Christmas Comes to Dickens

by Nancy Fraser

  Looking up, Sherry sent her a grateful glance. “Thank you, Laura.”

  Breanna smiled at Sherry. “I agree, Sherry. You do an amazing job. We know we can depend on you.”

  “Thank you, Breanna.” Sherry straightened and dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “For your information, Celia, I would hate your job. I enjoy working as Ward Callahan’s administrative assistant. He’s a good boss who’s respectful, considerate, and kind.”

  Laura mulled over Sherry’s comment. “He is a good boss, isn’t he? Even when we disagree, he’s a gentleman. I don’t know why he scares me. I guess because I love working at Callahan Group and want his approval so I can keep this job.”

  Celia rolled her eyes. “Really, Laura, I don’t expect you to last long. You are such a bleeding heart, like a little Girl Scout.”

  “Perhaps I may lose my job, but I won’t have sold out my self-respect.” She looked at the time on her cell phone, then laid her share of the tip on the table.

  Celia gathered her purse. “Good luck figuring out how your so-called self-respect will pay the rent.”

  Breanna winked at Laura. “Oh, Celia dear, you forgot to leave your share of the tip,” she purred in a honeyed voice.

  Pinching her mouth as if she’d sucked a lemon, Celia opened her purse and took out a dollar. When the others stared at her, she pulled out another dollar and tossed it on the table. “No point in glaring at me, that’s all I’m leaving for a tip.”

  Sherry scooted out of the booth. “We’d better hurry.”

  IN THE NEXT BOOTH, Ward exchanged glances with his junior partner and best friend, Vince Adams, after the women had gone. “I hate being put in the position of eavesdropping, but that was enlightening.”

  “Man, that Celia is a piece of work, isn’t she?” Vince took a bite of the pickle that accompanied his sandwich.

  “Sounds like way more than I realized. Much different than when she knows we’re around. Maybe being in the next booth was a good thing.”

  Vince raised his eyebrows. “I’d say so. Laura handled the conversation well. Too bad she thinks she’s in danger of being fired. Frankly, I can’t see why from the way you’ve acted.”

  “Maybe she’s paying too much attention to what Celia says.”

  “Laura’s comments are always relevant.” Vince shook his head and laughed. “I almost lost it and laughed out loud when she accused John of brown-nosing.”

  Ward chuckled. “So did I, which would have been disastrous. I’m supposed to at least give the illusion I’m in charge and impartial. I’d say she ran that meeting.”

  Privately, he thought Laura was one of the most fascinating women he’d ever met. Her resume was excellent, but he’d have been tempted to hire her regardless. He couldn’t help wondering if her auburn hair was as soft as it looked.

  Don’t go there.

  He started to take a bite of his sandwich then stopped. “Do I give the impression I expect everyone to agree with me?”

  Vince shook his head. “No, but maybe some employees think that because it’s what they’d expect. At least, that’s my two cents.” He gave a dismissive wave. “Eh, since we’re at lunch keep your two cents—the info is free.”

  Ward rubbed the back of his neck. “I never claimed to understand women but I really don’t understand either Celia’s or Laura’s attitude.”

  “No one understands women, not even women. My opinion is that Laura needs more confidence, plus she probably worries that last hired will be first to go if the ship starts sinking. Celia’s working on the assumption she can be Mrs. Edward Callahan.”

  Ward frowned. “Yesterday I’d have said you’re kidding but not now. She offered to go with me to Atlanta, supposedly to present a feminine point of view to Wakefield. From the way she leaned in brushed against m, she made it clear she was offering much more.”

  “Now I’ll say you’ve got to be kidding. She’s got nerve.”

  “I’ve never knowingly sent signals that would give Celia the impression I’m interested in a relationship or even a fling with her.”

  “None that I’ve seen. Frankly, I think Celia creates a fantasy and works toward it becoming a reality. You know she’s not my favorite co-worker. I think she should set her cap for John. By uniting, they’d save two nice people.”

  Ward set down his glass and grinned. “Don’t beat around the bush, Vince, tell me what you really think.”

  “Can’t, I’m afraid you’d fire me.”

