“Well, thank you for inviting me. It was a fun party.”
“It was!”
He leaned over to kiss her goodnight, and she turned her head at the smell of alcohol on his breath. His kiss landed on the side of her mouth, and he pulled back quickly. “Goodnight, Gina.”
She waited until he was safely inside before driving off. It had been an interesting and eye-opening night. She’d gotten a much better sense of what Alex and his life would be like, and it was a world that she wasn’t eager to be part of. He was a nice enough guy, but he wasn’t the one for her.
Chapter 16
On her way to work the next night, Gina found herself feeling both nervous and excited to see Jared. She felt a shift in her feelings toward him and hoped that he felt the same.
The restaurant was busy when she arrived. Mandy was at the front desk and showed her the reservations book before she headed to the bar. When she glanced at the bar, she saw that almost all of the seats were full, which was unusual for the time of day.
“Hey, Gina. Looks like it’s going to stay busy tonight. Lunch was steady and we’re almost fully booked with reservations from five onward,” Mandy said.
Jared stopped by once for sodas for him and Paul, but Gina was too busy to say more than hello. It wasn’t until the end of the night over after-shift drinks that she had a chance to really talk to him.
He didn’t ask her about what she’d done the night before, so she brought it up.
“I went to Alex’s company Christmas party last night at the Whitley Hotel.”
Jared’s eyes clouded over. After a long moment, he spoke. “Fancy place. Was it a good time?”
“It was fun,” she admitted and noticed a muscle in his jaw tense. “But, I won’t be going out with Alex again.”
“No?”
“He’s a nice guy, but he’s not for me. That world isn’t for me. He’s about to buy a Porsche. I drive a Jetta. I like my Jetta.”
He smiled. “And I like my Jeep.”
“It’s a much more practical car for Nantucket,” she agreed.
The others joined them at the bar—Gina, Billy, Emma and Paul and a few of the waitresses. Billy had them all laughing as he usually did. About an hour or so later, when everyone was ready to go home, Jared walked her to her car.
“What are your plans for Christmas?” he asked.
“I don’t really have any. Mandy told me I’m welcome to join them, but she has a houseful of people. I thought I’d just relax at home. Why?”
“Why don’t you come to my house? It’s only me and my mother and I’m cooking. I’d love to cook for you too. It will be fun.”
Gina was very tempted. “Are you sure she won’t mind?”
“Yes, I’m sure. My mom will love you.”
“Okay. I’ll come. What can I bring?”
“Nothing. Well, maybe a bottle of wine if you want, something red.”
“I can do that.”
Gina picked up an extra shift, working Tuesday night which was usually her night off, because they added a last-minute Christmas party. She didn’t mind doing it. Customers generally were in a very good mood this time of year, and they were more generous than usual.
She finished up her shopping during the day and picked up a good bottle of wine to bring to Jared’s mother’s house. She also planned to pick up a bouquet of flowers for her and she had something in mind for Jared. She’d stopped into Mitchell’s Book Corner and was thrilled when she saw that they had signed copies of Dennis Lehane’s newest release. She remembered that Jared had said he was a favorite author.
She was looking forward to working Christmas Eve. They would be closing early, at eight o’clock, and many of her regular customers had said they’d stop in either for a drink at the bar or for dinner too. She was planning to go to the nine o’clock Christmas Eve service, and she was secretly hoping for snow, just some light flurries. There was something magical about snow falling during the Christmas Eve service.
Christmas Eve was a busy day at Mimi’s Place. They had reservations all day, with lots of people coming for early dinners so they could make church services. Mandy, Jill and Billy were working the day shift and Gina and Emma and Paul were on for the evening shift. They’d see Emma on Christmas Day, though, as the restaurant was closed and Mandy was having everyone over.
Abby, Kate and Kristen Hodges came in for lunch and Mandy chatted with them a bit before they left. While she was visiting at their table, Connie Boyle walked by and joined her daughter at a table by the window. Mandy knew that Connie’s daughter was in town for Christmas as Connie had told her how much she was looking forward to seeing her.
