Mistletoe (Clairmont Series Book 4)

by S. Jane Scheyder

  She nodded. “Okay, well, I’ll see you at the party tonight.”

  “I’ll see you there.”

  Liz made her way to the door, anxious to get away from Bobby and his theories. She wanted to be by herself and think.

  “Oh, and Liz?”

  She turned at the door and raised a brow.

  “Mind the mistletoe.”

  ***

  Liz walked through the small town in a daze. Festively decked shop windows passed by unappreciated. Light posts wound with tinsel, topped with wreaths, and sporting “Christmas in Clairmont” banners should have cheered her but barely caught her notice. So much for taking in the holiday wonder. Her head spun as she considered Bobby’s claims about his brother. Certainly, the part about his wife had to be true. Liz found herself aching for his loss, and almost envied him the deep love that had apparently left him devastated.

  She’d certainly loved Kelly’s father in the beginning. They’d had a few good years together, then his dreams and plans, which were never really grounded in reality, began to take their toll. The dreaming part was great - she’d shared in it enthusiastically for a while - but the execution was lacking. The burden of raising Kelly and supporting the family, essentially on her own, caused resentment that grew exponentially over the years. Love had a hard time surviving. She’d tried, but in the end, he’d left her with a lot of questions, guilt, and anger. Sadly, more than anything, she’d been relieved.

  She wondered what it would be like to love so fiercely that its loss left one so wounded.

  Liz passed the small library and stopped to look at a family of snowmen posing between the trees in the front yard; Mama, Daddy and three little snow people. She smiled and walked on. Even snowmen stuck together. Was that her motivation for getting Kelly and Cam to slow down? Was she afraid of losing Kelly and being alone? Kelly had lived at home all through college, having received a great deal on tuition at the school where Liz taught, so she’d only really been alone since Kelly moved to Clairmont the prior spring. Teaching and caring for her mother had taken up most of her time since then; she kept too busy to think about being lonely.

  Still, if she was honest with herself, losing Kelly to Cam would be a big change. Kelly wouldn’t need her the same way anymore. It would be an adjustment, but she would certainly make it if she thought it was best for Kelly.

  That was the rub. Was Cam the best thing for Kelly? Would she make him happy? Liz turned her face to the sun; not so much for warmth but for comfort. Warmth and comfort ... her thoughts returned to Christopher. She liked being in his arms, hadn’t realized how much she’d missed that kind of intimacy. She sighed, trying to erase the image of Christopher’s smile, the intensity of his gaze as he leaned in to kiss her.

  According to Bobby, it might all mean nothing.

  Liz hardly had time to figure it all out. She huddled into her coat, saddened by the need to disengage. If Christopher was legitimately looking for a friend, he needed someone local. If he was simply looking for ... companionship, she wasn’t looking for that kind of relationship, no matter how she’d behaved under the mistletoe. She’d be back in Burlington the day after Christmas either way. It was time to take care of her daughter.

  ***

  Kelly leaned over to hook a string of lights on a beam. Drew laughed and gently repositioned her on the ladder. “Let me do this,” he said. “How much do you want it to hang down?”

  Liz watched with interest as the two of them worked together. They chatted easily, flirted harmlessly, or so it seemed, and all around, seemed to enjoy each other immensely.

  Putting the last of the candles in the centerpieces, Liz called out, “I think we’re going to need some more of this garland.”

  Her daughter looked over from her perch. “Thanks. I’ll add it to the list.” She hopped down off the ladder and walked over to the table. “Want to walk to the dime store with me? I think we can get everything there.”

  “Sure,” Liz replied, happy to finally have a chance to talk. Ever since she’d walked into the coffee shop, Kelly had been busy with Drew or Grace, her boss, talking to customers, or digging up more decorations from the basement. At least they’d have a few minutes alone on their way to and from the store.

  “You wanna come?” Kelly asked Drew, and Liz almost stomped her foot.

  “No thanks,” he replied. “I’ve got to move this coffee for your little dance floor.” He tried to sound put out by Kelly’s party demands, but his voice held nothing but affection.

  “Yeah, well, you’ll be glad you did it,” she replied. “This is going to be the best Christmas party this town has ever seen. And you’re dancing,” she pointed at him with a grin.

  “Wouldn’t bet on it,” he grumbled good-naturedly.

  Kelly turned with a smile and ignored her mother’s questioning gaze. “Ready to go? We’ll have to make it quick.”

  “I’m ready,” Liz assured her. Hope you are, too.