  Both men laughed.

  Back at the office, Ward watched his employees. Laughing with Vince had relieved some of the stress that had built up over this Wakefield job. If he cinched this account, he’d be in the big leagues. Not that his business would ever offer guarantees, but he was already making more than he’d envisioned for the length of time since he and Vince had started the group.

  Knowing what people thought about him wasn’t that pleasant, even though he’d learned some interesting things. That didn’t mean what they said was what they truly thought. He wished he knew the real opinion of each.

  No, he wished he hadn’t overheard the women’s conversation. He’d read an article by a psychologist that said what other people thought of you was none of your business. Ward tended to agree, except he had heard them. How could he pretend otherwise?

  Chapter 2

  ON THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING, Laura met Helen Hampton for lunch at Los Tres Caminos Mexican Restaurant. They’d been best friends since kindergarten.

  Helen balanced a bite of enchilada dripping with cheese sauce on her fork. “Do you have your tree up?”

  “It’s too soon. We only had Thanksgiving yesterday.”

  “But you know how much I love Christmas. Last night I set up my tiny artificial tree. Its lights look so cheerful I may not add ornaments. My folks plan to buy a giant one they’ll cut at Gridley Meadows Tree Farm on Saturday. Not tomorrow, but in a week. I can hardly wait for you to see it all decorated.”

  “Isn’t that early for a live tree?”

  “Mom bought one of those stands with water to keep the tree fresh longer. She even bought some sort of tablet to drop into the water that helps. She’s already plundered Trim-A-Tree and bought a ton of new decorations. Remember when some of the old ones were damaged last year and others had lost their luster?”

  Laura thought she might as well get this over with. “Helen, thank you for inviting me again, but I’m not coming to your parents’ place for Christmas this year.”

  Helen set her fork on her plate. “Why? Are you going to your aunt and uncle’s in Florida?”

  Laura shook her head. “Tried that the first year after my folks died, remember? Terrible idea. I learned I love my cousins a lot more when they’re there and I’m here. Anyway, this year I’m going to stay home and have a quiet holiday.”

  Helen narrowed her eyes. “Did someone hurt your feelings last year?”

  “Of course not. Your family is really nice to me. It’s just... well, they’re your family. I appreciate your including me the past two years. It’s meant a lot to me, but I’m going for very low key this year. I’m toying with the idea of volunteering to help serve dinner at the homeless shelter.”

  “Oh, Laura, that’s really nice of you, but I was counting on you sharing Christmas with us. Are you sure someone didn’t hurt your feelings?”

  “I’m positive.” She searched for the right words. “Helen, I simply can’t feel the same way about Christmas that I did before my parents and Valerie died.”

  She stared at her plate while memories whirled in her mind. “The season I used to love now makes me bitter and I don’t want to celebrate. You can call me Scrooge if you’d like, but I really want to be home alone.”

  “Think about it. The invitation is open forever.”

  “Thank you, but I have thought about this. You know I love your family. It’s time I started my own traditions.”

  “I can’t find fault with you for helping at the homeless shelter. I mean, that’s
what the spirit of Christmas means, but you did that yesterday for Thanksgiving. I know I’m being selfish when I wish you were coming to our place, but I do. So sue me.”

  She grinned at her friend. “You’re in luck—I’m not a litigious person.”

  Helen pulled a face. “Ha ha. So, what are you shopping for?”

  “Gifts for my aunt and uncle. Aunt Frieda loves blouses so that’s easy. Uncle Harold likes fishing and golf. My cousins and I drew names and I got Peggy. She’s crazy about knitting. What I don’t know is whether or not to get something for people at work. I’ll ask Sherry. She’ll tell me and if I should, how much to spend.”

  “I’ll bet nothing over twenty-five dollars. It’d be great if they draw names. You’re lucky it’s a small company. Gosh, you’d have several men to buy for if you give to everyone there. That means hard decisions.”

  “Sure does. Maybe Sherry can give me some tips. This is the first year in a long time I’ll have my own money. I don’t mean a ton of cash, but enough. You know I’ve tried to save the capital from the sale of our house and my folks’ life insurance. I had to use some of it the last two years of grad school and then to lease the apartment.”

