by Lilly York
She didn’t want anyone else getting hurt but if she climbed to the roof, that was pretty much a guarantee. She was without a doubt bound to get hurt and she might as well kiss the lodge goodbye if that happened. Instead, she accepted their gift of help. She pointed toward the three larger than life angels and the star which was designed to look as if it was hanging from the sky and the box of lights.
When the men finished, the entire roof was lined in white lights and she had wreaths of green hanging from every window facing front. An electric candle was already in place inside of each window. The green wreaths encircled them, providing a frame of sorts. Swags of greenery hung around the windows with red bows breaking the monotony.
The three angels were singing halleluiahs and glories—or whatever angels were supposed to sing—just under the erected blazing star. The lodge was splendid. Absolutely beautiful. The building would be as beautiful during the day as it would be at night.
She glanced at her watch. “Oh dear. It’s nearly time for supper. You both are staying, of course. It’s the least I can do to thank you.”
Neither man begged off. Both being single, they knew when supper comprised of anything other than what you get through a drive-up window, you accept.
Our new chef arrived earlier. He and his sous chef will be having dinner with us. I’ve asked Judy to make a pot of her corn chowder and a batch of her corn muffins. I just can’t get enough of the stuff. I know, it’s simple. I hope our chef won’t have any complaints.
Officer Blitz spoke up. “You won’t hear me complain. I’ve had Judy’s chowder. It’s delicious.”
Nik lead the way in through the back door. “You two make your way to the sitting room. Judy’s got some cheese and crackers set out along with some hot cider. I’m going to change really quick and I’ll be right back.”
When Nik neared the dining room, she could hear the yelling. She picked up her pace. “What is going on?” She asked as she entered the room.
Officers Blitz and Donner shrugged as Chef Enrique was shouting. Half in French and half in English.
“Enrique. Stop. What happened? What’s wrong?”
“You don’t tell me Santa was murdered on your roof. I cannot work here. This is a bad omen. I must leave.”
Nik felt hot tears streak down her cheeks as she watched her investment leave the lodge.
Chapter 6
Nik was frantic. Her heart was racing. Her breathing came in short, fast puffs. Her nose was running, her eyes leaking as she rested her head in her open face palms, “What am I going to do? Nothing is going as planned. I don’t think…I can’t imagine…” She tried her best to control the tears. She failed miserably. All her dreams were collapsing around her and nothing she did turned out right. Or even remotely right. She’d worked hard in New York City. She’d sacrificed and penny pinched. She opted for quiet meals at home while her friends were enjoying the city night life and restaurant scene. All so she could live the dream. A fruitless sacrifice so it would seem. She plopped down on the settee and buried her head in her hands. “I’ve failed. I give up.”
“I’m still here.”
Her hands muted her reply. “You can go home now. Everyone can. I’m sorry. I should have known this wouldn’t work.”
A voice cleared in the back ground. “No, I mean, I’m still here.”
Nik looked up to see Officers Blitz and Donner staring at someone. She turned her head. “Felix?” She questioned. “You’re still here? I thought you left with Enrique?”
“No. I’m not going with Enrique. I’m going to stay here and work with you. If you still want me.”
She wiped the moisture from her cheeks and nose. “But…but…I thought you go wherever Enrique goes.”
He only said, “Not this time.”
She slightly tilted her head. “Not this time? You mean, you’re willing to stay?”
He nodded. “If you want me to.”
Nik was afraid to question him—afraid he’d change his mind, so she only nodded.
Felix returned the nod and said, “I’m hungry. We’re still going to eat, right?”
“Ye…yes.” She stood up and looked at Officer Blitz who only shrugged his shoulders to say, why not?
Judy came through the door and stopped, looking around the room for the missing person. “Um, are you all ready to eat? Dinner is ready.”
Nik answered. “Yeah, but there’ll only be four of us.”
“Oh, okay. Well, it’s ready.”
