To Christmas with Love

by Jennifer Robins

Neglected household duties had Nadine up early Saturday morning. After tossing the last load of laundry into the washer, she paused for a break and a cup of her favorite herbal tea.

  Thoughts of her upcoming date with David filled her mind. Still wondering if she should have refused him, she filled a cup with her break-time brew and took it to the small, round table just outside the kitchenette. After a careful sip, she set the cup down and grabbed her cordless phone. Time for a conversation with her friend, Tessa.

  “Hi, Tess, I’m on a break. Thought I’d spend it talking to you.”

  “I thought you’d never call. You usually give me a ring earlier on your days off. What’s going on?”

  “I’m doing laundry. I also agreed to another date with the fireman. Tonight.”

  “I think this is good, Nadine. You should start dating. After all, you’re young, too young to be sitting around mourning! I know you don’t want to hear that but it’s true. Paul wouldn’t want you to do this and you know it.”

  “Tess, you don’t know what it’s like. I still feel married to Paul. It’s like I’m cheating on him or something. I can’t explain it.”

  “Two years already, Nadine, and you are hiding away from reality. I hope this dating thing will snap you out of it. Time for you to get on with your life, girl. Get out there. Have some fun for a change.”

  “I hear ya, but it’s not so easy. I am kind of looking forward to tonight, though.” It really didn’t matter what her friend thought—something had happened over the last few days to put her in a better frame of mind. “I’ll let you know how it goes.”

  “Yeah, please do. I’ll be up late with a good romance novel, thinking of you off with a handsome guy who will, ah, romance you?”

  “Don’t get carried away. This is just a date and nothing more. Bye, Tess.” She set the phone down. “Romance, huh!” she whispered. That same flash of shadow swept by her in a split second and was gone again. She shook her head. Knowing how much she needed to get done before the time escaped her, she went about her chores the rest of the afternoon.

  ****

  The knock on the door made her heart thump so hard she thought it would come right through her chest. It had to be her date for the evening. She stood up smoothed the front of her blue velvet dress before going to the door. Her nerves were in shambles, but she managed a pleasant smile as she opened the door.

  “Good evening sweetie, how was your day?” David asked as he stepped over the threshold.

  Nadine moved back away to let him enter. “I kept busy with things around here. You know, cleaning and such. Would you like something to drink before we go?”

  “Nothing for me. I’m looking forward to having a nice dinner with you, and watching a movie I know you’ll love. Get your coat.”

  She went to the closet for her winter coat, put it on, then came back to him. “I’m ready.” He held out his arm for her. A moment of hesitation and then she slipped her hand inside his waiting one. “Okay.”

  Snow removal had been done, cleaning out the parking lot so it was easy to walk to his car, a late model two-door in a striking candy-apple red. He opened the passenger side door for her and helped her into the white leather seat.

  As she watched him circle the front of the car to get to the driver side, she wondered what he was really like. He had a bubbly personality, was handsome, and he could sing and dance—but what else? He was certainly nothing like Paul. Paul had been the quiet type, reserved and polished. He would never have swept her up off the floor to dance with him. But she shouldn’t be comparing David to Paul.

  She felt a little chuckle bubble up inside, remembering the night at the lounge as she’d looked over at David. Odd how he’d wandered over to the bar to enjoy her company, without a hint of trying to seduce her. At least he hadn’t seemed that way. She hoped she was right.

  She watched as he slid into the driver’s seat. “Here we go,” he said as he started the engine. He glanced over at her and broke out in song. “When Irish eyes are smilin’…” He smiled and winked at her through the whole song—he sang every word. If only she’d known it, she would have joined right in. He had that kind of effect on her. Upbeat, cheerful, outside the norm.

  “Dave, do you always sing to your dates?”

  “Of course, why not? I have a good voice, don’t you think?”

  Now she did laugh. “Yes, you do.”