  She wasted no time. The minute they left the shop, Liz pulled out the stops. “So, honey, I know you’re busy with the party, but at some point we really need to talk. You have to know I’m still trying to figure out your engagement. I like Cam, but I’m concerned about how fast you’re moving.”

  Kelly sighed, but kept up the quick pace she’d set. “Of course, I knew you’d say that. But this is right, Mom. I can feel it.”

  “And you’ve been dating how long?”

  Her daughter rolled her eyes; Liz was definitely expecting that response. “Almost five months. People get engaged in less.”

  “I know that, but he’s been away so much of that time. You said he goes to school in Boston?”

  “Yes, but he comes up at least once a month on the weekends. Sometimes twice.”

  They reached the entrance to the dime store, and Kelly opened the door. It was like stepping back in time, the narrow aisles overflowing with merchandise. Liz would have enjoyed looking around and taking it all in if the circumstances had been different. They walked toward the front corner of the store where the Christmas decorations were scattered in happy holiday disarray.

  Kelly knelt down next to a cardboard box display of greenery. “We both understand that we’re busy. Our time is limited and we do the best we can.” She looked up at Liz. “That’s why we want to get married. We want to be together.”

  Liz nodded and prepared to ask the question she wasn’t sure she wanted answered. “Have you set a date?”

  Kelly set several garland packs in her basket. “We thought we’d have a summer wedding.”

  “This summer.”

  “Yes, Mom. This summer.”

  Liz tried to reply calmly. “So, you’re ready to give up your life here? Your gymnastic students and the shop?”

  Kelly nodded resolutely. “I’ll find another gym and coffee shop.”

  “There’s really no need to rush. People do the long-distance thing all the time.”

  “I knew you’d try to talk me out of this! Cam and I are ready, Mom. Whether you and Mr. Harrison get it nor not.”

  “I’m not trying to talk you out of anything. I’m trying to understand.”

  “He’s a good man, Mom. Responsible. We’re never going to have to worry about whether we can afford a Christmas tree.”

  That stung, and Liz battled with expressing the hurt she felt. She took a deep breath, nodded. Who could blame Kelly for wanting to be secure?

  “I’m sorry, Mom.” Kelly dropped the garlands and stood. “That wasn’t fair. You always made Christmas wonderful.”

  Liz fingered a strand of tinsel, Christmas memories flooding in, both good and sad. “I wouldn’t wish for you a lifetime of insecurity. I just don’t want the price to be too high.”

  “Too high?”

  “Do you love him?”

  “Of course, I do!” Kelly looked a little panicked.

  “I know you didn’t have much of an example with your dad and me,” Liz admitted. �
��I’m sorry for that. But it can be really wonderful. I believe it can. I know it can.” She looked into her daughter’s eyes, willing her to understand. “I just so want you to be happy.”

  ***

  Christopher walked into the coffee shop and immediately his mood lifted. The store had been decked out for the past three weeks, but everything was amped up for the Christmas party. It looked like a small dance floor had been cleared, and Kelly was busy draping lights with the football player barista. He seemed too big for the place, but he was an expert coffee roaster and very protective of his craft. Much of the shop’s popularity owed itself to his commitment to roasting the beans that were delivered in the hundred plus pound bags that, on most days, also made up part of the shop’s decor.

  Stepping up to the counter, Christopher scanned the menu board for the day’s specials while Cam greeted Kelly. He placed his order and casually looked around the shop, hoping that Liz might be helping her daughter decorate for the party. It wouldn’t be the ideal place or time to talk, but he wouldn’t mind just seeing her smile. It’s not like he had anything to report. Cam had slept the morning away, and had kept himself busy until they’d agreed to go to the shop together. Christopher suspected that Cam made an effort to limit the talking opportunities, and probably for good reason. Not being one to initiate deep conversation, or any conversation, for that matter, Christopher found it difficult to broach the big subject that had yet to be addressed, and no doubt Cam knew it. He wasn’t about to make it any easier.

  He paid for his coffee and walked over to where Cam stood talking with Kelly and Drew. Drew looked a little uncomfortable, but Kelly seemed her usual, cheery self. She told Cam she’d be decorating and/or working all day; apparently her friend’s injury had caused a change in her schedule.

  “Is her finger okay?” Christopher asked.

  Kelly turned with a rueful smile. “She’s doing alright, just can’t use it for a while, which is tough. She’s our best barista.” Kelly handed Drew a strand of lights. “She’s coming to the party, though, so that’s good.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” Christopher replied. He turned to Cam. “You want to go grab some lunch?”