  “That’s why they had it, Birdie.” Helen lapsed into calling her by her childhood nickname. “They would want you to live comfortably. I doubt your mom would approve of your apartment. I mean, it’s a postage stamp and you could have leased a larger one.”

  “I know, but I love being in a great building with a doorman and elevators and someone in the lobby to find out if you really have a right to be there. Mom would approve of that.”

  “So would mine. She hates where I live. I’ve been thinking of checking out your building when my lease is up in February.”

  “Wonderful! That’s an exciting prospect. Won’t being neighbors be fun?”

  Helen laughed. “It will, but I don’t know if the Park Plaza Building can withstand both of us. If it doesn’t topple from our shenanigans, we’ll probably be evicted.”

  Helen’s phone rang and she checked the caller ID. “Rats! I have to get this because it’s work.” She answered and her happy facial expression turned solemn. “Yes, of course I will.”

  “Double rats.” She pocketed her phone. “One of the nurses called in sick, so I have to work her shift. If I find out she isn’t really ill, she will be.”

  She stood and pulled on her coat. “Have fun shopping.”

  “Not without you, but I’ll try.” When her friend reached for the bill, Laura grabbed it. “My treat.”

  So much for a fun day of shopping

  Outside the restaurant, Laura walked along the sidewalk. Hurrying shoppers pushed by her as if there was no ice or snow. She’d only walked a block or so when a man shoved a woman aside, who then fell on a slick part of the sidewalk.

  Laura rushed to her. “Are you hurt?”

  The woman massaged her ankle. “That man....”

  “I saw him shove you. He didn’t even notice he’d caused you to fall. Let me help you. Can you stand or shall I get an ambulance?”

  “Oh, please, not an ambulance.” She tried to stand but winced when she put weight on her left ankle. “Perhaps you could stop a cab for me.”

  The fashionably dressed woman appeared to be somewhere in her mid to late sixties. Her hair was the shade of blond a lot of older women choose to enhance their appearance. Flawless skin had only the few lines that one acquired from smiling often.

  Laura hailed a cab and the driver helped get the woman into the vehicle. “The Dickens Medical Center, please.”

  As they sped on their way, Laura took the woman’s hand. “I know you’re in pain but we’ll be there in a few minutes. Is there someone I can call for you?”

  “No, I’m sure I’ll be fine. It’s probably just a sprain.”

  At the ER entrance of Dickens Medical Center, Laura grabbed a wheelchair and brought it to the cab. She paid the driver a hefty tip for his help, then wheeled the injured woman into the ER. She hoped this was the section where Helen was working.

  The woman gave her name as Doris Rogers and filled out paperwork. Then they were assigned a curtained waiting area with a bed for Doris.

  While they waited for the doctor, Helen came by. “Birdie, what’s happened? What are you doing here?”

  Laura explained and introduced her to Doris.

  Helen patted Doris on the shoulder. “The doctor will be here in a little while. We’re really swamped. Between people celebrating too much yesterday and the ice causing accidents, we’re filling up.” She waved and hurried away.

  Doris looked at Laura. “Birdie is an unusual name.”

  “It’s a nickname from when I was a toddler. Apparently, I’d watch the birds and try to make sounds like they did. My family and close friends still call me Birdie.”

  “Oh, well, I didn’t mean to presume—”

  “Please, I’d like for you to call me Birdie. My last name is Jordan. I overheard you give your name as Mrs. Rogers.”

  “Call me Doris. You’re being so kind. No one else bothered to stop and help me. I’m grateful you were willing to offer aid.”

  “Isn’t there a family member you want me to call?”

  Doris shook her head. “My son is out of town at an important meeting. If he knew I’d fallen, I’m afraid he’d come home. That would be bad for his business. Oh, but don’t think you need to wait with me. I’ll take a cab home.”

  “I wouldn’t think of leaving you on your own. Where do you live?”

  “I recently moved to the Park Plaza Building on Cratchit Lane. Will that be terribly out of your way?”

