Hanukkah Hearts

by Jean C. Joachim

  you join me. I’m tired of hiding.

  The Hanukkah Elf

  Sure enough, the ticket had all the ballet information printed on it. And it was for a tier one seat, center section, fifth row. She Googled the seating chart and found hers. Hers was one in from the aisle. She guessed his was the one on the aisle. Her pulse went crazy. She’d always wanted to see that ballet. Her parents had given her the music CD when she was eight and, in three years, she’d worn it out.

  How did he know? Relief at finding out who he was without the office crowd around calmed her. Of course, there would be a ton of people, but they wouldn’t know them. And it wouldn’t be her colleagues, so if the man was hideous, she could hide her reaction well and not have everyone know. But what if he wasn’t?

  Trevor Gorman and Carson Diller were both good-looking men. Since it was probably one of them, she didn’t have to worry about being repulsed. Would she go out with Carson again? If he was the Hanukkah Elf, sure. Why not? What about Trevor? She frowned but conceded she’d give him one date. If he had been showering her with anonymous gifts, how could she refuse him? As for Harmon? Same rule—one date.

  Shoving the envelope in her purse, she turned on her computer and opened her email.

  “What did you get today?” Joy asked, leaning on Becky’s desk.

  “Nothing.”

  “Oh, come on. Nothing? I don’t believe you.”

  “It’s private.”

  “Hmm. A night at his place? Then it’s Trevor, for sure.”

  “Nope.” Becky continued to type.

  “Well?” Bridget joined them.

  “She’s not talking. Must have been something spectacular,” Joy said.

  “A diamond ring, maybe?”

  Becky laughed. “No. And stop guessing. I’m not going to tell you.”

  “Now she shuts down. You’re no fun, Cohen.” Bridget huffed off to her desk.

  Sam Golden sauntered up. “No Hanukkah present?”

  “It’s personal.”

  “Personal?” He raised his eyebrows.

  “As in, I don’t feel like sharing.”

  “Did he at least tell you who he is? If it’s a he?”

  She shook her head. “But I’ll find out soon enough.”

  “Oh? How?”

  “Oh, no. I’m not telling. Please, Sam, leave it alone.”

  He raised his palms. “Okay. It’s your secret.”

  “Thank you.”

  “See you later.” He headed for his office. Becky wondered if she’d offended him. They were friends. But she was also friends with Joy and Bridget, and she didn’t tell them. Some things a woman wants to keep to herself. And this qualified. If Sam was offended, he’d have to get over it.

  His curiosity about today’s present snuffed out any tiny hope she’d harbored that he was the Hanukkah Elf. Yes, he was seeing Maryann, yes, he was a manager—she knew all that. But it didn’t stop her heart from hoping. If he was the Hanukkah Elf, he wouldn’t keep pushing her to tell him what he already knew. He’d probably snicker and slink away.

  She sighed. Can’t have everything. Now the one thing left on her list was her mother’s recovery. Becky had prayed her mom would be home by Monday. She needed to focus on her assignment, so she ignored negative thoughts and focused on work.

  BY THREE O’CLOCK, BECKY took her hundredth glance at the clock in the past hour. Talk about time dragging? Joy sashayed around the partition and leaned on Becky’s desk. “Okay. So, you’re not telling us anything about the Hanukkah Elf now, but after you find out who it is, you’ll tell us, right?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “You don’t know? You’d leave us hanging?”

  “Depends on who it is.”

  “That sucks. We’re friends. We’ve been happy for you to get all that stuff. And you’re blowing us off now?” Anger settled in two red spots on Joy’s cheeks.

  “I don’t mean to.” Becky put her hand on Joy’s arm. “It’s just. Well, this is personal now.”

  “How come?”

  “Please don’t ask. I’m going to find out who it is tonight. If I can, I’ll tell you when I get back after the holiday.”

  “You’re so mysterious.”

  “I just want to keep this private. Can you understand?”

  “It’s a little late for that, but I guess, if it were me, I’d probably do the same.”

  “You’re not mad?”

  Joy shook her head.

