A Snowy Little Christmas

by Fern Michaels

  “Sure. You said ten small tables and twenty chairs? Should fit in here easily enough and have plenty of room between each one for privacy.” Evan was back to business.

  “Excellent. Thank you. I hope you’re adding all this extra work to your estimate, right?” Jessie didn’t want Evan to think she was taking advantage of him in any way, shape, or form.

  “Don’t be ridiculous. We’ll be in and out of here in less than an hour. There’s a storage cottage behind the library. Paula made sure there was room to store the shelves until the spring, when they can refinish them. She is going to use them for the new annex.”

  “Yes, she was over the moon when I told her she could take them.”

  “I know it’s sad that the bookstore isn’t going to reopen, but your incredible generosity is much appreciated.” Evan put his hand on Jessie’s shoulder.

  She felt the warmth of his smile, his words, and his touch. Once again, her knees turned a little rubbery.

  “And all of you have gone above and beyond for me. I could never have done any of this without you.” Jessie found herself getting teary once more.

  “We’re not done yet, girly-girl.” Lisa poked Jessie with her elbow. “You can thank us after the Date-O-Rama is over.”

  “Speed dating,” Jessie corrected her.

  “Tell me again how that works?” Evan asked. “I signed up for it.”

  Jessie’s heart sank. It occurred to her that she hadn’t read the e-mail Brian had sent of the final list of names. She could barely speak. “Oh, it’s simple.” She explained the process yet again. She was fighting not to say, “But I will throw any cards you get into the trash and pretend no one was attracted to you.” As if that were remotely possible.

  “Should be interesting.” Evan was cool about it.

  “Yes, that would be one outcome—interesting.” Lisa chimed in, knowing Jessie was a little unglued by Evan’s willingness to participate. “It’s getting late, folks. Time for me to get back to my brood.” After she slipped on her coat, she gave Jessie a hug and whispered, “Don’t freak out. It’s going to be okay.”

  Rosemary took the opportunity to turn to Gerry. “Did you sign up for this speed-dating thing?”

  “I hadn’t thought about it, but it could be ‘interesting, ’” he replied, using air quotes and mimicking Evan. “Is it too late?”

  “What? No, of course not. The more the merrier,” Jessie said blankly.

  Rosemary quickly put his name on the yellow pad that was sitting on the foyer table.

  A few more hugs with the women, and handshakes with the men, and Jessie waved them off and shut the big doors behind her as tears ran down her cheeks.

  As she was opening the apartment door, her cell phone beeped. It was Lisa, sending her a text. R U okay?

  Jessie replied with Not sure.

  Lisa pinged her back with Want to talk?

  Nah. I’ll be fine.Time to get some z’s. Sleep tight. And she turned off her phone. She didn’t want to know if anyone was trying to reach her, or worse NOT trying to reach her. She would sleep on it. All of it.

  Chapter Twelve

  The day after the book giveaway started slowly for Jessie. She didn’t realize how exhausted she was—she guessed she had been working on a combination of adrenaline and emotions over the past few days. She tried to shake off the nagging disappointment that Evan was signed up for speed dating. I thought he wasn’t interested in dating. Although I can’t blame him for trying, especially if someone puts an opportunity right in front of him. Yeah, Jessie. Great idea. She stretched and began a slow crawl out of the bed, wrapped herself in a warm robe, went to the kitchen, and made a cup of coffee. She padded across the landing to the mezzanine and sat on the large sofa overlooking the main floor. A fleeting thought of her sitting at one of the dating tables went through her mind. Too desperate. She shrugged off her silly idea and decided she was going to deal with it as business as usual and stick to her original mission.

  Her phone buzzed her out of her daydream. It was Brian sending a text. ETA noon. Need anything?

  Nope. Good. Drive safe Jessie tapped back, then pulled herself off the comfy sofa and headed into the apartment. A nice, long, hot shower should help her get in the mood to be a hostess again.

