Sweet Days by the Bay

by Kay Correll

  “Uh, thank you.” Why couldn’t she learn to take a compliment and quit starting her sentences with ‘uh’?

  “I heard they opened a new restaurant over on Bayview. Have you been there?”

  “Katie’s Kitchen? No, but I heard it’s good.”

  “Do you want to walk? Or I can drive.” Austin stood with a single swift push off the sofa.

  “Walking is fine. It’s not very far. Just let me grab a wrap.” She went to the coat closet and grabbed her favorite gray, knitted shawl in case it got chilly later. They headed out the door.

  They cut across the street that ran from Seaside to Bayview and ended up a block from Katie’s Kitchen. They entered the restaurant and Meredith looked around at the cute Caribbean decor. Teal walls held bright prints. Large seashells and other nautical items sat on shelves scattered around the room. A large aquarium at the end of the restaurant held brightly colored fish darting back and forth. She felt Austin’s hand on her elbow as they followed their waitress to a table near the aquarium.

  Austin hoped he’d get his nerves under control. Why was he so nervous? He’d been on numerous first dates before. Besides, he’d already sort of gotten to know her a bit while they baked the pies and worked the bake sale. Right?

  They ordered a bottle of wine and their dinners. As they sat sipping their drinks, Merry chatted about the bake sale.

  “We cleared more than I thought we would. It will help with the library expenses. Enough to fix the leaky roof, I think, with a bit leftover for the computer fund.”

  “That’s great. Will you do another fundraiser soon?”

  “I’m not sure what we’ll do next. We do still need to raise more funds. Lucille—you remember meeting her this morning?”

  “The one who tried to fix me up with her niece?”

  “Grandniece, actually. And yes, that was Lucille. She’s on a mission to get Maggie a boyfriend.”

  “I see.”

  “Anyway, she came by and said she was going to talk to Ashland Belle Society and see if they could help out raising the funds. They do a lot of fundraisers for the community.”

  “Well, if you need help with anything, I’ll be glad to pitch in. I spent a lot of time in that library growing up.”

  “You’re a reader?”

  “Yep. Pretty much everything. Thrillers, spy novels, mysteries, science fiction. We didn’t have a lot of spare funds growing up, so the library was a perfect way to keep up with my reading addiction. I’m glad to help pay it forward for all they did for me.”

  “That’s very generous.”

  Merry smiled at him and suddenly he wanted to offer to help her with anything in the world she wanted.

  Merry continued, unaware of the effect she had on him. “Just so you know, I’ll be taking you up on your offer. I never say no to help for the library.”

  He paused and searched for words. “So you work there, right?”

  “I do. I manage the library. I actually have a degree in library science, which most people find boring, but I just love everything about books.”

  “A woman after my own heart.” Now why had he said that? But seriously, he was all about the books, too.

  They ate their dinner and talked about their favorite authors and favorite series they’d read. Austin had never ever met a woman who shared such a varied interest in books. Or maybe he had, but Merry had a way of making him forget every woman he’d ever met.

  They finished their meal and walked out into the cool night air.

  Merry looked at up at him with her sparkling amber eyes. “Want to walk over to the seaside? I love to watch the waves come in on starlit nights like these. I don’t go very many days without a walk on the beach, or at least a trip to the ocean for a bit of wave watching.”

  “Will you be warm enough?”

  “I think so.”

  They crossed over to the ocean side and Merry led him to a walkway that stretched out onto the beach. She pulled her wrap tightly around her shoulders.

  He stretched his arm out and wrapped it around her.

  “Gosh, you’re warm.” Merry leaned against him.

  “I always seem to run warm. Nice in the winter, not so great in the summer.”

  They sat watching the moonlight dance across the waves, a few lone birds swooping by in the night sky.

  The sea air was invigorating, fresh and clean, and so different from the stifling air he’d left in Texas. Or maybe it was just his life and jobs that had been suffocating. “I’d forgotten how much I miss Indigo Bay.”

  “I don’t think I could ever leave here. Well, I did for college, but came right back.”