  He gently patted her on her knee and continued to drive until he turned into the parking lot of the Cobblestone Grill, a restaurant known for fine food and entertainment. Nadine had heard of the place, but had never been there. Tess had eaten there just a few months ago while on a date with her new boyfriend. She’d told Nadine how good the food was, especially the crab cakes and the stuffed salmon. Nadine liked seafood. It was one of her favorite cuisines.

  Fine aromas filled the air when the door opened. David held it for her as they entered into the plush foyer. The interior had been decorated with fine wall coverings and carpeting, setting the ambience for a wonderful dinner. Potted trees dressed the entryway, and paintings of exotic landscapes hung on the walls.

  A waitress came to lead them to a table in the huge dining room. She placed two menus in front of them as soon as they were settled in their seats. A lighted candle sat in between them, sending a glow of light over the white linen tablecloth.

  “Here you go,” the waitress said. “Can I get you something to drink?”

  David peered over the menu at her, waiting for her to answer, but she couldn’t quite decide. He cleared his throat. “How about some wine?”

  Nadine nodded. “Yes, I’d like that. Red wine, not too dry.”

  He looked up at the waitress. “We’ll have a bottle of Merlot, and breadsticks.” He glanced down at the menu. “They have a nice assortment of steaks and seafood. Anything tickle your fancy?”

  Nadine looked down at her menu, then back up at David. “Perhaps the filet mignon. It sure smells good in here. And I love the décor.” Her eyes traveled around the room, admiring its layout. She folded her hands in front of her as they waited for the wine.

  David searched through the menu until he saw the waitress coming back with their wine. “We can give her our order while she’s here. I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry. I’ll have the same as you. I know they have great steaks here. I’ve been here many times.”

  He poured the wine and set the bottle next to the breadsticks, which stood in a large glass with a small cup of dipping sauce at its side. David held up his glass to her. “To a lovely lady.”

  She raised her glass and sipped at the wine while staring at him with wonder in her eyes. He fascinated her. She liked the way his light brown hair waved smoothly to one side, with thin sideburns reaching down to join his well-trimmed beard. A very sexy, masculine look, without a doubt. She liked looking at him.

  He was full of smiles and laughter while they talked about the meal, the restaurant, the weather. Finally, she mustered up enough courage to ask him a personal question. “I take it you’re not married?”

  “Nope. Never have been, either. Never found the right girl.” He paused taking a long breath, “That is, until now…maybe.” His eyes twinkled, and his dimple went deeper.

  “Uh, what kind of things do you like to do?”

  “I think you know I like to sing, and I like to dance. I also have a hobby of building model planes. I give some away, but I have a few hanging around at my place.” He paused when the waitress came over with a pot of coffee to top off their cups. He gave her a nod and she stepped away from the table. “I also like to travel. I’m planning a trip to Ireland this coming year. Now how about you? I’d like to know everything about you, and more.”

  “I’m widowed, live alone. I have a job with a law firm, which keeps me so busy I have no time for much of anything else. I’ve done a little skiing, and I enjoy boating. I like the outdoors. You know, camping, fishing, that sort of stuff.”

  “If it’s not too painful— I know y
ou told me your husband died in an accident, but you didn’t say how.”

  “Car accident, and yes, it is painful.”

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t ask such personal questions. What are you doing for Christmas?”

  “Not much. Maybe go to my parents for dinner. I’m not really looking forward to it. Christmas Eve is when Paul was killed.”

  “I’m not doing so well here with these questions. Didn’t mean to hit on a sore spot for you. I just thought maybe we could spend some time together for the holiday. I do want to continue to see you, Nadine.” He brought his cup to his lips while he stared at her.

  She fussed with her napkin nervously, keeping her eyes down to avoid his gaze. “We’ll see. I’m not sure I’m ready for this—dating, that is. I’ll need some time to think about it.”

  David knew he’d crossed the line for now. Better to let it drop until she was more comfortable with him. “Did you enjoy the dinner?”

  “Yes, it was wonderful.”