  “Never mix business with pleasure,” Jessie muttered to herself. “And don’t even THINK about mixing them. Change that channel in your head! What will be will be.” She then started singing the chorus of “Que Sera Sera”—something her mother would sing to her whenever she faced a disappointment. Thinking she was alone, she started belting out the words at the top of her lungs. That actually made her feel better until she heard a voice from the lower level.

  “Is that Doris Day up there?” Evan’s voice boomed up at her.

  Jessie was mortified. What is he doing here? “Ah! You caught me!” was all she could say, feeling her face turn beet red. She regained her composure and came bounding down the steps, hiding any sense of embarrassment.

  “You’ve got quite a set of lungs on you,” Evan teased.

  “I was checking the acoustics,” she said wryly, as they both broke into a comfortable chuckle. Comfortable. That was the word Jessie was searching for regarding Evan. Even though she had a silly crush, he made her feel safe and comfortable in the place. The place she was about to sell.

  “I wasn’t expecting you so early.”

  “I wanted to be sure there was enough room for the tables and chairs. Sorry if I encroached on your space. I knocked, but no one answered.”

  “I must have been in the shower. But no problem. You just startled me a bit. Go do what you need to do. I have to run some errands.” She checked her watch. She would be back before Brian got there. Grabbing her jacket, she headed toward the door.

  “Okay. See you tomorrow night. The speed thing.” Evan made a gesture as if tipping his hat.

  “Yep.” She scooted out before any emotion showed on her face. As she hopped down the steps, she got a sense of snow. Even though the sky was clear, a deep color of blue, she could smell it. She jumped in her SUV, and headed toward one of the warehouse clubs to confirm her food order and pick up the beverages and paper items. She ordered several platters of sandwiches, a case of water, cookies, iced tea, and coffee. She realized that she probably ordered enough for an entire football team, but that was Jessie’s way. She was an impeccable hostess, and food and drink were always in abundance.

  An hour later, she returned just before noon as Brian’s SUV pulled in.

  “Right on time to help with this stuff. I figured I’d get the nonperishables today and pick up the food tomorrow.”

  Brian paused abruptly as he approached the porch. “Wow. Who did all of this decorating?”

  Jessie tried to stifle a blush. “The contractor and a group of his son’s friends. It was a thank-you for donating the books.”

  “Impressive.” Brian didn’t know what to look at first.

  “Wait until you see it at night. It’s quite the spectacle!”

  “And with the snow, it will certainly look like a winter wonderland, I imagine.” Brian reminded her of the impending storm.

  “Oh. Right. The snow. Do you think we’ll get slammed?” Worry crossed her face.

  “I’ll text Ziggy in a bit and see if he has any updates.”

  “I haven’t heard anything on the radio or TV, although I have to admit I haven’t been paying much attention. There’s so much going on.” She grabbed a big bag filled with snacks.

  “This is a pretty cool place.” Brian scanned the interior. “Those skylights are a nice touch. I always think of bookstores as being dark.”

  “That’s exactly why Uncle Hugo and my dad installed them. Uncle Hugo wanted the place to be open and bright. In fact, we had several in my house when I was growing up, and there are a couple of them upstairs in the apartment. I think they must have raided a Home Depot!” Jessie let out a laugh.

  Within a couple of hours, a truck arrived with the tables a
nd chairs. Evan and Gerry created ample space for the layout, allowing enough room for private conversations at each table.

  “Looks like you’re going to have a cocktail party . . . and candles, too!” Brian stepped back to review the scene. “Very nice touch.”

  “I wanted to make it as comfortable as possible.” There was that word again: “comfortable.”

  “It should be a very interesting night.”

  “Yeah. That seems to be the theme—interesting,” Jessie mused.

  Brian felt his phone vibrate on his belt. “It’s Ziggy.” He read the text out loud. “Get out the snow shovels and flashlights.”

  Brian texted back, What’s the ETA?

  “Late tomorrow night,” Brian said, once again reading the message out loud.

  “Oh shoot.” Jessie sat on the staircase with a thump. “What should we do? Cancel?”

  “Nah. Let’s see if people cancel. What’s the worst that can happen?” Brian was making an effort to be supportive.

