“Which is?” Kate gave him a hopeful look.
“Not telling until you’ve shed your day,” Michael said as he turned her in the direction of the bedroom and gave her a gentle push. “Go.”
~~~
Kate put down her fork with a sigh of satisfaction and smiled at Michael across the kitchen island. By the time she had showered off her day and changed into some old sweats and a T-shirt, Michael was dishing up dinner. It had all smelled so good that she had relaxed her usual rule and enjoyed a glass of red wine with the meal. Now she sat back in her seat and watched as Michael gathered up the plates and put them in the dishwasher.
“That was fantastic,” she said as she swirled the wine in her glass, admiring the color of the liquid in the light.
“Let’s see if you’re saying that in a few days’ time. I made enough of it to feed an army,” Michael commented. “Mom gave me the recipe this morning, but she didn’t think to scale back the quantities.” He turned and saw Kate gazing thoughtfully into her glass. “Ready for your surprise?”
Kate perked up at that. “I’d forgotten,” she admitted with a smile, “but hell, yeah.”
“C’mon.” Michael held out a hand and pulled Kate to her feet. “You can bring your drink,” he offered as he began to lead her back out into the living room. “It’s nothing much, but it’s something I know we’re going to get a lot of use out of.” He gestured to the walls of the room, and Kate gave him a puzzled look before looking at where he was pointing.
“Is that … picture rails?” She took a step toward the wall as she peered up at the ceiling. She gave him a look of delight before turning and following the tracks that Michael had installed on every wall. “It just keeps going. How much did you put up?”
“I’ve done the whole living room, a wall in the kitchen and the whole bedroom.” Michael grinned at her. “C’mon, I know how many pictures you’ve got and you know we’re going to keep getting more.”
“You don’t mind?” Kate stepped toward him, and then remembered she was still holding her wine glass. She turned and set it down on his desk before wrapping her arms around his waist. “I was worried that you’d feel a bit overwhelmed.”
“Is that why you didn’t hang anything up over the weekend?” Michael pulled her closer.
“Maybe,” she admitted to his shirtfront. “I mean, your apartment is gorgeous and I didn’t want to cramp your style too much.”
“Kate, I’m a guy,” Michael said, sighing. “Style isn’t something I chart my life by, but I want you to feel like this is your home now.”
“Okay.” Kate offered him a shy smile that became wider as she glanced around at the wide expanse of living room walls. Oh, she was going to have fun.
~~~
The days went by in a blur of activity and baking. Since the review, business had been building at a steady rate which had led Kate to wondering if she needed to find another new employee.
“I don’t know if lightning can strike a third time,” she said to Michael over breakfast on the day of the party. “I mean, first Wren and then Emily. What do you think the chances are finding someone else that will fit in?”
“All you can do is try.” Michael shrugged as he spread some butter on his raspberry muffin and bit into it with a satisfied groan.
Michael could appreciate Kate’s concern, but at the same time, he couldn’t help but reflect on how good life was being to them. He got up and began to make himself another latte; Kate had been a very patient teacher, and although it was going to be a long time before he could consider himself a barista to Wren’s exacting standards, he could make a decent coffee for himself. Carrying his cup back to his seat at the kitchen island, he sipped at it as he studied the long expanse of the apartment.
Kate had taken his advice to heart and set about making the apartment homey. Michael’s framed vintage movie posters were now interspersed with Kate’s collection of prints and found objects that made for a riot of color on the walls. Kate’s latest interest was butterflies, and she had somehow acquired some framed specimens that floated on the wall beside some Indian shadow puppets and Michael’s 1960s Modesty Blaise poster. It was a collection that logically made no sense at all, and yet somehow it all seemed to work.
“So what time do you want me there today?” Michael asked before biting into his muffin again.
“Has David called you about the wine?” Kate looked up from the notebook in front of her where she was ticking items off a list.
“Sure. He and I made a list of wines we’re getting, so we’ll deliver that to the store before you guys close for the afternoon. Anything else?”
“I don’t think so.” Kate tapped her pen against the pages as she thought. “The decorations are all up, Emily’s bringing the candles, and Wren is bringing our dresses to work this morning.” Kate paused and gave a short laugh. “I still can’t believe she won’t let us see them until tonight. Do you know anything?”
“Nope, only that she told me what I was allowed to buy,” Michael said as he gave her a satisfied smirk.
“Fine,” Kate sighed. “Be like that, then.”
“Okay.” Michael grinned at her as he licked some residual crumbs off his fingers and followed it with his coffee.
Kate stood up with some reluctance and rounded the island to stand between Michael’s knees with her arms around his neck.
“Guess this is the part where I leave for the day,” Kate murmured as she gave him a soft kiss.
Michael ran his hands up her sides and around her waist so that he could pull her closer. “Something like that,” he agreed as he kissed her again. Kate smiled against his lips, and he took the opportunity to dip his tongue into her sweetness. It was so nice that he went back for more. By the time Kate managed to lean back, her eyes were heavy and dilated.
“Wow,” she managed. “What was I doing?”