  “I’m glad. Now we can take in that movie I promised you.”

  ****

  The theater was just around the corner, in a shopping strip with plenty of parking. They pulled into a space close to the entrance doors. The smell of popcorn brought back memories of her childhood. When she’d been a teenager, the movie theater had been one of the most popular hangouts in town.

  David bought them tickets for a movie about a courageous dolphin while Nadine wandered around the vestibule, looking at the posters for upcoming flicks. “Would you like something from the snack bar?” David asked as he came up alongside her. “Popcorn is always good.”

  “I’m so full from dinner. I don’t think I can eat another bite of anything.”

  Nodding, he escorted her down the aisle to their seats in the front of the theater. Nadine went in first. David followed, quickly snuggling up close to her. She felt his arm come up around her shoulders as the movie started. His touch set something off an uneasy feeling inside her—a sensuous tingle ran down her back and up her arms. She leaned forward to avoid the closeness he offered.

  David straightened and pulled his arm away from her, but then he took her hand. Hand holding she could deal with, even though it gave her the same exciting thrill up her arm. Only Paul had ever made her feel like this. She couldn’t deny she was attracted to David. She laced her fingers in his and sat back.

  He said nothing while they watched the movie, but kept her hand in his, occasionally rubbing his thumb over her fingers. For those two hours, Nadine forgot about Paul, her job, and her sorrow. Being an animal lover, she enjoyed the movie. Relaxing with David at her side, she felt an emerging sense of worth, something she’d been lacking since Paul’s death. Sometimes she felt as if she’d died with him. Had destiny brought her this man, a fireman to rescue her? Did she dare think such a thing?

  “Here, let me help you with your coat,” David said afterward, as they stood in the lobby getting ready to leave the theater. “Can’t have you catching cold, now, can we? How did you like the movie?”

  “I loved it.” She slipped her arms into the sleeves while he held her coat for her. “I haven’t been to a movie in so long. I’d forgotten how nice it is. This theater is beautiful. I see they remodeled it.”

  “Boy, I guess you haven’t been here in a while. They remodeled this place almost two years ago. I helped with some of it. I do a little painting on the side in my spare time.”

  The wind blew across the parking lot, the chill penetrating her right to the bone. David hurried her to the car, and they were on their way to her apartment.

  David drove along singing another Irish tune, “I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen.” But he replaced Kathleen with Nadine. She didn’t know if all the words he sang were the right ones for the song, because some of them seemed like he’d made them up to amuse her. It made her laugh to hear him belt it out with such joy in his voice.

  “How about stopping for a drink?” he asked after he’d finished his tune. “The Northland Lounge is right on our way, and they have a great band on Saturdays.”

  What did she have to lose? The night was still young and she was having a good time. “All right, but only one drink, and then I have to get home.”

  “You don’t have to work tomorrow, do you?”

  “No, but this has been a long day.”

  “I have the whole weekend off. I go back to the station for my forty-eight hour duty on Monday, so I try to have as much fun as I can on my time off.”

  “I guess that makes sense. You guys must have it tough in that neighborhood. There’s always something going on in the inner city.”

  “Yeah, a lot I’d like to forget about.”

  They pulled into the lot at the lounge. David hurried over to open her door and helped her out of the car. A few snowflakes drifted down to coat the asphalt and lazily melt on the hood of the car.

  “This is like the night we met up here,” David commented as they walked to the entrance doors. “It was snowing then, too.” A blast of old time rock-and-roll music reminiscent of the Beatles hit them as he opened the door. “How ‘bout that?” he shouted. “Told you they have great bands here.”

  This suave fireman was almost too much for her. So lively and happy and ready for anything. She couldn’t remember meeting anyone like him before.

  He ushered her to two empty stools at the bar. Music filled her ears, loud and vibrant. The place was jumping. They’d been lucky to get seats at all. Obviously the two stools had just opened up as they walked in.