  “We eat a dozen caprese sandwiches?” Jessie was still making a gallant effort to be positive, knowing the prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato, and basil on a ciabatta roll was one of Brian’s favorites.

  “Yeah? But what are you going to eat?” Brian was trying to keep the mood light.

  “The roasted vegetable paninis, I suppose. I only got six of those.” She sighed. “And a half dozen roast beef with cheddar, turkey with a cranberry spread, ham and brie, smoked salmon and cream cheese, a cheese platter, and crudités.”

  Brian was counting his fingers. “That’s over forty sandwiches! We only had twenty responses.”

  “Yes, but . . .” Jessie attempted an explanation.

  “But, it’s you, Jess! The quintessential hostess. I’m sure none will go to waste.”

  “Indeed! One more sweep of the place, and we’ll go to the Pour House for a real meal since we’ll probably be living off sandwiches for the next couple of days!” Jessie finally sounded like her optimistic self again.

  When they reached the pub Jessie was welcomed by a number of patrons—most had heard about the giveaway or were the recipients of some of the books.

  Several rounds of drinks were offered to Jessie and Brian, and many toasts were made. In spite of her generous donation, Jessie’s conflict resurfaced and she felt disloyal to this lovely community.

  Brian looked at her quizzically. “What’s up?”

  “Oh nothing really. Well, really yes, there’s something. I feel like a traitor.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Closing the bookstore. People really seemed to depend on it . . . not just for books, but a place to gather.”

  “Your uncle would have stayed if he felt there was a need. From what I heard, they have an incredible library here.”

  “Yes, but they don’t have the space for events.” She still felt a pang of guilt.

  “I’m sure someone will figure it out. Hey, you didn’t bring this on, and you did a good thing.” He adjusted his glasses and took another pull on his beer.

  “I know you’re right. I’m just beat and a little stressed. I’ll be fine.”

  They had to beg off many more offers for drinks—Jessie knew her limit and wasn’t about to cloud her brain any further. When they made their way out, bystanders raised their glasses to her. As she gave everyone a big wave, she choked back a tear.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The morning of the speed-dating event drew a number of phone calls and texts asking about the weather and possible cancellation. The cheerful response was “We’ll be here!”

  Jessie and Brian headed out to pick up the rest of the food. When Brian saw the number of trays, he broke into laughter. “I guess you’re right! We’ll be elbow-deep in snow and sandwiches!”

  “Please don’t mention the snow. I’m this close to a panic attack.” She made a gesture with her fingers, indicating about an inch of space, thinking about Evan’s impending attendance.

  “When we get back, we can put all of this outside on the patio. It’s cold enough to keep everything fresh, but not enough to freeze the cheese.” Brian led the way through the building and out the French doors, carrying two trays at a time.

  After several trips, they both stared at the bounty. “And yes, enough to feed an entire football team!”

  The afternoon passed quickly with nine people canceling. Each had an hour drive and was concerned about the weather. The rest were local and used to the snow. Jessie’s next challenge was what to wear. She chose a white-cashmere cowl-neck tunic sweater, leggings, and her riding boots—although she figured she would be changing into her Sorel Snow Angel boots at some point in the evening.

  She smiled as she pulled them out of the closet. She bought them because of the name of the style: Snow Angel.

  The first to arrive was Rosemary, wearing a red blazer and black trousers. “I brought dessert!” she said proudly as she presented a stack of boxes filled with Italian pastries.

  Brian let out a huge laugh. “Wait until you see what’s on the patio!” He took the packages from her and put them with the rest of the food.

  “The place looks very cozy!” Rosemary wandered through the downstairs, taking in the setup. “Now I can envision how this works. Even though you explained it, it still wasn’t clear in my mind.”

  “I don’t know what was going on in mine when I thought of it.” Jessie rolled her eyes.

  “It will be fun!” Rosemary was her usual animated self.

  “I hope so. With the weather, I’m not sure how many people will actually show. Nine have already canceled.”