After thanking Judy, she led the way to the dining room. One table was set up with steaming bowls of corn chowder, a tureen with more soup, a basket of corn muffins, and toppings of shredded cheddar cheese and bacon for the soup. Judy took the fifth place setting back to the kitchen while the remaining four sat.
Nik began to apologize for the simplicity of the meal. “I know this isn’t much…”
Officer Blitz raised his hand then swallowed what was in his mouth. “This is fantastic, as always. I’ll take this any day over canned pasta.”
Officer Donner chimed in. “I agree. This is great.” He shoveled more soup in his mouth and mumbled something unrecognizable.
The men ate quickly. Nik was still having a hard time processing what her newly hired Michelin starred chef did to her. She supposed she could look on the bright side, she wouldn’t have to pay his exorbitant salary. And just maybe, she could move out of that third-floor apartment.
She turned to Felix. “This is your dining room. It’s quaint. We are only able to seat 50 at a time. We could expand if we need to, but maybe down the road.”
Felix looked over the dining room. He was glad they left plenty of space between the tables. Nothing kills intimacy more than being able to hear the conversation from the table next to you as clearly as your dining partner speak. “I like it. I like the set up. I can work with this.”
Nik smiled. She’d managed to take a few bites of soup and was feeling better. She had to remember to eat more regularly. Busyness often took precedence and she wore herself out from lack of energy. She made a mental note. Food is fuel.
The tureen was empty, the basket was void of any muffins, the cheese and bacon bowls were wiped clean. Time for dessert. Judy rolled a wooden cart with a coffee carafe, four cups, and four plates of warm apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top into the room. Nik loaded the empties onto the bottom of the cart as Judy passed out dessert.
Officer Blitz rubbed his stomach. “A man could get used to this.” He grinned. “Do you have any more decorating that needs to be done?”
Conversation was light as everyone ate their sweet treat in front of them. All but Nik wanted a cup of rich coffee.
She poured into three cups. “If I drink this, I’ll be up all night.”
After dessert, she turned to Felix. “Do you want to tour the kitchen now?”
He hesitated just a bit. “Uh…well, yes. That would be nice.”
Nik pushed back and stood. The three men followed suit. She turned to the two officers. “I really want to thank you both for helping me today. I probably would have ended up in a cast—or worse—if I’d tried to climb that roof.”
“We’re glad we could help.” Officer Blitz elbowed his partner. “Aren’t we, Dash?”
“Oh, yes. Right. Glad to help.” He looked a bit nervous and Nik wondered why. “Are you okay?”
“Um, yeah. Can I talk to you in private?” He motioned toward the other side of the room.
“Sure. What’s up?” She asked as she followed him.
“Would you have dinner with me tomorrow night?”
“Officer Donner, are you asking me on a date?” She noticed the surprise register in his eyes.
“I uh, yes. That’s what I’m doing. What do you say?”
She started to say no, he just wasn’t her type. But, she could use a night away to just relax. And he could be a much-needed diversion. “Okay. Yes, I’ll go to dinner with you.”
He stammered, giving Nik the im
pression this wasn’t a well thought out proposition. “I…I’ll pick you up at 6.”
“Okay, I’ll see you then Officer Donner.”
He smiled. “I think you can call me Dash.”
“Dash it is. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Dash waltzed out of the room looking as if he’d won the blue ribbon at the 5th grade track and field day. Nik was the only one who noticed the disappointment in Officer Blitz’s eyes.
Chapter 7
Nik really didn’t care for Dash Donner, but she was ecstatic to get dressed up and go out for a nice evening away. Tonight would be more than scrambled eggs. She was nearly drooling over the thought of a hot, juicy medium rare steak as she put her pearl necklace and earrings on. Her thick black long straight hair was put up in a chic up do. Her make-up was applied to perfection. Her little black dress was covered with a long red wool cape. She was ready for the best Christmas Tyme had to offer. She chuckled to herself. Soon, the best in Christmas Tyme would be at her own lodge restaurant.
