Home For Christmas: A Small Town Second Chance Holiday Romance

by Emma Tharp

  I take a sip of scotch and it burns down the back of my throat. This is just like my brother to put me on the spot and make me spill my guts. "Yeah. She broke it off because she wants me to propose. She wants to get married and start a family. But I just couldn't get there. It didn't feel right." The words should sting speaking them out loud as much as they did when Liz said them.

  And yet, all I feel is numb.

  Colin sits back and tosses his ankle over his knee. "Forgive me for saying this, man, but why don't you seem broken up about it?"

  I’ve been asking myself the same question over and over again for the last week. "Maybe because I'm not. In fact, I think I'm a little relieved.” Even though I feel like a dick for saying it, if I can be real with anyone, it’s with Colin. “It was good for a long time, but as the years went on, I think we were both growing apart instead of coming together. If I’m honest with myself, I think I saw this coming. I’m surprised she held on this long. Six years is a long time to wait if you aren’t truly happy.”

  If I’ve realized anything since the breakup, it's that I’m done wasting time.

  Now I wonder if I’m destined to be alone forever.

  Four

  Minnie

  "Mmm,” I let out a soft moan as Maggie, the hairstylist, runs her fingers through my hair. The combination of the warm air of the hairdryer heating up my scalp, and the way she separates my hair with her hand is like a mini-massage.

  Absolutely decadent.

  I should be embarrassed for making such a sound, but she probably can't hear me through the noise of the dryer. It's been so long since I've had my hair done. I’m long overdue for a cut and a color.

  Kit convinced me to make an appointment with her today. I'm glad she suggested it. She's sitting in the chair next to me getting a blowout.

  Sadly, as time went by, I let Chris dictate so many of my decisions. I don't think he ever wanted me to improve my looks, as jealous as he always was. He convinced me that I didn't need to color my hair and get it cut regularly even though my split ends started getting split ends. He also told me that I didn't need to wear makeup. Instead of arguing with him, I conceded and went for the natural look.

  It was like he wanted to collect little pieces of me and never give them back. I've always been a girly girl and love facials and getting my hair done. I never thought there was anything wrong with a coat of mascara and some pretty lip gloss, but Chris would always complain if I wore anything. Which is messed up since that’s what I always wore when we first started dating, and he didn’t seem to mind it then. I don’t know what changed his mind. He never shared that part.

  Maggie turns the blow dryer off and sets it aside. Next, she grabs the curling wand and starts putting soft, beachy curls in my hair. I’m not going to recognize myself. I make a note to stop at the drugstore to grab some makeup on my way home.

  "I can tell this has lifted your spirits," Kit says when her stylist takes the straightener to her hair.

  "Thanks for convincing me to come. I needed this."

  Maggie grabs my empty coffee cup sitting at her station. "Would you like more coffee, or a mimosa or water?"

  "Get her a mimosa.” Kit grins and shrugs her shoulders. "You deserve this. Take it all in and enjoy every moment. This is like a rebirth."

  "Sure, I'll take a mimosa," I tell Maggie and smile at my sister. A comfortable warmth spreads through me. Kit is helping make the transition back home so much easier. I’m grateful to her.

  Kit beams at me like a proud parent. "Good. Maybe next week, we’ll schedule facials."

  "Or we could go shopping. I need some new clothes." That's another thing I didn't do very often. Chris monitored our bank account constantly and would dissect and ask about every single transaction. If I spent money on a new pair of jeans, he'd give me the third degree about it, telling me my other jeans were just fine even if they were old, ill-fitting, or simply out of style. It was too exhausting to argue with him, I would never win, so I'd avoid it at all costs.

  I'm ready to start feeling like the old Minnie again.

  "You can count me in. When do you start working?" Kit asks.

  Maggie hands me my mimosa. I thank her and have a large sip. It's bubbly and refreshing. I could drink the entire glass in a few sips. "I won't start until after the new year."