“You know,” Abby said, once Connie was out of earshot, “I’m pretty sure that Connie anonymously donated money to the pantry so we can buy a new freezer.”
“Really? Why do you think it’s her?” Mandy asked, though it didn’t surprise her. She knew that Connie had the means to make a sizable donation. Her second husband had left her quite well off.
“She was one of the few people who knew that we needed a new freezer and what it would cost to replace it. And I think she’s helped other people too. I’ve noticed that often soon after Connie hears about someone that needs help, help arrives. Sometimes it’s money, sometimes it’s helping in other ways by bringing people together.”
Mandy thought of Connie suggesting that Cory’s company might be a good place for Stacy’s husband and asking Emma if there was room in the walk-in freezer. And the mysterious donation made to the young mother with the burst pipes.
“I suspect you may be right.”
* * *
After Abby and her sisters left, Mandy stopped by Connie’s table to say hello, and Connie introduced her to her daughter, Miriam.
“She’s my oldest and lives in Wellesley. My other daughter is out in California, and we see her every other Christmas.”
They chatted for a bit and Mandy said, “I heard the food pantry received a generous donation and now they can buy a new freezer.”
Connie smiled. “Well, that’s good news, isn’t it?”
“It’s a wonderful thing, whoever did it.”
Connie was quiet and then said, “You know many years ago, when I was a young widow, I was struggling. My water heater had burst and that took most of my savings. I had a choice to make, pay my mortgage and have no Christmas presents or pay it late. I really didn’t want to pay it late because having good credit is so important. I told your grandmother I’d decided to pay the mortgage late because I couldn’t imagine not having gifts for my girls and a nice holiday dinner. I received a bank check in the mail that week that covered my mortgage and left me with enough money to have a special Christmas. I knew it was your grandmother, though she never did admit it. She didn’t want the credit, she just wanted to help as best she could.”
Connie smiled. “That always stayed with me. I think it’s a good way to be, if you’re able to do it. Don’t you think?”
Miriam reached out and squeezed her mother’s hand. “You and Rose were quite a team for many years.”
“We were, weren’t we?” She looked up at Mandy. “You can’t tell a soul. I’ll deny it if you do. But your grandmother and I teamed up many years after that. We had so much fun helping where we could and not just at Christmas. Just little things, nothing too outrageous. It made us feel good and useful. I still miss your grandmother,” she admitted.
“I do too. Thank you, Connie, for all that you do, and Merry Christmas to both of you.”
Mandy opened the oven and slid in the tray of mac and cheese that Paul had given her when she headed home on Christmas Eve. He’d made a little extra because he knew Brooke and Blake loved it, and Mandy had complained that they had no interest in eating what the rest of them would be having, lobster casserole and filet mignon. Soon she’d put the filets in to roast. The lobster was already cooked and tossed with butter, breadcrumbs, parsley and a drizzle of good sherry. It just needed a few minutes in the ove
n to heat up. She knew Jill and Billy were looking forward to it—and she was too.
Jill and Billy were upstairs, showering and getting changed. The kids had been dropped off about an hour ago, but the house felt eerily quiet. She smiled to herself, suspecting where they might be. She walked into the living room and stood quietly, listening. And then she heard a soft whisper but couldn’t make out the words.
“Brooke, Blake are you guys behind the tree? Come on out and hang your stockings, we’ll be eating dinner soon.” There was a shuffle and then laughter as the kids wiggled out from behind the Christmas tree.
“Here you go.” Mandy handed each of them a stocking with their names embroidered at the top. They carefully hung them on heavy reindeer that were weighted to stay on the fireplace mantel and had hooks for the stockings. She’d picked up extra stockings earlier in the week for Jill and Billy and had the kids hang those as well. She added her own stocking and they stood back and surveyed the mantel. It looked good and very festive. Jill had contributed earlier in the week by adding tiny lights along the top of the mantel and a fragrant pine garland decorated with cranberries.
