Christmas is You

by Sylvia Blake

  When she arrived, the village square was packed with tourists and locals alike, checking out the market booths and chatting loudly, and the scent of chocolate and other goodies wafted through the air, reminding her of just how hungry she was. Wendy had texted her to meet outside the Starbucks, so she headed in that direction, and spotted her right in front of the storefront windows in her bright red hat. She quickened her steps, hoping it would warm her up.

  “Hi auntie!” she said as she reached Wendy.

  “Hi dear,” Wendy said, giving her a quick hug.

  “Do you want to get a hot chocolate or coffee here?” Debbie asked, motioning towards Starbucks.

  “Oh, don’t be silly,” said Wendy with a wave of her gloved hand. “Let’s get it from one of the booths. You’re going to just love this, I promise!” She headed off in the direction of the market, with Debbie by her side.

  The fresh show crunched under their boots as they strolled through the market, admiring the hand made ornaments, crafts, and small gifts for sale.

  “Here we go,” said Wendy, as they stumbled upon a booth serving hot chocolate. There was a large crowd there already, but as Wendy explained to Debbie, it was well worth the wait.

  Wendy explained to her how every year, she and her late husband would come out to the grand opening of the Christmas market, sample as much food and drink as they can, buy one special new ornament, and walk home in the cool, crisp air. Debbie smiled as she listened to the story.

  “That’s so sweet…” she said. “Almost makes me believe in true love.” She took a sip of her hot chocolate. It was rich, and sweet, and chocolaty – it took everything in her power not to just gulp the whole thing down.

  Wendy stopped and turned to her, her soft eyes shining with the reflection of the Christmas lights.

  “Don’t you ever doubt that it exists. Life has its ups and downs; there are people who disappoint us, who hurt us. But never stop believing in true love. It’s out there, and it’s going to find you, I promise.”

  Debbie’s eyes got misty as she listened to Wendy’s words. “Are you sure? It sure doesn’t feel like it right now.” She looked down, embarrassed. She wasn’t used to sharing her feelings and personal problems with relatives.

  Aunt Wendy reached out and squeezed her shoulder. “I promise, honey. You’ll see. You deserve the best, and you’ll get it.”

  “Thanks so much,” Debbie replied wistfully.

  “No problem. Hey, they’re going to light the tree any minute now. Want to go over and see?”

  Just then, as if on cue, a voice came over a loudspeaker telling everyone that the tree would be lit up in five minutes.

  Debbie was grateful for the change in subject and nodded.

  “Sure, let’s go,” she said.

  The tree was still dark, but it was huge and hard to miss. Hot chocolates in hand, they headed in the direction of the tree. A large crowd already surrounded it, so they stood at the back and marveled at the sheer size of it.

  “Hey, you look familiar,” came a voice from behind them.

  Debbie spun around, and her face instantly lit up the moment she saw him.

  “Hi, Luke!” Her smile was wider than she intended, and she blushed. She tried to tear her gaze away from his, but it was proving to be more difficult than she thought.

  Aunt Wendy finally cleared her throat.

  Debbie looked from Luke to Wendy and back again.

  “Oh, Aunt Wendy, this is my ski instructor Luke. Luke, this is my aunt.”

  Aunt Wendy smiled, with a twinkle in her eye. “Hi Luke, how’s your mom? She doesn’t come to the café as much lately. Her stories were always the best. She talked about you all the time,” she said.

  “She’s fine, thanks. The snow makes it more difficult for her to get out, but I know she’s been meaning to come see you. She couldn’t make it here tonight, unfortunately, and she and my father are leaving on Vacation soon. Oh, and I hope those were all good stories by the way,” he said with a chuckle.

  Debbie felt confused for a minute and then remembered that Luke dropped by the café almost every morning – of course he would know Aunt Wendy. She felt her cheeks flush warm as she looked from Wendy to Luke. Aunt Wendy’s eyes had a twinkle about them, almost as if she could see into Debbie’s soul and know that there was a spark there between her and Luke. She hoped that Wendy wouldn’t try to meddle and go down that route.