  Kit’s stylist brushes out her hair, smoothing it down with her fingers. "It's great that your boss was able to transfer you here so you didn't lose your job."

  I nod in agreement. "He was good to me." When Chris and I moved away from college, I thought all my prospects were gone. Luckily, I started a job at a small insurance agency. My boss knew I was a hard worker and saw my potential. After working for him for two years, he started paying me to take college classes. That was my saving grace. Soon, there were promotions and bonuses.

  The confidence I'd lost thanks to marrying badly, I gained in work success. After doing the math, I finally realized I'd be better off on my own. That, and finding Chris screwing our neighbor in the back seat of his car—that happened to be sitting in our garage—made the decision to finally pack up and leave easy.

  Telling my boss that I was moving was a difficult conversation. My job would be the only thing I’d miss. But, to my surprise, he told me that one of the insurance company’s branches is close to here. He made a phone call, and I had a job.

  Kit turns to me and gives me a conspiratorial grin and her eyes have a glint to them. "I have an idea."

  I know this look; I'm probably not going to like this idea, but she’s so good at convincing me, I’ll probably cave anyway. "What are you thinking?"

  "Let's go out tonight. We can do wine night. It'll be low-key."

  My heart beats heavily in my chest at the prospect of going out in Bluff Harbor tonight. It's a small town. I'm sure that everyone here has heard about Chris cheating on me. And that I’m moving back home to my parents’ house until I can find a place of my own. It's humiliating. "I don't know. Maybe it's too soon."

  "Everyone is home, Minnie. It'll be fun. Come out for a couple of drinks. It will be good for you."

  Everything my sister has suggested so far has been good for me. And I don't think fighting her on this will end well. She’ll push and push until I say yes. "Okay. One drink. That's it."

  As soon as the words leave my mouth, I wish that I could pull them back.

  Five

  Connor

  "Can I interest any of you in dessert or coffee?" a waitress at my parents’ favorite restaurant asks.

  "We’ll all have espresso and a piece of your tiramisu," my dad says without asking a single one of us.

  The waitress nods and walks away.

  Salina holds her stomach and frowns like she’s in pain. "I feel like I'm about to burst. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to eat another bite."

  My dad shakes his head and I feel a small pang of sympathy for Salina. She's a fitness instructor in tip-top shape. I'm positive the only time she strays from her normal healthy diet is when she's with the Doyle family. "It's no problem. You're going to love the tiramisu. It's the best in the world. If you can't finish it, you can get a box for the rest and finish it tomorrow."

  Colin and I both laugh. Our parents love to eat, drink, and love in excess. They walk daily and my dad goes to Colin’s gym a couple of days a week. They stay healthy, but anyone that comes into our family is expected to keep up.

  "Eat what you can, babe," Colin reassures his fiancée.

  Salina gives Colin an apprehensive half smile and nods.

  The waitress stops by and brings our espresso and dessert.

  I take a large bite of the decadent tiramisu and enjoy the rich, creamy flavor. Pointing my fork at my plate, I say, "As amazing as I remember it."

  "It's delicious. Dad and I come here at least twice a month without fail and have to order this every time," Mom says.

  As a kid, I remember coming here all the time. And the local family owners haven't changed a thing.
It's still elegant in a classic way with silk-covered walls and glittering crystal chandeliers. The food is handmade, quality Italian. But it's also known for its wine bar in front of the restaurant, featuring an impeccable selection of Italian wines.

  Looking around the circular table at my brother and his lovely fiancée, and my parents who are still so in love after thirty-five years of marriage, I can't help but think this is what love should look like. Both of these couples are truly in love.

  My parents are a testament to what a long-lasting relationship should look like and my brother and Salina are new love, but are ready to commit to each other and begin their journey together. I wonder why I never felt that with Liz? It's a question I keep battling with. Maybe when I get back home after the holidays, I'll schedule an appointment with a counselor to try and get to the bottom of it all.