“Look, the ferry is coming in,” Blake said.
They all looked out the big bay window in the living room that overlooked the ocean, and in the distance they could see the Steamship Authority High-Speed Ferry entering the harbor. Mandy knew that meant it was nearly six. Every day at the same time, they’d see the ferries come and go fifteen minutes later. She never tired of the view.
“Something smells good.”
Mandy turned at the sound of Billy’s deep voice.
“It’s our mac and cheese. Paul made it for us. But you can have some too, if you want,” Blake said.
Billy laughed. “Well, that’s nice of you. Thanks, Buddy.”
“You might want to hold off, Billy,” Jill said. “You might prefer the rest of Mandy’s menu. Lobster and steak.”
Mandy smiled. “There’s plenty of everything. Let’s go into the kitchen and I’ll put the appetizers out.”
Mandy put the filets in to roast, along with some red new potatoes and a tray of pigs in blankets, while Jill set out a platter of shrimp cocktail. Billy opened a bottle of Lion Tamer cabernet that he and Jill had brought with them for the occasion and poured a glass for each of them.
Mandy set out a dish of her favorite holiday dip, a white bean hummus with garlic, lemon and lots of parsley for color. She had chopped fresh vegetables and toasted pita bread for dipping.
The wine was rich and delicious and they relaxed around the kitchen island. As soon as they were done, Mandy set out the tray of pigs in a blanket, the tiny cocktail franks wrapped in crescent dough that the kids had put together earlier. It was a holiday tradition that they loved to help with and if it were up to them, they would have gobbled the whole tray down, but Mandy made them stop after a few so they wouldn’t ruin their appetites for dinner.
When everything was ready, they ate in the dining room. It was all delicious and they went back for second helpings of everything, including wine.
“I’m so glad that we decided to come for the whole month,” Jill said as she reached for another small scoop of lobster.
“Yeah, Jill and I were just saying that upstairs while we were getting ready. It’s been a nice break from the office and great to see you all. Especially these two monkeys.” Billy grinned at Brooke and Blake, who adored having their new uncle around.
“I’m so glad you guys were able to come. It’s been nice having a house full of people, of family.” Mandy was grateful and was going to be sad to see them go. The house would miss their energy.
“What’s Matt doing—is he coming by later?” Jill asked.
“Not tonight. He’s with his kids. They are home from college. He’s going to stop over tomorrow night, though.”
Later, once dinner was all cleared up, the kids watched their favorite holiday movie, ‘Home Alone.’ The rest of them enjoyed watching it too. When it finished, they headed to church for the nine o’clock Christmas Eve service. Mandy knew that flurries were in the forecast, and the kids were thrilled when it started to snow on their way to church. It put her in a good mood, too, and she felt a swell of happiness to be surrounded by her favorite people on this special night. She missed Emma and Paul and most of all Matt, but she knew she’d be seeing them all soon.
Chapter 17
“Do you mind working Christmas Eve? I feel a little guilty that we might be keeping you from something,” Carol, one of Gina’s favorite customers asked. Carol and her husband George were eating dinner at the bar.
Gina smiled. “You’re not keeping me from anything. I actually really like working Christmas Eve. It’s not a late night. We close at eight, so I’ll still be able to make it to the Christmas Eve service, and I hear we might get a little snow, which makes me very happy.”
“Oh good. I heard that about the snow too. I think it’s just supposed to be a dusting, which is perfect. Just enough for a white Christmas but not so much that it slows anything down.”
“And hopefully no shoveling needed,” George added.
Gina was steadily busy until they closed. She was feeling tired and happy as her customers, especially her regulars, had been very generous with their tips. The restaurant had emptied out as their last reservations were at seven. Most of their employees quickly left to get home to their families, but Emma, Paul and Jared gathered in the bar for an after-work drink, and they all wanted to try a glass of Gina’s Holiday Cocktail which was a mix of spices, fruit, champagne and a splash of the orange liqueur, Grand Marnier. Gina poured one for herself, too, and sat next to Jared. She had just about enough time to enjoy one drink before walking a few streets over for the Christmas Eve church service.