  “Good. Thank you.”

  “Good luck.” Joy gave her a hug.

  Finally, the clock read five o’clock. People fled as if they were on a sinking ship. Seemed everyone had someplace to go. Becky waited for the second elevator down.

  “Happy holiday,” Sam said, stepping aside to let her get on first.

  “Happy holiday.” She made eye contact with him and hid her curiosity. Would he be getting engaged to Maryann over the break? Emotion tightened her throat. Perhaps she’d only get one wish this year, recovery for her mom. That would be enough.

  Becky hopped on a crowded subway, barely squeezing in. She got off at 66th Street and walked toward Lincoln Center. The air had been frigid, but at least the wind wasn’t blowing.

  On a side street, she spied a coffee shop and went in.

  The first thing she saw on the menu was soup. Boy, if ever there was a night for soup, this was it. Besides, soup was cheap. She ordered chicken noodle and a small side salad plus hot tea.

  While she waited for her food, she took out the ticket and read it over again. Then her phone rang. It was her brother, Joe.

  “Hey, glad I caught you before you went out.”

  “Actually, I’m at a coffee shop. What’s up, Joe? How’s Mom?”

  “I’m calling to tell you they finally found the right antibiotic. She’s responding. If she continues to do well, she might come home on Monday.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. Honest.”

  “She’d be home for the last night.”

  “Exactly. Gotta go. See you Sunday, squirt. Love you.”

  Emotion tightened in her chest. Tears gathered and spilled down her cheeks. Mom was going to make it. Thank God! Joy and gratitude washed through her.

  “You okay, Miss?” the waiter asked.

  “Oh, yes. More than okay. My mom’s coming home from the hospital!”

  “Great.” He placed her food on the table.

  Happiness bubbled up inside Becky. She inhaled her soup and salad and hit the street. This was the best Hanukkah ever. Mom was going to be okay and now, The Nutcracker! She bounced down the avenue, weightless, and grinning.

  Sinking into the crowd, she thought she saw a familiar coat, but then it turned out to be worn by a stranger. Tonight, she’d meet the Hanukkah Elf, watch a classic ballet with her favorite music, and Sunday, she’d see her mother. Life was good.

  Becky slipped into her seat and struggled her way out of her winter coat. She pulled it up over her shoulders. Directing her gaze to the stage, she was mesmerized by the beautiful curtain and the gorgeous theater. Box seats with red velvet chairs rimmed the sides. The ceiling boasted colorful, intricate artwork. The huge orchestra pit welcomed the myriad of different instruments bringing Tchaikovsky’s glorious music to life.

  She rummaged through her purse, looking for a lozenge. She liked to suck on them when at the theater, a concert, or ballet. They kept her from coughing and disturbing those around her. She found one and unwrapped it.

  The familiar clearing of a throat stopped her. Her heartbeat doubled and her mouth went dry. It couldn’t be. Could it? No, no, no way. She turned in her seat to see a handsome smiling face.

  “You?”

  Chapter Four

  “Sam?” Becky barely choked out his name.

  “At your service.”

  “You’re the Hanukkah Elf?”

  “I am.”

  “Oh, my God!” Her breath caught in her throat.

  The lights went down, and she sat back
, still staring at him. He opened his hand and rested it on the arm of the seat. She slid hers into his and he closed his fingers around it. Becky’s heart took flight. She swore she’d need a seatbelt to keep from floating to the ceiling.

  Sam Golden had been the Hanukkah Elf all along. She should have known. But what about Maryann? She’d have to find out at intermission. The rumors must have been wrong because Sam wouldn’t cheat. She leaned closer to him, enjoying the warmth of his large hand and the gentle pressure of his fingers.

  The scent of his aftershave wafted toward her. God, he smelled good. The orchestra finished the overture and the curtain went up. They separated hands to applaud but joined them again.

  “You’re not angry, are you?” he leaned over to whisper.

  She shook her head. With his lips so close, she couldn’t resist. She turned to him and brushed hers against his.

  “Get a room. This is the ballet!” Someone behind them hissed.