  Mom and Salina start talking about wedding preparations and Colin turns toward me. "Want to head into the wine bar for a glass after dinner?"

  I take a last sip of my espresso. "Sure." It's still early and this place has the best wine. "Who wants to join Colin and me in the wine bar?"

  My parents both shake their heads.

  "I'm going to pass. I have to teach a class early tomorrow morning," Salina says, looking down with wide eyes at the tiramisu she's barely touched. "I need to work off this meal."

  The waitress stops by and drops off our check. Dad insists on paying. Colin and I say goodbye to our family and we make our way to the front of the restaurant to the wine bar.

  Colin gets the attention of the bartender and orders a Sangiovese, and I take Valpolicella.

  The bar, like the restaurant, is full of laughter and holiday cheer.

  "It seems like it's been forever since I've been home. Dinner was great, catching up with all of you," I tell my brother.

  "I'm not going to ride you like Mom does, but it’d be great if you would try to get home more often."

  "Don't worry. I will. Now that I’m single, it'll be easier to make plans to get back here.” When Liz and I were together, my honey-do list was a mile long, or we’d fill our weekends with couples’ activities.

  “Good. I’m holding you to it.”

  The bartender brings us our wine. Lifting my glass, I have a sip and admire the notes of tart cherry, cinnamon, and chocolate.

  "Is that Minnie Ellis?" Colin asks.

  Ellis.

  My pulse beats wildly in my neck.

  Slowly turning around, I can barely believe my eyes when they land on her. My heart spins around in my chest like it always did when I saw her in high school.

  She’s here with her sister, Kit. I don’t see her husband, Chris, anywhere. Minnie Ellis looks exactly the same. Stunningly gorgeous. Her dark hair is silky and long, going down to the middle of her back. Her beauty is natural and her skin glows like peaches and cream. That skin. I remember staring at it, her face, her bare arms, or her smooth legs peeking out of her shorts when she’d sit next to me in class. My fingers would ache to touch it. We were friends, but I never told her I wanted to be more—that she was the object of my every high school fantasy.

  On my way home, in the back of my mind, I had hoped that I would run into her here, even though I know she doesn't live here anymore. I'd hoped she'd be spending the holidays with her family.

  "I'll be right back," I tell Colin, already walking toward Ellis. I have to talk to her.

  It's like being pulled to a magnet. Every cell in my body is drawn to Ellis. I can't wait to hear her voice.

  I can't believe she's in front of me, after all these years. She's like a beautiful mirage, except she's real.

  I get as close to her as I dare. When her hazel eyes find mine, they widen in surprise.

  "Ellis”—that's what I've always called Minnie. I use her last name because there's nothing small about her. She has a huge personality, and an even bigger heart. I can barely breathe when she smiles at me. It's like the whole damn room lights up. "Ellis."

  Six

  Minnie

  Oh my God.

  Shit.

  Connor Doyle is here.

  I need to hide, but it's too late. He's right here, standing in front of me.

  Every inch of my skin starts to tingle and my heart races.

  He is the absolute last person I want to see. Not now with my tail between my legs. I'm embarrassed and humiliated.

  I haven't even had the chance to go out and buy new clothes yet. I'm wearing one of Kit’s dresses that is at least one size too big for me—maybe two. Thankfully, I had my hair done today. But there's a million things I need to do to make me feel less like Minnie and more like Ellis.

  “Hi, Connor," I murmur, staring into his warm gray-blue eyes. He looks so good. A more filled out handsome version of his high school self. With a full head of dark hair, masculine features, and just the right amount of facial hair, he checks off all my boxes as an attractive man.

  He leans in and brushes his lips against my cheek. My nerve endings start firing off. He smells sinfully good, like spicy bodywash. "You look amazing. It's really good to see you."

  The way his eyes take me in, it's as if he's looking at a goddess. My body heats up and it gets harder to breathe. "It's nice to see you, too."

  His eyes flick to my left hand and back up again. "Who are you here with?"