She descended the stairway being careful not to catch the heel of her shoes on the stairs. As she opened the door, she wasn’t certain if the look in Dash’s eyes was one of appreciation or horror. She shrugged. She was going out as something to do, not because she had any interested whatsoever in Dash. She secretly wished it had been Officer Blitz who asked, but, beggars couldn’t be too choosy. She wasn’t marrying the man for heaven’s sakes. It was just dinner.
“You look amazing.”
“Thank you. And I appreciate you asking me to dinner. It feels good to get out and just not think now and again.”
“Uh, you’re welcome.”
Dash walked out of the lodge nearly letting the door shut on Nik. She could cross gentleman off the list. Nik let out a small whistle when she noticed his car—an Aston Martin. You didn’t see those every day. Well, maybe in New York City, but certainly not in Christmas Tyme. “Nice car.” She said as she climbed in the passenger seat.
“Thanks. Before you ask, no. I can’t afford it on my salary. It was a gift from my dad.”
Nik remembered his comment about dads the night she got pulled over. He couldn’t be that bad a dad doling out these types of gifts. She kept her thoughts to herself though. She learned a long time ago, not everything is as it seems. Or rarely is as it seems.
Nik couldn’t hide the disappointment when Dash parked his car in front of a bar just outside of town.
“Hey, don’t knock it until you try it. They have great burgers.”
She climbed out of the front seat and gingerly walked through the uncleared snow and ice. He was a good three feet in front of her. “Dash, I could use a hand here.” Her high heels were slipping, and she was afraid she would fall.
“Oh, yeah, sorry.” He came back and offered her his arm. “The girls I normally date don’t really need help.”
Nik was confused. What woman wouldn’t need a little help now and then? Especially when wearing four-inch heels on a snowy date? He could have told her he planned on taking her to a bar. She would have worn jeans. Then again, why did she assume she would be going to a nice restaurant? She should have asked. She was determined to not hold this against him.
He must have remembered his manners as he pulled a chair out for her—a bar stool, that is. She climbed up and ordered a sprite.
“What, you don’t drink?” He ordered. “Johnny Walker Blue, neat.”
Nik didn’t know what to make of this man. He drove a three hundred-thousand-dollar car, drank expensive whiskey and yet he made maybe thirty thousand a year. Who exactly is Dash Donner?
She gingerly handled the laminated menu as it was covered with what looked like ketchup. Burgers, frozen pizza, and chili was the extent of the menu. She sighed and ordered a cup of chili with cheese, onions, and sour cream. Only to be told, they were out of sour cream.
Dash ordered a burger with chili and cheese then turned his attention to the television hanging on the wall in time to see an older man’s face and the words “a warrant for his arrest” being uttered by the newscaster. Dash’s face noticeably paled and he abruptly stood. “I have to go.”
He nearly ran out the door and left Nik sitting at the bar just as the bar tender returned with the food.
“I…I guess we’re not eating after all.” She muttered.
“It don’t matter to me whether you eat it or not. But somebody is going to pay for it.”
She asked for the bill and nearly gasped. “There has to be some mistake. We ordered a burger and two chilis. This can’t be right.”
The bartender took the bill from her and said, “You’re right. I did make a mistake. I forgot I always pour the man a double.” The bill increased from $78 to $138.
“You have to be kidding.” She pulled out her credit card and handed it to him. He gave her the credit card slip back to sign and she put a big fat zero for the tip then pushed the glass of whiskey to him. “Here’s your tip. Enjoy it.”
She started to march outside then realized she didn’t have anywhere to go. She didn’t drive, Dash did. And he left her stranded. She fished out her cell phone and called his partner, Officer Blitz. She was thankful she had his number. After explaining the situation and where she was, he told her he was on his way.