  The bartender came right over, wiped down the bar in front of them, and asked what they’d like to drink. Nadine ordered a whisky sour while David asked for draft beer. The bartender set cocktail napkins down to hold the drinks. Yelling over the music, the bartender asked David, “Anything else for you or the lovely lady?”

  David leaned forward. “A bowl of popcorn, please.” He turned to Nadine. “Is that okay with you, or would you like something else?”

  Nadine waved a hand in the air. “Fine, popcorn is fine.”

  It wasn’t long before David had coaxed her out to the small dance area in front of the bandstand. This time she put a little more effort into it so he didn’t have to lift her up off the floor. The music was fun, upbeat. She moved her hips, keeping in time with the beat, and laughed along with him. Another couple joined them for a little fancy footwork.

  As the music ended, David took her in his arms and kissed her. She had been so wrapped up in the moment, she didn’t resist the little peck, but it did awaken a dormant feeling deep inside of her. She stepped back in shock when she realized what had happened. The touch of his lips on hers had sent tingling fingers down her back. Goose bumps rose on her arms. With her head lowered, she started back toward the bar. David followed without a word.

  He helped her up onto her stool, then sat next to her. “I thought maybe you’d like to dance. It’s good for you.” He gently massaged her shoulder to calm her jitters. “You doing okay?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she said, turning to face him. “But I think I’d like to go now. I’m a bit tired.”

  “Sure.” He lifted his glass and guzzled down the last of his beer. “It’s been a great evening, but I understand. I’ll take you home now.” He helped her on with her coat.

  All the way to her apartment, he talked about the evening. “I want you to know how great this was. I’d like to do it again and soon, if that’s all right with you?”

  Nadine turned toward the side window, facing away from him. “I don’t really date. Up until now I haven’t even thought about it. It’s not easy for me. I had a good time tonight, but I’m not sure about it leading to future dating.”

  He glanced over at her as he touched her thigh. “Tell you what. I’ll call you in a few days to see if you’ve changed your mind. We could have a little fun now and then. You could talk to me about whatever is on your mind. I would take you to dinner, movies, shopping if needed. A real down-to-earth companion…someone you can
count on. The only thing I ask is for you to think about it. I might be a good friend for you, if nothing else.” He patted her leg and took his hand away.

  He walked her to her door. “Thank you for a wonderful evening. Get some rest. I’ll call you in a few days.” No kiss, not even the hint of one. He didn’t dare, after what she’d said. He couldn’t push her right now, but he hoped in time things would change.

  Chapter Four

  Morning light filtered in through the bedroom window to shine brightly on Nadine’s face. Her eyelids fluttered as she tried to open them. Amazed at how well she’d slept, she rose from the bed, rubbing her eyes with a fist. She glanced at the clock on the dresser, surprised to discover it was almost noon. This was a first—she didn’t usually sleep so late, especially not on Sundays. She would normally be coming home from church at this hour.

  The sun reflecting off the snow blinded her as she peered out her bedroom window. She shivered at the sight of all the white stuff out there. Wasting no time, she grabbed her robe, slipped into her slippers and hurried out of the bedroom.

  A smile lit her face as she held the coffeepot under the faucet. She thought about how much fun she’d had the night before. Then the phone rang, so she hurried to set up the coffeemaker and rushed to the phone in the living room. “Hello?” She sat on the sofa.

  “Hello, Nadine. Did you sleep well last night?” David asked.

  Surprised to hear his voice, she smiled. “Yes. I’m embarrassed to say, I just woke up.”

  “I didn’t want to call too early because I knew you were very tired last night. What will you be doing today?”

  “Nothing special. Cleaning up around here, maybe I’ll make some homemade soup. It looks awfully cold out there. Soup might be nice.”

  “Have you prepared for Christmas? You know, a tree? Some decorations?”

  “No. I don’t do that anymore.”

  “I guess I can understand, but what a shame. Christmas should be a happy time. Maybe you should reconsider. I’d be happy to help. I could get a small tree. Do you have decorations?”