  “I think you made a smart decision. I wish I’d come back sooner.” Though he was very glad he’d come back now. And glad he’d run into Merry. Literally.

  “I guess we should head back now, I’ve got an early day tomorrow.” Merry pushed away from the railing.

  Austin was reluctant to leave. He figured he could stand right here watching the waves with Merry until… well, until sunrise. Or longer.

  She slid out of his arm and turned to walk back down the boardwalk. He reached for her hand, and she glanced up at him for a moment. A brief look of surprise skittered across her face. She slipped her hand in his and they walked down the side streets back to her cottage.

  Chapter 5

  Meredith rushed around early the next morning getting ready for the day. She had no coffee in the house, and that just wasn’t going to work for her. Ever. She had to have her coffee. She decided she’d drop by Sweet Caroline’s for coffee and a cinnamon roll for her breakfast. As long as she’d broken any chance of a healthy diet with nibbling on all the Christmas cookies, she might as well finish that out with a cinnamon roll.

  She hurried to Sweet Caroline’s and slipped out of the brisk December air. She looked over and saw Austin sitting alone at a table by the window. Her heart did a quick two-step. Should she join him? Well, that would be the neighborly thing to do. He was sitting alone. He was new to town. Well, he grew up here. But he was new now. She rolled her eyes at her argument in her head.

  She headed across the room and stood beside Austin’s table. He looked up from the book he was reading and smiled at her. A smile that made her go weak in the knees. Why did this man have such a strong effect on her? She swallowed. “Mind if I join you?”

  “Not at all. Please. I just ordered a minute ago.”

  She slipped into the chair across from him. Caroline, the owner of the cafe, walked up. “Merry, you know Austin?”

  Merry smiled. Of course Caroline would already know Austin’s name. “I do. We met the other day. He helped me with the bake sale.”

  “Good. I hoped he’d make friends soon. I believe he’s been in every morning for breakfast since he got to town.”

  Austin smiled sheepishly. “I really need to stock my kitchen. And get my oven fixed. And, well, unpack my kitchen. I do have my Christmas tree up though. Priorities. No ornaments on it yet, but the lights are on it.”

  Well, that would never be Meredith’s priority, but that’s okay. To each their own. If the season would slip by without all the hoopla, it would suit her just fine. She only did the Christmas bake sale because it benefited the library.

  “Austin, you’re welcome here every day.” Caroline’s words interrupted Meredith’s thoughts. “Now, what can I get you, Merry?”

  “A cinnamon roll and coffee, please.”

  “Coming right up.” Caroline walked away, stopping briefly to talk to Lucille Sanderson at a nearby table.

  Austin looked across the table at her and her stomach fluttered. She really should get a grip.

  He closed his book and set it aside. “So, I noticed you didn’t have a tree up yet. Or any decorations.”

  “I… don’t…” She didn’t know what to say here. She hadn’t decorated for Christmas or put up a tree in years. Long years. That last Christmas twenty years ago had been the end. It was easier to forget if cheery decorations and t
winkling lights weren’t mocking her every time she turned around. Her cottage had become a Christmas-free zone. Except she’d baked those Christmas cookies, but only for a good cause.

  She hadn’t even admitted to herself how much fun she’d had baking those cookies. She’d so enjoyed rolling out the sugar dough, choosing a cookie cutter, cutting the dough, choosing another cutter. That was something she hadn’t done since… she turned her mind away from those thoughts.

  “I just didn’t have time to decorate.” That statement seemed easier than explaining her past. Besides, she hadn’t had time.

  “Well, that’s just plain wrong.” Austin shook his head. “I have to have my tree up each year. I’ve been known to put it up right after Thanksgiving to get the most time out of it as possible. I think I’m just a kid at heart.” He flashed an impish grin.

  His smile pulled her right out of melancholy memories.

  “At least you don’t rush it…” She rolled her eyes.

  “I absolutely have to wait until after Thanksgiving. I’m not totally crazy. I do love Christmastime though. The music, the smell of pine, Christmas carols. I love all things Christmas.”