Rudy jumped out as soon as he pulled up to help her to his Jeep. By the time she climbed into the front seat, her toes were nearly frozen, and she was as fuming. “How dare he just leave me there? Who does that?” She didn’t wait for Rudy to respond. “Some man’s picture flashes across the screen and he goes pale and just leaves me. I don’t get it.”
He let her vent while he drove. She was so upset, she didn’t notice which direction he was driving—which was fine by him. He slowly made his way to one of his favorite restaurants. It was a bit out of the way, but the views were unparallel. He stopped his jeep and turned toward her. “I thought it was a waste for you to dress up so beautifully and not enjoy your night.”
“I don’t know if I’d be good company…”
“You’re always good company. And I’ll personally see to it he refunds you the money you spent at the bar. He isn’t a gentleman, he’s a spoiled child who for some reason wanted to be a police officer. Most officers want to serve. I haven’t figured Dash Donner out yet. Perhaps that why he’s assigned to me. So, I can keep an eye on him.” He smiled. “So, what do you say? Are you still hungry?”
Her stomach growled, answering for her.
“I think that answers that question.” He opened his door and went around and opened her. After helping her out, he held his arm out for her to take hold of and slowly walked with her, making suggestions on what to order as they walked.
Once inside, Nik felt herself calming down. A giant stone fireplace was front and center with a blazing fire. Large windows took up space on every wall in the dining room, save the one connected to the kitchen. There wasn’t a bad table in the place. The hostess took them to a table near the fireplace.
“I thought you might need some warming up.”
She smiled at Rudy’s thoughtfulness. “Thank you. I’m fairly sure my toes have frostbite.”
Their waitress was quick to bring water to the table. “Our specials tonight include 6- and 12-ounce fillets with your choice of mushroom sauce or a blue cheese sauce. We also have a ginger teriyaki basted salmon fillet served with a pineapple chutney. The specials come with your choice of butternut squash soup or salad and chunky loaded smashed potatoes and asparagus.” She left them to peruse the menus.
Nik looked around her. “A simple thank you doesn’t seem enough for rescuing me. I’ll buy dinner.”
“Well, a thank you is always enough for me and no, you bought me dinner last night. Tonight, it’s my turn.”
They both ordered steaks, 6 ounces for her, 12 for him, and nibbled on the fresh rolls from the basket.
Nik felt herself warming up. “I’ve never been here. This is just beautiful. Has it been open long?”
Rudy smiled. “My fam
ily owns this restaurant. I have no part in it, but I do enjoy the food and the views.” He chuckled. “And the discounts. Which is another reason I’m buying tonight.”
Nik looked out the nearest window. He was right. Thanks to the snow, even after sunset, she could see the mountain tops surrounding their little town. The views were breathtaking. “Well, thank you for making my night. To be honest, I’m glad Dash took off. I wasn’t looking forward to my bowl of chili. Not that don’t like chili. It has its place. I was just looking forward to…”
She was interrupted by the waitress with her soup and his salad.
After thanking her, she continued. “…a nice steak dinner. I’m sure getting out of that date was worth the hundred bucks.” She grinned. “I found myself wishing it was you who asked me out. I only accepted because I could use a change of scenery.”
Rudy sighed. “I was going to ask you out. But, Dash beat me to it. I guess I’m just not as experienced and was a bit shy about it. I’ve learned my lesson. I won’t hesitate next time.”
She lifted her soup spoon and smiled. “I’m glad.”
Chapter 8
Nik couldn’t help but smile when she woke the next morning feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. She and Felix were working on the Christmas Eve menu. Hopefully his plans would include the ingredients she’d already placed on order. Some of them were quite expensive for this time of year and she didn’t want anything going to waste.
She wandered into the lodge dining room and poured herself a strong cup of coffee and grabbed a yogurt and a banana then headed to her office. She sipped her coffee then looked at the paperwork in front of her.
When someone knocked on the door she glanced at the clock and could hardly believe two hours had passed. “Come in.”