“Gina, are you going to the nine o’clock service too?” Emma asked.
“Yes, I was planning on it.”
“Good, we’ll walk over with you. Mandy and the others will probably be there too.”
“Maybe I’ll join you all too. I was just going to go home, but it’s still early and I haven’t been to a church service in too long.”
“It’s hard when we usually work doubles on Sunday,” Gina agreed.
Jared grinned. “That’s one reason. I do well to get there on Christmas and Easter. Christmas is my favorite one.”
“Me, too,” Gina agreed as she looked out the window and smiled. As she’d hoped, it was starting to flurry a bit.
“I’ll tell you one thing I’m grateful for,” Paul looked at Jared. “It’s been great having you in the kitchen. I think we make a good team and I hope you’re liking it here. Because you can’t leave.” They all laughed. Jared looked pleased to hear it.
“Thanks. And I do like it here. It’s a good fit for me and I really like the people.” He glanced at Gina and smiled.
They finished their drinks, and Gina put the empty glasses in the dishwasher before they headed out. The air temperature had dropped a lot since Gina was last out and she shivered and pulled her scarf more snugly around her neck. The snow swirled around them as they walked. It was coming down harder and looked so pretty.
When they reached the church less than ten minutes later, there was a crowd gathered outside waiting to go in.
“Emma!” Gina heard a familiar voice call. It was Jill. She, Billy, Mandy and the kids were standing by the door waving. They made their way over to them and went inside together and took up a whole row. The service was lovely and the Christmas carols had everyone smiling.
When the service ended, it was still snowing but not as heavily as it was earlier. There was about a half inch or so of snow on the ground. Just enough so that they could officially call it a white Christmas. Gina and Jared chatted briefly with Mandy and others, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas before heading back to the restaurant and their cars. They said goodbye to Emma and Paul before Jared walked Gina to her car.
It was dark out, but in the glow of the outside lights, she could see an impish lo
ok on Jared’s face as he reached in his pocket and held something up.
“Look what I found. Mistletoe. You know what that means…” He smiled as he leaned toward her and gently touched his lips to hers. It was a sweet kiss and she felt a thrill rush through her, unlike with Alex. But it was over too quickly.
“Merry Christmas, Gina.”
She smiled, feeling nothing but joy. “Merry Christmas, Jared. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
“Me, too. See you around noon.”
Gina wasn’t sure how dressy to go and changed outfits from jeans to slightly more dressy black pants, a pretty red cashmere sweater and a delicate pearl necklace her mother gave her when Gina graduated from college. The day before, she’d picked up a bouquet of flowers for Jared’s mother and a bottle of Bread and Butter cabernet. She also had Jared’s gift and had wrapped it that morning in green paper and a shimmering red ribbon.
She gave Boots some attention before she left and made sure she had plenty of food. Once she was in the car, she punched Jared’s address into her GPS, and it wasn’t long before she pulled onto his street and then at the end of the road, almost at the ocean’s edge, she saw his driveway and turned onto it. It was long and winding and she passed a small cottage first, and guessed that was where Jared lived as he’d said it was on his mother’s property. When she came around a corner and saw the main house ahead, her jaw dropped. It was one of the nicest homes she’d seen on the island, and Nantucket had plenty of beautiful homes. This one was on a large lot and was a big, all-white house, with light blue shutters and a farmer’s porch that wrapped around to the front of the house.
She parked next to Jared’s Jeep and a silver Mercedes sedan, gathered her things from the back seat and made her way to the front door. She rang the doorbell and a few moments later the door opened, and a smiling woman with an elegant silver bob and a red cashmere sweater and black pants greeted her. They looked at each other’s outfits and laughed.
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