  “Who are you here with, Luke?” she asked.

  “I came with my buddy Mark, but he disappeared somewhere, so I’m just hanging out and trying to find the best food in this place.”

  Wendy’s face lit up. “Well, perfect! I’ve been meaning to ask you some things about skiing, so you don’t mind keeping us company for a bit, do you? Until your friend turns up?”

  “I don’t mind at all,” he said, glancing at Debbie and smiling.

  Her heart raced. She was sure it was just her imagination. He couldn’t be interested in her, could he? He had complimented her the other day after she fell on top of him while skiing, but it was probably just a one-off silly remark. He hadn’t asked her out or anything.

  “Ok, great. Let’s watch the tree get lit and then find something to eat,” Wendy said, and turned to Debbie.

  “How does that sound, Debbie?”

  Debbie felt caught off guard, but she recovered quickly. “Oh, yeah, sure. I’m starving.”

  The Christmas music suddenly got louder, which was the cue for the tree to be lit. Sure enough, the lights started shining brightly, bathing the square in a warm, colorful glow. The crowd oohed and children squealed, and suddenly the square became livelier.

  Debbie smiled, admiring the beautiful and festive tree.

  “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” said Luke, stepping closer and standing close to her.

  She looked up at him and nodded. “Sure is. Do you come out here every year, for the lighting?”

  “Sure do. Wouldn’t miss it. I’m really glad I ran into you here, by the way. It’s a lot more special to see it with someone.” She looked into his eyes and saw that he said it with real meaning. His brown eyes were smiling and stared into her eyes, as if he could see right through her.

  “That’s true,” she said, zipping her coat up a little higher with one hand. Her nerves were starting to fire up and she felt the need to fidget with something. She took another sip of her hot chocolate. Then another. She ended up gulping it all down, wondering what he was going to say next.

  She hoped that Aunt Wendy wasn’t eavesdropping, and glanced over in her direction. Wendy was engrossed in conversation with a friend she’d seen, and didn’t seem to be listening to them.

  “Is your friend still coming to visit tomorrow?” he asked.

  “Yes. Sometime in the afternoon, when I get off work.”

  “Well, I hope you’ll go by the lounge I told you about. It’s funny, right after I told you about it, a friend called and asked me to drop by there on Saturday. It’s his birthday.”

  Debbie’s ears perked up. “I see…so I might see you there, then,” she said. Suddenly she was looking forward to Saturday night, even as she tried to fight it. She reminded herself that she was here to get away from relationships, and just be by herself and learn to grieve the loss of her last relationship and the future with her ex that would never be.

  “Hey, buddy! There you are!”

  Debbie turned to see who it was.

  “Hey Mark,” said Luke, slapping the man on the shoulder. He was about the same height as Luke, with a friendly, smiling face, blue eyes, and blond hair peeking out from under his hat.

  “Mark, this is Debbie; Debbie, this is Mark, the guy who ditched me a few minutes ago,” he said with a laugh.

  “Don’t listen to him,” Mark said, extending a hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  Debbie took his hand and shook it.

  “I’m a student of Luke’s,” she said. She wasn’t sure why she introduced herself that way, but it seemed the most appropriate
at the time.

  “And a friend,” added Luke. “She’s really coming along with her skiing.”

  “Awesome!” said Mark. “We’ll have to all go out to the slopes together sometime.”

  “Sure,” said Debbie.

  Mark turned to Luke. “Hey, a couple of the guys are meeting at my place.”

  “Oh, right now?” Luke said, glancing quickly at Debbie.

  “Yeah,” said Mark.

  “Go, go, have fun,” said Debbie quickly.

  Luke looked at her apologetically and in a lowered voice said to Debbie, “He lives quite far and needs a ride home.”

  “Oh, yeah, no problem. Go, he needs you,” said Debbie. It gave her a warm feeling to know that he wanted to stay with her, but she didn’t want to interfere with his plans with his buddy.