  Sam chuckled quietly and moved back. There was just enough light to see his eyes gleam. He took her hand once again and they nestled into their seats to enjoy the performance.

  Becky hit emotional overload and couldn’t stop grinning. Imagine, Sam Golden, holding her hand, buying her gifts, and taking her to the ballet. Could this be real?

  The pressure from his hand kept her aware of his presence. Tingles shot down her spine and landed in certain places making her shift in her seat. Her jumping pulse destroyed her ability to concentrate on the dancing. She let the music wash over her and her mind wander to where things might go with Sam.

  Suddenly the curtain came down—intermission. She turned to face him.

  “How about dessert and coffee after?”

  “Great. I have so many questions.”

  “I’m not surprised,” he said, chuckling.

  “You pulled this off. I never suspected you.”

  “That was the idea. Of course, I had help from Trevor and Carson.”

  “What?”

  “Yeah. They agreed to do whatever they could to make you think it was them.”

  She punched his upper arm lightly. “You bum!”

  “And it worked. You thought it was them, didn’t you?”

  “My lips are sealed.”

  He pushed to his feet and stretched his arms high above his head. “Let’s move a little.”

  She rose next to him but teetered a bit on her heels. Sam took her elbow. “Thanks. I have one question.”

  “Shoot.”

  “What about Maryann?”

  “What about her?”

  “The rumor is you two are about to get engaged.”

  He laughed. “Never happen.”

  “But you spend so much time with her.”

  “We’re just friends. She’s had a personal problem she needed my help with. I can’t discuss it because it’s private. But believe me, there’s no dating happening.”

  Becky sighed. Damn, he was free and interested in her.

  “I’ve wanted to ask you out for a long time.”

  “Why didn’t you?”

  “You were so focused on work. I didn’t think you saw me as anything but a friend.”

  Now it was her turn to laugh.

  “What’s funny?” he asked.

  “I’ve had such a crush on you for forever. Oops. Shouldn’t admit it, should I?”

  He slipped his arm around her shoulders and drew her to him before he bent down to kiss her. His lips were soft and warm against hers. She melted into him, pressing against his chest. Sam tightened his grip on her, holding her fast.

  When they broke, the lights flashed. They returned to their seats, resumed holding hands and snuggled closer. After the performance, which got five curtain calls, Sam ushered her outside and down a side street to a little French Café in the West 70s. They took a quiet little table in the corner.

  Sam ordered a pot of Earl Grey tea and a plate of assorted pastries. Suddenly hungry, Becky picked up a mini éclair.

  “I have to thank you for being my Hanukkah Elf.”

  He smiled and poured the hot beverage into two cups.

  “You saved the holiday, the whole week. I was so upset about my mother...”

  “How’s she doing?”

  “Oh, I forgot to tell you. My brother, Joe, called tonight. Mom’s responding to the antibiotic. Looks like she might be home on Monday.”

  “Great! She’ll be there for the last night of Hanukkah.”

  “Right. I guess Hanukkah isn’t totally cancelled.”

  “Definitely a positive way to look at it.” Sam took a sip and selected a small Napoleon. “I never know how to eat these things.”

  “They’re supposed to be messy. I owe you a lot. Your gifts kept my spirits up.”

  “That was the idea.”

  She slid her hand over his. “I’ve never had anybody care about me like that. Except my family.”

  “You should.”

  Becky couldn’t stop staring into Sam’s eyes.

  “I have two more Hanukkah gifts for you.”

  “Really? You’ve done enough, Sam.”

  He put his finger over her lips. “I think you’ll change your mind when you hear these.”

  She nodded.

  “First, I want to drive you to the airport.”

  “But my plane leaves at seven in the morning!”

  “So we’ll leave at four thirty. Won’t be any traffic then.”

  She shook her head. “You’re amazing.”

  “And the second gift is, I want to drive you home when you get back. I’ll be in Jersey anyway. You’re going in and out of Newark, right?”

  “I am.”

  “I’ll drop you at the airport and head to my parent’s place. And leave from there to pick you up.”