  “Oh, who cares?” Rosemary said. “I mean, it’s not that you haven’t put a lot into this, but there’s nothing we can do except have a good time!” She put her arm around Jessie and gave her a hug.

  “You are absolutely correct. I hope you like sandwiches.”

  The second to arrive was Paula the librarian, wearing pink leggings with an abstract duster that resembled Joseph’s Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She looked like a giant Christmas ornament, but in a very cute way. Brian was immediately drawn to this kooky character. “Hey, we have the same glasses!” Brian put out his hand to welcome her. “I’m Brian, a friend of Jessie’s.”

  “Cool beans! I like your tie,” Paula replied, noticing that Brian had opted for a candy-cane tie instead of his usual black leather. He fidgeted with it for a moment.

  “Thanks. I’m usually much more monochromatic.”

  Paula let out a loud “Ha! And I’m usually . . . um . . . as colorful! I’m Paula, the librarian.”

  “Not the usual librarian garb, eh?”

  “Nah. That’s so old-school . . . and I mean as in an old school! Ha!”

  Brian adjusted his glasses again—a nervous tic when he would get a little uneasy. He thought Paula was a little quirky, something that was very appealing to him. Most single women his age were uptight and anxious about settling down and having a baby. The biological clock syndrome. Paula seemed to be a free spirit.

  Within a few minutes Lisa arrived to inspect the premises. “It looks like a nightclub. Just need some cool jazz.”

  “It does look quite chic, if I say so myself.” Jessie gave her friend a big hug. “Thanks for coming. I know you have your hands full at home.”

  “What? And miss this? Besides, I needed a break from all the hyperactivities. Kenny can take over for a few hours.”

  The next to arrive were two women in their early fifties and a tall, well-dressed man Jessie put in his early sixties. The odds weren’t looking good as far as a male-to-female ratio. She was relieved to greet another man in his mid to late fifties wearing a blazer, flannel shirt, and khakis. Not a fashion icon, but he was clean-shaven and had all his teeth—a joke that she and Rosemary had made to each other on more than one occasion when discussing the event.

  By six fifteen, it seemed obvious that no one else would be attending; and the snow was beginning to fall.

  Jessie realized that in orde
r for this to work, she and Brian would have to sit in at the tables. Yikes. “Awkward” was the word that came to mind.

  Jessie explained how the event would proceed and invited everyone to have something to eat, hoping to ease some of the self-conscious tension her guests seemed to be experiencing.

  A half hour later, she seated the women at different tables—five including herself. It became clear that this was not going to turn out the way she had expected, but at least it was a social gathering if nothing else.

  Jessie sorted the men so they would start with someone close to their age, which meant she would be seated with Evan or Gerry. She picked Gerry because she already knew Rosemary was interested in him and would send him to her during the next round.

  She and Gerry made small talk about the town and how long he had lived there. He was very articulate and had a little twinkle in his eye. Jessie thought he would be a good match to Rosemary’s joie de vivre. After Lisa rang the bell, everyone got up and moved to the next table. Sort of like musical chairs, but all the chairs stayed in place.

  Jessie got a little bit of a shiver when Evan took his seat across from her. He leaned in so close she could almost feel the heat from his body. Or was that her having an early hot flash? She hoped it didn’t show on her face.

  Evan wasted no time in saying, “So how did you get involved in this? Are you friends with Dr. Richie?”

  Jessie’s palms began to sweat. Stammering a little, she replied, “I . . . uh . . . work on the same floor as the radio station. Brian and I are pals, and I got roped into it.” There. That should cover her bases.

  “Seems like a big undertaking considering all the other things you have going on.” Evan was just shy of sounding like he was interrogating her.

  “Yes, I know, but they were in a bind. Why do you ask?” Let him answer a question or two, she thought to herself.

  “During one of our conversations when we were talking about relationships, you said a few things that rang a bell. A while back I read an article in a magazine; and then, when you were picking out tile, you said something else that sounded familiar. I’m pretty sure the article was by this Dr. Richie, and now this.” Smiling the entire time, he made a gesture with his thumb, pointing to the group.