddie
to come out. Apparently, Amelia had come into Charlie’s with her new “friend” Justin just after seven. Libby had seated them in a booth by the window, and, before she could go to the back to warn Robbie, he’d come barreling out of the kitchen, toting an empty bus pan and whistling “Jingle Bells.” He was clueless to the lurking danger.

  “Robbie didn’t see them at first and then…he froze in his tracks. It couldn’t have gone worse,” Jake said. “I was ringing up a customer at the register and witnessed the whole disaster. Robbie stood there like he’d just seen a zombie crawl out of a grave. When Amelia said ‘hello, Robbie, how are you?’ he just turned and slunk back to the kitchen. He wouldn’t come out again until he was sure they’d gone. It was pretty pitiful, actually.”

  “Wow,” Ally said. “That boy’s got it bad.”

  “Yeah,” Jake said. “I think he feels insecure because he wasn’t able to go off to college right after graduation like everybody else. His mom needs his help. She’s got cancer.”

  “Oh,” Ally said. “I’m so sorry.”

  “All ready!”

  Ally watched as Maddie flew out the door and down the steps toward the truck, passing by Snowman Bob, who looked to still be in pretty good shape. Maddie was bundled up in a pink parka and lavender ski hat. She had on white mittens and wool boots. Ally started to get out to let Maddie sit in the middle, but the little girl was too fast.

  “You can sit in the middle,” she said as she jumped in the front seat. “Uncle Jake would probably like that.” Ally glanced at Jake as she edged over, positioning her legs just to the right of the gearshift. Jake’s precocious niece took over the truck. She tuned the radio station away from her uncle’s chosen classical music to a pop station and spent the twenty-five-minute drive in a nonstop chatter-fest. She talked about Snowman Bob and her favorite boy band. She talked about her friend Carmen and how she’d been really needy lately; she talked about the Robbie and Amelia saga, tossing in her own two cents.

  “Robbie just needs to stop being a wimp and man up.”

  Even though Maddie’s assessment wasn’t very yogi-like, Ally had to agree with the sentiment.