  Laura’s eyes widened. “How funny. That’s where I live. I’ll hang around with you and then get us both home.”

  They waited for what seemed a long time. At least Doris was on a bed and a nurse had given her something for pain. From her pale face, Laura thought the poor woman was still hurting. Doris was taken for x-rays, then she and Laura were left to wait until the doctor had the results.

  Doris twisted a tissue. “I hate that I’m ruining your day. I do appreciate you staying, though. I’ve only lived in the apartment and in Dickens for two weeks and don’t know many people in town.”

  “I haven’t lived there long, but I grew up in Dickens. Actually, my friend Helen—the nurse you met earlier—jokes that my apartment is a postage stamp. It’s the smallest unit available in the building, but I don’t need a lot of room. I feel safe there.”

  “I don’t need much space either, but Eddie, that’s my son, chose mine before I arrived. Honestly, a family of four could live there comfortably. He’s very good to me, especially since my husband died six months ago. Eddie insisted I move near him since we don’t have other family.”

  “Where were you living before?”

  “Near Fort Worth, Texas. My husband and I had moved often because of his work. Bob developed real estate projects, then we’d move to another site. So it’s not as if I had deep roots anywhere. Even if I had, you can understand I’d rather live near Eddie.”

  “Of course. Family should be together.” Thinking of her family made her feel lost and wistful.

  “I’ve said something that’s made you sad. Does your family not live near?”

  “They did live in Dickens. My parents and sister died in an auto accident just over three years ago. The only relatives I know are an aunt and uncle in Florida and their children. My aunt is sweet, but we have nothing in common except our relation to my mom. Florida is a nice place, but I really don’t want to move there.”

  “I’m so sorry you lost your family, dear. Will you be going to your aunt’s for Christmas?”

  She smiled, hoping she reassured Doris. “No, I’ll stay here in my postage stamp.” She didn’t want to talk about herself. “When is your son getting home?”

  “Eddie will be back in Dickens late Wednesday. He left this morning. Travel at this time of year is so difficult. He’d intended to leave Sunday afternoon.”

&
nbsp; “Unless he booked a long time ago, he’s lucky to find any flight this weekend.”

  “This business opportunity came up suddenly. I’ll have to be careful not to let slip that I fell. He’s so protective.”

  Carrying a clipboard, the doctor stepped up to the bed. “Mrs. Rogers, you have a bad sprain and a fracture. You’ll need to be off that foot for a minimum of six weeks.”

  “Surely not.” She pressed a hand against her forehead. “That’s so long. How will I manage?”

  “Mrs. Rogers, if you don’t think you can manage on your own, I can send you to rehab.”

  Doris appeared horrified at the thought. “Oh, no, I’ll figure out a system.”

  The doctor gave her instructions. He also spoke to Laura, probably under the assumption she was Doris’ relative. Laura wrote down everything he told her.

  Turning back to Doris, he said, “Your nurse is bringing a boot. You must remember not to put any weight on that foot. You’ll need a walker because a cane won’t provide the stability you need. Do you fall often?”

  Doris gave the doctor a no-nonsense stare. “Young man, I haven’t fallen since I was ten years old.”

  Laura patted Doris’ hand. “She didn’t fall this time. A man shoved her hard and hurried on without even noticing he’d pushed her down.”

  “Ah, that really is too bad, Mrs. Rogers, but I’m glad you’re not a fall risk. Your nurse will go over discharge instruction, and then you can leave.” He laid the clipboard on the bed before moving away.

  Helen hurried toward them. “Mrs. Rogers, here are your medications.” She held up a bottle. “This one will probably make you dizzy, so be sure and take it when you can be in bed for a couple of hours. Be careful.”

  After Helen had Doris ready to leave, she asked, “Do you have someone who can check on you?”

  Laura raised her hand. “I will. We live in the same building.”

  “What a fortunate coincidence. You’re going to need a wheelchair to get to your apartment and a walker once you’re there. The medical center pharmacy will sell you one of each, but my family has both. Unless you object, I’ll have my brother bring over the wheelchair we keep on hand at my parents’ house. One or the other of us is always breaking something or having surgery.”