“I have no idea,” Michael said as he pulled her back, “but I can think of a few things.” He slid his hand up and under her shirt to feel her smooth warm skin beneath his fingertips. Kate moved closer still, and he felt his stomach clench as she tangled her fingers in his hair to hold his face to hers as they kissed. He’d been thinking about getting another haircut soon, but the feel of her fingers in his hair had him re-thinking his options.
“So those things you were thinking about,” Kate ventured when they broke apart, “I don’t suppose you could give me a general idea?”
“I believe I could,” Michael said as he tried to look thoughtful before giving up and cupping her bottom with his hands and squeezing gently. “But it might take some time. I know you’ve got a busy day ahead and—” He stopped when Kate kissed him again.
“I’m ahead of schedule,” she said in between kisses as Michael got up from his seat and began to walk her toward the bedroom. “And Emily has a key.”
After making love, Kate had to shower and get ready for work all over again, which was probably a good thing as Michael had left her with a spectacular case of sex hair. She was late enough that Michael insisted on calling her a cab and joining her for the ride, kissing her all the way so that she entered the store pink and flustered but with a smile that would last the whole morning.
~~~
“Don’t tell me,” Wren deadpanned as Kate swept past them with a sheepish grin to hang up her coat in the kitchen. “Something came up?”
“I’m not even going to dignify that with a response,” Kate called back after a snuffle of laughter.
“Just means I’m right,” Wren retaliated as she got a cup to make Kate a coffee.
Kate was tying on her apron when she saw two zipped up garment bags hanging on one of the coat hooks in the kitchen. “Are these in here what I think they are?”
“No peeking,” Wren hollered back before fixing Emily with a beady stare. “And that means you too.”
“Gotcha.” Emily nodded with a smile. Emily was feeling quite pleased with herself this morning. Although she hadn’t beaten Wre
n to work—and suspected that she never would—she had arrived at the store earlier than usual to get the day going. It was Saturday, two days before Christmas, and they were all looking forward to the party that night. Emily had quickly set about making more cranberry muffins while Wren had made up some of their lunch bagels and wraps. The two of them had agreed a few days ago to get a head start on the day, and so far it seemed to be working well.
Kate stood at the counter, sipping her coffee and gazing around the store with approval. True to her word, Wren had cut out dozens of gold and silver stars in different colors and suspended them from the ceiling and windows with red metallic ribbon. The stars swirled and danced in the air and added a distinctive festive touch to the store. There were boxes of beeswax pillar candles waiting to be arranged throughout the store that evening for the party, and Kate could already tell that it was going to be a very enjoyable evening, especially if the morning had been anything to go by. She sipped at her coffee to hide her blush and satisfied smile.
“So, Wren,” Kate said as she finished her coffee, “last quote before Christmas. Bring it on, baby.”’
“Oh, you’re going down,” Wren said with an evil grin as she grabbed the chalkboard and began writing. And kept writing. After a long moment, Kate and Emily exchanged a look of concern.
“Uh, you’re not writing your life story there, are you?” Emily ventured.
“Hush,” Wren scolded as she kept writing. Finally she held up the board, and the two women gaped at the board in unison.
The Four Phases of Life:
You believe in Santa;
You don’t believe in Santa;
You are Santa;
You look like Santa.
Kate stared at the board for a long time, and then walked into the kitchen. Wren hung up the board and walked back inside to get herself another coffee. Ten minutes later, the kitchen was still silent. Wren and Emily glanced at each other, and then peered around the doorway to see something that they never thought they’d see: Kate flicking furiously through her recipe notebook, looking frustrated. Aware of their scrutiny, Kate looked up at them and offered Wren a wry smile.
“Damn, woman, I think you’ve got me.”
“Are you shitting me?” Wren gaped at her and then looked at Emily in wonderment. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve been working toward this moment?”
“Yeah,” Kate sighed and shook her head. “I guess it had to happen sometime.”
“Wow.” Wren was still stunned. “I mean—” She stopped as Kate pushed herself away from the counter and walked toward one of the smaller cupboards, and then dropped to her knees to forage toward the back of the lowest shelf. “Boss, what are you doing?”
“Getting your trophy,” Kate’s reply was muffled, but she emerged triumphant and got to her feet to walk toward Wren and hand over what she had been looking for.
“Ohhh.” Wren’s eyes were like saucers as Kate handed her a bottle of Bollinger champagne. “For me?”
“You’ve totally earned it.” Kate grinned and then gave her a huge hug. “I’m so proud of you.” She was startled, therefore, when Wren handed the bottle back to her.
“Put this in to chill,” Wren advised. “We’re having it tonight.”
“What? No, that’s yours, you earned it,” Kate protested.
“C’mon, boss, I couldn’t have done it without you providing the competition. Besides, it’ll get the party off to a great start, don’t you think?”
“If you say so,” Kate said as she accepted the bottle. “But while we’re in such a giving mood, I’d like to give you two your Christmas presents.”
“What?” Emily squeaked. “You can’t. I’ve got yours at home.”
“That’s fine, but I want my gifts to you to be opened when it’s just the three of us,” Kate explained. She went to her bag and pulled out the two embossed envelopes that she had arranged while she was out dropping off the day’s takings at the bank. She walked back to Wren and Emily with a broad smile and handed them each an envelope.