  "My sister.” I point over my shoulder. “She stopped to talk with a coworker. I'm just grabbing us a couple more drinks."

  "Let me get those for you." He leans in on the bar and signals the bartender. When she stops in front of us, I tell her our order. "Thank you."

  He pulls out his wallet and sets a one hundred on the bar. I can't help but notice he isn't wearing a wedding band. But then, some men don't. I never heard if he got married or not, but he might be. I'd be surprised if he wasn't. Connor Doyle is a catch, good looking, smart, successful, and funny. "No problem. How are you, Ellis?"

  It tugs on my heart when he uses his nickname for me. That's what he always called me back in high school. Nobody else ever did. Just Connor. That's who I want to be again. The girl he once knew. Bold, brave, self-confident. She's been gone for quite some time now. "I'm pretty good. It's nice to be home. How are things with you?"

  "Great. Pulling onto Main Street yesterday filled me with nostalgia. I haven't been home in a long time."

  The bartender stops by and drops off our wine. I lift mine to my lips.

  "To coming home," Connor says and clinks his glass with mine.

  “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is playing in the background and twinkling lights glow through the wine bar. I have another sip of my wine and can't help but grin. It feels like my first real smile in weeks. "To coming home."

  Memories of Connor buying me hot chocolate and sitting next to me at the homecoming game senior year spring to mind. Chris was the starting quarterback. It was a chilly evening and I didn't bring a coat. Connor gave me his. It smelled like him and I didn’t want to take it off. Eventually I had to give it back when the night was over. Connor hugged me goodbye by the exit where I waited for Chris to leave the locker room. The hug consumed me and I kept having to remind myself that what I felt for Connor was friendship and nothing more. But now I know better.

  Another night, I was struggling to study for a physics test. I called Connor and he came over immediately to talk me through things that weren't making sense. He left my house at two in the morning. I aced the test with his help. He’s thoughtful and caring, and was a true friend. Regret tugs at me. I wonder what we might have been if I hadn’t been wearing rose-colored glasses for the smooth talker Chris.

  It's stupid to get caught up in the what-ifs because it's simply a waste of time, but standing here in front of Connor Doyle makes me wish I made different choices back in high school.

  "I'm sure you're crazy busy with Christmas right around the corner, but I was wondering if you have time to have dinner with me?" Connor asks with a million-dollar smile on his face that makes my heartbeat
quicken.

  Like a date? I can’t believe it. Nerves and excitement course through me. I inhale a shaky breath. "Sure, that would be great."

  His gray-blue eyes bore into me, knocking me off balance. "What about tomorrow night?"

  I nod. My mouth is all of the sudden too dry. "I don't have plans." I'm free every night now that I'm single.

  He pulls out his phone and asks me for my number. I give it to him. "I'll make the arrangements and let you know." He leans in and kisses my cheek again. "I'm going to go find my brother. I left him alone. But it was really great seeing you. I look forward to catching up tomorrow night."

  "Me, too. Good night, Connor."

  "Night, Ellis."

  Excited energy pulses through my body as I watch him walk away toward his brother. Something that feels a lot like optimism inches its way back into a vacant spot in my heart. It's insane, because I don't even know if he's married or in a relationship, but going to dinner with him gives me something to look forward to. I haven't had that in a very, very long time.

  Seven

  Connor

  My pulse hammers an erratic rhythm in my neck as I knock on Ellis’s door. It’s as if I’m transported back twelve years ago to high school. Ellis and I were friends. I always wished we were more, but I never had the balls to ask her out. She dated Chris Lowell from sophomore year on, even though he was a giant asshole. I guess she never saw it, because she ended up marrying the guy. I wonder if they’re still together. I didn’t see a wedding ring and I’m not sure she’d be going out to dinner with me if they still were. So many unanswered questions. I’m looking forward to this evening, just to spend time with the woman I admired—and had a slight infatuation with—all those years ago.