  “That is so awesome. You don’t have to.”

  “What will you do if I don’t? Take the bus.”

  “Probably.”

  “It takes forever.”

  Becky could hardly believe her ears. “Why me?”

  He laughed. “Are you kidding? First, you’re the smartest girl in the office. Second, you’re the prettiest, too. Did I say you were smart?”

  “You did.” She sensed a blush stealing into her cheeks.

  “You’re the nicest girl I’ve ever gone out with.”

  “Me? Dirty rat Becky?”

  “You’re no dirty rat.”

  “I can be tough.”

  “So can I. But I’d rather not.” He leaned in for a kiss. “How about dinner tomorrow night?”

  “I’d love to.”

  “Great. Pick you up at six?”

  “Perfect.”

  After they finished the pastries, Sam hailed a taxi and took her home. He opened the door and kissed her goodnight, then returned to the cab. Becky floated up to her apartment. She lit the candles in her menorah and said the prayer.

  Her roommates had already left for the holiday, so she had the place to herself. She put the song Sway on her phone and got undressed. As she peeked out the window at the families across the way preparing for their celebrations, a feeling of warmth stole through her. Soon, she’d be with her family. Then she’d come back to Sam. Who knew where that would go?

  Climbing into bed, she uttered a prayer of gratitude. Too excited to sleep, her mind generated a few ideas for Gordon Albright’s book. The promotion she’d been busting her hump to get appeared to be within reach. If she focused and worked hard enough, she could turn that dream into a reality.

  What about Sam? Was he the one? Their friendship had developed organically over the past year. He had encouraged her not to give up, but put on blinders instead, and work toward her goal. Liking had grown into more in the past few months as their bond deepened. Remembering the touch of his hand sent tingles through her.

  Had the time come to take their relationship to the next level? As she pondered her options, exhaustion took over and she was soon asleep.

  SATURDAY MORNING, BECKY slept in until eight, the
n headed for Barnes & Noble to hunt up gifts for her family. There would be two more days to light the lights. Determined to have some celebration with her father and brothers, she bought two presents for each—one real and one gag gift, plus a few for her mother.

  Her father be damned. Hanukkah hadn’t been cancelled, just postponed, sort of, or shortened. They had two days left to celebrate. She’d hoped her mother would be well enough to join them.

  With the afternoon free, Becky folded clothes and packed her suitcase, tucking small, wrapped packages into the valise. Upon closing it, she took a break for a cup of tea. Listening to The Nutcracker Suite, she relived her date with Sam. Joy flowed through her as she recalled the feeling of his hand on hers. Sitting close in the cab, he’d kissed her, deeply. Though aroused, Becky had held back, afraid to let her emotions run rampant—still not trusting he reciprocated her feelings. She tingled at the memory.

  Her cell jarred her back to the present. It was Sam.

  “Hey, I had an idea. About getting to the airport.”

  “Oh?”

  “Don’t take this the wrong way, but it might be better if you stayed at my place tonight. I’ll sleep on the sofa. I mean if we have to leave at four-thirty, we could catch a little more sleep if we were both in the same place. Know what I mean?”

  Becky chewed her lip. Trust him? Don’t trust him? Trust yourself? Don’t trust yourself?

  “Beck?”

  “Okay. You’re right it makes sense.”

  “So, bring your stuff. I’ll pick you up in the car and we can load your suitcase in before dinner.”

  She smiled at the relief in his voice.

  “Great. See you at six.”

  “Right.”

  He hung up. Becky put her feet up on the coffee table and cranked up the music. The Waltz of the Flowers was playing. Excitement traveled through her body. Spending the night in Sam’s apartment created a dilemma. Did she want to sleep with him or not? Of course, she did. But so soon? Would he think less of her? Becky shook her head to banish the old-fashioned notion.

  Sam had known her, not well, perhaps, but for a year. It wasn’t like he was a stranger. Gradually, lunches with Sam had become more frequent. She recalled the first time they’d shared a table. It had been in March, during the start of a snowstorm. She’d only been at Homes and Ralph for four months.