Wren and Emily paused to glance at each other for a moment before Wren shrugged. “The hell with waiting,” she said. “I’m going in.”
Emily turned the heavy envelope over in her hands and noted the gold seal before she carefully opened it and removed the gold embossed card inside. As she read it carefully, she felt her mouth drop open with surprise.
“Holy sh—” she began just as Wren stepped forward and threw her arms around Kate.
“I love it, but it’s too much,” Wren protested.
Emily glanced at the card and had to agree. Kate had purchased them each “The Ultimate” treatment at the Tribeca Beauty Spa: a day of pampering and indulgence that didn’t come cheap.
“Guys …” Kate disentangled herself from Wren and submitted to an equally fervent hug from Emily. “You totally deserve it. You two work so hard here, and my appreciation wasn’t something that could be wrapped up in some sorta ornament.” She gave them both a fond look. “I wanted to give you something really special, so I figured the gift of time that’s just for you would be perfect.”
“And it is,” Emily gasped as she re-read the card. “I’ve never had anything like this.”
“Which is why I did it,” Kate went on. “Over the years, a lot of gifts just become stuff, so I wanted to get you an experience.” She looked down and picked at an imaginary thread on her apron as she kept talking. “I couldn’t do any of this—” she waved a hand to indicate the store, “—without the kind of help I get from you guys, so this is just …” She looked up and gave them a watery smile.
Emily and Wren stepped forward as one, and the three women wrapped each other up in a group hug that ended up with sniffles and laughter. The coffee machine gave a loud beep to indicate it was ready for work, and Kate set to making their coffees before disappearing into the kitchen to make some Christmas themed Jack’s Favorite cupcakes.
It was going to be a good day, and an even better party. She just knew it.
~~~
“You’re sure there’s nothing else you need?” Michael called over his shoulder as he walked into the living room tucking his dress shirt into his trousers.
“I’m as sure as I can be,” Kate answered from the bathroom as she finished her makeup. “David delivered the wine, you dropped off the extras, Paul is bringing some music, the girls just have to bring themselves, and we’re getting there early to meet the caterers and set up. Have I missed anything?”
Michael ran through a mental checklist: food, drink, music, friends. He slipped on his jacket and patted the pocket to make sure it was still there. Wren had given him instructions on what he was allowed to buy to match whatever it was Kate was going to be wearing, and he had taken her advice to heart.
“I think we’re good,” he called back.
“Okay then,” Kate replied, and he heard the sound of a long zipper being opened. Kate had arrived home toting a garment bag that Wren wouldn’t let her look at while she was still at the store. “Wow,” Kate said at last.
“What? Can I see?”
“Not yet, let me get it on,” Kate answered.
“Whatever it is, I bet it’ll look great on the floor later tonight,” Michael called back with a huge grin.
There was an amused pause. “And you’re a writer?” Kate retorted, making him laugh.
Moments later when she appeared in the doorway, he was definitely at a loss for words.
The dress was simplicity itself: a wrap dress in a gray wool/jersey blend, offset by a black cherry blossom print and jet bead detailing. It hugged Kate’s curves before falling in soft waves to mid-calf. Kate had teamed it with knee-high black leather boots, and she stood there a little uncertainly before Michael’s silent scrutiny.
“You like?” she asked with a shy smile.
Michael licked his lips before replying. “Parts of me are already applauding.”
Kate gave a delighted smile and walked toward him for a kiss, which h
e was only too happy to oblige. Michael ran his hands up her sides, and then held her out at arm’s length, cocking his head this way and that as he studied her. “It needs something, though,” he said at last.
“Ah.” Kate nodded. This would be the accessorizing part that Wren had told her about.
Michael reached into his jacket pocket and produced a small box that he handed over with a smile. Kate looked into his eyes before lifting the lid, her lips forming an “O” of surprise. It was a vintage marcasite necklace, the polished jet and pyrite detail glinting as she removed it from the box to admire it.
“Allow me.” Michael took it gently from her hands and moved to stand behind her so that he could fasten it around her neck where it swung to rest between her breasts. Michael’s breath was warm against her neck as he nuzzled her for a kiss. “You like?”
“I love it.” Kate turned to smile at him and was surprised at the nervous look on his face.
“There’s something else that would look good on you too,” Michael ventured. He dipped into his pocket again, and this time the box was smaller.
~~~
Wren looked excitedly out the window of the cab as it pulled up outside the store.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so excited to get to work,” David commented with a soft laugh as she scrambled out.
“I want to see how the girls look,” Wren said as she stood and waited for David to settle the fare and follow her to the door.
The store looked warm and festive against the winter chill that was howling down the street. Kate had arrived early as promised, and the candles were all lit and glowing on various surfaces around the store, glinting off the dozens of stars the casting festive shadows on the walls as Michael Bublé’s latest album crooned out of the speakers. Some of the tables and chairs had been moved to give them room to mingle, and the caterers were ensconced in the kitchen with all manner of enticing smells wafting out into the store.
“I knew you’d be the first one here,” Kate called with a smile as she looked up from where she and Michael had been having a quiet conversation at one of the tables.
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