  Well, they sure differed on that one.

  Caroline brought out their breakfast. Meredith had to admit, she loved having company with her meal. She usually ate a quick breakfast alone, quite often standing at the kitchen sink. This was definitely an improvement. Austin was great company. Interesting, charming, and… he made her heart skip.

  They chatted through the meal, discussing changes to Indigo Bay. The minutes slipped by unheeded. She finally glanced at her watch and put down her fork. “I didn’t realize it had gotten so late. I have a ton of work to get finished. I better run.” Though, she didn’t want to. She wanted to sit here, in the cheerful cafe, and chat with this handsome man. She’d just met him but, for some strange reason, felt like she’d known him a long time.

  Austin picked up both checks sitting on the table. “You run then, I’ve got these.”

  She paused, about to argue she’d pay for her own, but then just nodded. “Thank you.” She stood and grabbed her purse. “I guess I’ll see you soon, now that you’re a real townie.”

  “I guess you will.” He bedazzled her with his smile again.

  She walked out of Sweet Caroline’s with what she knew was a goofy grin. The goofy grin that was starting to stake a claim on her face.

  Meredith decided to drop by Whitney’s jewelry shop, Coastal Creations, on her way home that evening. She wanted to thank her friend for the help she’d given on the bake sale. Or maybe she just didn’t want to go home to her dark, lonely cottage tonight.

  She slipped into the shop, and Whitney looked up from behind the counter.

  “Merry. What brings you here? I guess it’s not last minute Christmas shopping since you don’t do the holiday.” Whitney shook her head.

  “I wanted to thank you again for the help with the bake sale. We did really well. At least we can get that leak fixed.”

  “I loved helping, you know that. Ask anytime.” Whitney arranged a necklace on the counter in front of her, careful to show off the pretty piece of sea glass wrapped in delicate silver wire.

  “I will. You know I will.” Meredith never turned down assistance when it came to helping the library.

  “So, that guy? Austin? I heard you were out with him at Katie’s last night.”

  Meredith laughed. “Of course you did.” Nothing was secret in Indigo Bay.

  “And breakfast at Caroline’s.”

  “Wow, the gossip line is quick today.”

  “Well, did you have a good time?” Whitney tilted her head and eyed Meredith.

  “I did. He’s… nice.”

  “Nice? That’s all the scoop you’re giving me?” Whitney scowled.

  “He’s interesting and…” Meredith felt the warmth of a blush creep across her cheeks.

  “Ah-ha. You’re interested in him. I haven’t seen you interested in anyone in…” Whitney scrunched up her face. “I can’t remember the last time.”

  “I could say the same for you.” Merry cocked her head to the side.

  “Always so busy with the shop.” Whitney shrugged. “Say, can I get you to change your mind and come over for Christmas Eve? My brother, Willie, and his girlfriend, Ashley, are going to be there. Dad’s coming, too.”

  “Thanks for the offer, but no.”

  “Merry, you know I love you. I do. But it’s time you decide to give Christmas a chance again. This isn’t what your mother would have wanted. She loved Christmas, every tiny detail about the holiday.”

  Meredith caught her breath. Leave it to her friend to speak so honestly to her. “I… I know you’re right, but I just can’t seem to take that step. Not yet.”

  “It’s been twenty years. It’s time for a baby step. Come to my house for Christmas Eve after the tree lighting ceremony.”

  “I’ll think about it.” Meredith doubted she’d change her mind, but knew Whitney wouldn’t give her a moment’s peace if she didn’t at least agree to consider it.

  “I guess I should go.” Meredith couldn’t think of an excuse to stay longer, and Whitney looked busy setting up displays for last minute shoppers. The door opened behind her and a man came in. “I’ll let you go wait on him. I’ll see you soon.”

  “Think about Christmas Eve.” Whitney crossed the shop to go speak with her customer.

  Meredith slipped out the door, the cool night air wrapping around her like a cloak. She slowly walked down the sidewalk, ignoring each and every storefront Christmas display.