  “Alright, so I’ll probably see you on Saturday night then, unless I come in to get a coffee tomorrow morning.”

  “Sure, that’ll be fun. Thanks for telling me about the place. See you later,” she said, giving him and Mark a small wave.

  “Bye, Debbie. Bye, Wendy. Have a good evening,” he said to Wendy.

  Debbie tried not to watch them walk off, but she couldn’t help glancing back in their direction.

  “Just a student, huh? I seriously doubt that,” said Wendy to her, leaning in and nudging her gently, before letting out a small laugh.

  Chapter 11

  Debbie stared out the window at the falling snow, examining every person that walked by, just in case she spotted a familiar figure. It was Friday morning, and she had been at work for a while already.

  “Looking for him?”

  It was Aunt Wendy, sipping a cup of tea and watching Debbie closely.

  Debbie got flustered and frowned. “What do you mean? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She left the window and walked back behind the counter.

  Aunt Wendy followed close behind.

  “Oh, you know what I’m talking about,” she said, giving Debbie a pointed look. “That Luke, he’s really got his eyes on you, doesn’t he?”

  “Oh, him? No, I’m sure he’s plenty entertained by the tourists. What would he want with me, anyways?”

  But Aunt Wendy wasn’t about to give up. “Who do you think you’re fooling, my girl? Do you think I was born yesterday? I can tell these things…I can tell when there’s something there.”

  “Well, I guess you don’t know as much as you think you do. Sorry, but it’s true.” She winced as she thought about what she just said. It sounded so harsh and mean, but she was really frustrated with all the guessing and questioning. She just wanted to forget about men or anything to do with relationships and just go on living her life. Was that too much to ask?

  Aunt Wendy looked down, and Debbie figured she must have gone too far.

  She sighed and walked over to Wendy. “I’m sorry, I feel crummy about saying that. But things are still so fresh after Jake. I’m not over it yet, and even talking about any relationships is really hard right now. Does that make sense?”

  “Yes, and I’m sorry for being nosy. But I think you guys would make a great couple, that’s all. Also, not that this will make a difference to you, since I know you’re not materialistic, but did you know he owns Rose Mountain Hotel?”

  “Yes, I’ve heard. He’s a nice guy, don’t get me wrong. I’m just not ready for anything right now. Or maybe ever,” she added for good measure. “And you’re right, I really don’t care that he, or his family, owns the hotel. Although it’s nice that he’s not all egotistical about it. By the way, where’s Melissa?” she asked, changing the subject.

  “She wasn’t feeling well this morning, so she called in sick. I was planning to come in today, anyways, so I don’t really mind.”

  Debbie’s eyes widened. “Oh, do you think it’s time?” She got very excited about the possibility that Melissa might be in labor already.

  Aunt Wendy dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. “No, I don’t think so. If that was the case, she would’ve told me about it. We’re close like that.”

  Debbie couldn’t help it, and looked out the window again, at the cars and people passing by. She was surprised that he hadn’t come in yet; it was already 10am and he was usually there no later than 9:30am. She sighed and turned her attention to the dirty dishes than need to go back to the kitchen.

  It was 3pm when April pulled up in front of the chalet in her car. Debbie was sitting on the front porch, bundled up in a coat and blanket, and nursing a steaming cup of tea which she sipped occasionally.

  Aunt Wendy was still at the café, and Debbie was looking forward to spending some time alone with her friend.

  “Hi! Ugh, I’m so glad to be here! Driving was such a pain!” said an exasperated but smiling April as she approached.

  “Hi, hon. It’s so nice to see you. Quick, let’s go inside where it’s nice and warm. I’ll make you a tea or hot chocolate if you’d like.”

  They went in and quickly made themselves comfortable. Debbie hoped that April wouldn’t bring Jake up – at all. She had already prepared several remarks designed to thwart that kind of talk.

  “So, what’s new back home these days?” she asked April as she brought her a cup of tea.

  “Not much. Work is slow, so I’m able to take more time off than usual. What about you? Is your mom over the fact that you’ve taken off for the holidays?” April smiled knowingly. She’d met Debbie’s family on several occasions, and listened to Debbie’s laments about her mother many times.

  “Not really. She’s taking it too personally and it’s impossible to make her see that I need this time to myself. And something’s wrong with Cathy’s phone so we haven’t been able to chat. That’s about it.” She turned the tv on and found a Christmas movie. “I’ll go back home for a day or two around Christmastime.”

  “Nice! Where are you going to stay? Did you tell Jake that you’ve left town?”

  “No, because I didn’t have time to pack my stuff, so I don’t really want him moving back there yet. I don’t know where I’m staying, but probably either at my old place or my parents’ house.”

  “Yeah, that makes sense. What about the jobs you applied for just before you left town? Have you heard from them?”

  Debbie didn’t want to think about all the applications she’d sent out but hasn’t heard back about. She doubted that anyone was hiring at spas right before Christmas anyways.

  “No, I haven’t. I’ve pretty much written off the possibility of a new job before the holidays. I’ll just give it my all when I get back to town.”

  Going back to the city didn’t seem so hot at the moment. She didn’t want to face all her family and friends, not to mention having to look for a new apartment. Her mom would surely offer up her old room, but she’d gotten used to her independence and it would feel weird to be back under their roof.

  “Yeah, good idea about the applications.” April was staring at the tv, but suddenly turned to Debbie as if she remembered something. “So, have you thought about what we’ll do this weekend?”

  “Well, tonight we can go out for dinner and then check out the spa…they have some great evening treatments and a nice pool. Or I can take you to the Christmas market. I actually went last night with Aunt Wendy, but it’s so beautiful, I wouldn’t mind going again.”

  “Oh, that sounds like fun! I love Christmas markets!”

  “Yeah, last night was fun. Ran into Luke, too.”

  April smiled and raised an eyebrow.

  “Well, well, well…and aren’t you glad?”

  “Don’t know what you’re talking about. I only brought it up because…well, because it’s nice to make new friends.”

  “Friends, huh? Trust me, that guy wants to be way more than friends, but you’re too scared to see it. You’re in denial.”

  Debbie looked at her, incredulous. “Oh, please. He’s just a polite flirt, that’s all. He hasn’t even asked me out.”

  “But you want him to, don’t you
?” April was now in full interrogation mode. She turned her whole body towards Debbie, ignoring the tv.

  “No. Not at all.” Debbie stared into her tea. “Well, we might see him tomorrow, though.”

  “Really? How did that come about?”

  “I mentioned that you were coming and I asked his opinion about places to go together. He mentioned a nice lounge down in the village, and mentioned he’d be there too, for a friend’s birthday.”

  April laughed. “And do you think it’s a coincidence that he recommended the very place he’ll be that night?”

  Debbie remained silent. He couldn’t have recommended it just so he could see her, right? She was so deep in thought that she forgot to answer April, who was watching her with great amusement.

  “Hello, Debbie! Thinking of him, aren’t you?” She let out a loud cackling laugh that grated Debbie’s nerves just a little.

  “No. I mean, yes, but not in the way that you think. He’s a nice guy, and I’m willing to admit he’s good looking too.” She hoped her blushing wasn’t giving away just how handsome she thought he was. “But, I doubt he actually likes me. Besides, it’s too early for me to get into another relationship. I still have to handle all the logistics of cancelling my original wedding, you know.”

  “It’s not too early! I’m not saying you have to marry the guy, but you can get to know him, can’t you? You don’t have to jump into anything just yet, but I wouldn’t let him get away, either. That’s all I’m saying.” With that, she turned back to the tv, and Debbie was grateful that she was finally giving her some breathing space.

  In bed, later that night, Debbie thought about what April had said. Sure, her breakup had just happened, but was that any reason not to give Luke a chance? She couldn’t deny that there was a spark there, and that he was one of the nicest guys she’d met. He was lighthearted and funny, and didn’t seem to have a negative bone in his body.