  Austin was almost embarrassed to have another meal at Sweet Caroline’s, but his stomach was rumbling and he still hadn’t filled his cupboards or fridge. He sat at a table near the window and watched as the town bustled with activity. People walked by laden with packages. This was the first Christmas he’d ever spent alone. His mom was spending the holiday with her new husband’s family. He was happy she’d finally remarried but didn’t really want to spend the holiday with strangers. His sister was spending the holiday with her in-laws and she’d invited him to come, but once again, he’d felt like the outsider. He decided a quiet time at home in Indigo Bay would be better than a noisy time with people he didn’t know.

  Caroline stopped by the table as he was finishing up his early dinner. “Mind if I join you for a few minutes? I need a break.”

  “Please.” He motioned to the chair across from him.

  Caroline sat down and placed a glass of tea in front of her. “I’m really only going to sit a minute. The dinner crowd will hit a bit later after the shoppers get finished.”

  “I promise I’ll grocery shop soon and actually start cooking. I enjoy cooking. I’m just still so disorganized from the move. So many boxes still left to unpack.”

  “Hey, we love the business.” Caroline smiled and took a sip of her tea. “So have you met many other people in town besides Merry?”

  “A few.”

  “Merry’s a great gal. The library is lucky to have her. It was falling apart when she took over. She’s turned it around. Brought in computers. It’s a continuous battle for funding, but she always seems to make it work.”

  “She said she’s been too busy to decorate for Christmas this year.” He still couldn’t imagine forgoing a Christmas tree.

  “Well, that’s what she says every year. The truth is, she hasn’t had a tree up in years.” Caroline set down her glass, and her eyes clouded with sadness. “Merry lost her mother at Christmastime. An accident. It was so sudden and unexpected. Though, I guess no one expects to lose someone in a split second like that. It’s been, oh, about twenty years now. I think the season is just too hard on her. Brings back sad memories. For years I’ve invited her over to celebrate with my son, Dallas, and me. She always says no. She keeps very busy in December and throws herself into any project she can find, hence the Christmas bake sale this year.”

  “That’s terrible. It must have been so hard on her.�
� Austin couldn’t imagine losing his mom, much less losing her twenty years ago when he’d been so young.

  “I sometimes think Merry would like to get back into the holiday spirit, but can’t quite take the first step. Her mother was all about the holidays. A lovely woman. Always helping with different holiday charities. Donating time and money. She loved everything about Christmas. You’d pass by her and she’d be humming a Christmas carol from November through Christmas.” Caroline stared out the window for a moment before continuing. “I miss her. She was a great woman. Merry was devastated, of course.”

  “I’m sure she was. I can’t even imagine.” Austin felt an immediate sense of wanting to make things better for Merry. But how does a person fix the loss of a mother? He couldn’t. No one could.

  He sat up straight, his back rigid. But maybe he could help her take that first step Caroline believed Merry wanted to take, but didn’t know how. He pushed his chair back from the table.

  “Caroline, I’m sorry, will you excuse me?” Austin jumped up and tossed some bills on the table to cover his meal. “I’ve got something I need to do.”

  “Go right ahead. I should get back to work anyway. The cafe will fill up soon.”

  Austin hurried out the door and into the night air. He was either doing a very good thing, or making the biggest mistake of his life.

  Chapter 6

  Meredith tugged open the door to find an evergreen tree propped up in the opening. Austin’s voice filtered through the branches. “I brought you a Christmas tree. My gift to you.”

  Meredith stepped back in surprise. She couldn’t accept the gift. She couldn’t have a tree in her house. She couldn’t. Her heart pounded even though she knew it was just a tree, for Pete’s sake.

  Austin stepped out from behind the tree and balanced it with one hand, a few pine needles stuck in his sweater. “I’m probably out of place here, but… I… well, everyone needs a tree.”

  “I don’t do trees, Austin.” Her voice wavered. The scent of pine wafted through the doorway, encircling her, cajoling her.