  Cam considered Kelly and her two-hundred-pound light stand. Christopher wondered if their friendship bothered his son. He wouldn’t like to see his fiancée so friendly with another man, but Cam didn’t seem to mind.

  “Yeah, sure,” Cam replied. He turned back to Kelly. “Do you need any help here?” Christopher was glad that he offered, though his tone definitely lacked enthusiasm. Where was the spark? If he was standing that close to Liz, he’d be oblivious to everyone else in the room.

  “I think we’ll be okay,” Kelly replied.

  “Is your mom coming in to help?” Christopher figured it was harmless to ask.

  Kelly turned, her normally bright countenance a bit troubled. “She was here earlier, but then your brother stopped in and invited her out to lunch. She may come back afterward, but it sounded like wherever they were going would be a bit of a drive.”

  Christopher, taking in this bit of information with his usual calm, seethed inwardly at his brother’s incessant womanizing. Why couldn’t he leave Liz alone? Why couldn’t Liz have put him off? Realizing that a response was appropriate, he finally nodded. “I guess we’ll see them at the party, then.”

  He said his good-byes and tried not to crush his coffee cup as he left the shop. He glanced at the mistletoe over the door and ground his teeth. No doubt Bobby had tried to take advantage. The thought of him kissing Liz made Christopher’s blood boil, and he welcomed the blast of cold air as he walked out the door.

  Cam caught up when Christopher was half-way down the block. “Hey Dad, hold up!”

  Christopher slowed his step a fraction as his son joined him.

  “You okay?”

  “Of course,” Christopher clipped. “You want to go to the sandwich shop?”

  “Sure. Whatever,” Cam replied. Christopher could feel his gaze. “I’m guessing you don’t like the idea of Uncle Bobby and Kelly’s mom?”

  “No, I don’t.”

  “It won’t last,” Cam pointed out. “Uncle Bobby, well, he’ll just mess with her while he’s here and then forget about her.”

  Christopher stopped in his tracks. “What, about any of that, is okay?”

  Cam looked surprised and raised his hands in defense. “I don’t know. It’s just the way he is. Not my fault.”

  Christopher swallowed with effort. It wasn’t like Liz was helpless; she wouldn’t let Bobby go too far. Then again, as far as he was concerned, lunch was too far.

  “It’s cold. Why are we walking?” Cam asked.

  “It’s just another block or two. It’s good for you.”

  “I walk everywhere in Boston. I get plenty of exercise, and plenty of cold.”

  Christopher didn’t doubt it. “I just needed the air.”

  They walked in silence for a few minutes. “Uncle Bobby really gets to you doesn’t he?”

  More like Kelly’s mom really gets to me. “This is just one time I wish he’d leave it alone. Kelly’s mom doesn’t seem to appreciate the attention.”

  “Well, you never know. She’s been divorced for a while. She might enjoy his company.”

  Christopher kicked a block of snow, hard. He was glad there was no one on the sidewalk in front of them. “He’s not her type.”

  “What do you know about her type? You hardly know her.”

  They walked into the sandwich shop, which was blessedly empty. “You’re right, Cam. And that begs the question, how well do you know Kelly? I can’t figure out how you’ve had enough time together to commit to marriage.”

  “Wow, where’d that come from?” Cam stopped in his tracks with a scowl. “Okay if I order a sandwich before you eviscerate me?”

  “Colorful, Cam. Great image before lunch.”

  “You’re the one who jumped on me out of nowhere. I thought you liked Kelly.”

  “I do. She’s great,” Christopher lost some of his steam. Why couldn’t he calmly broach the subject? He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. I’m all for you two seeing each other, and even thinking about a future together. I’m just trying to understand where an engagement came from.” Leaving his hair a mess, he shrugged out of his jacket and tossed it in a booth. “Go ahead and order. Then talk to me.”

  ***

  Liz stomped the snow off her boots and walked into the house, reveling in its warmth. A fire roared in the parlor and scented candles lit the room. Several couples whom she hadn’t yet met enjoyed the elegant Victorian atmosphere, but, inviting as it was, she needed the privacy of her room. The voice over her shoulder was a vivid reminder.

  “Well, this is cozy. Want to sit by the fire and warm up?”

  After hours of fending him off, Liz marveled that Bobby persisted. She would almost admire his tenacity if it weren’t so irritating. The lunch, itself, had been fine - the food was good - but it hadn’t been worth the hour-long drive there and back. She was still fuming over having been trapped in the car with him for that long. The only conceivable advantage had been the information that he’d shared about Christopher, though its reliability was admittedly in question. She desperately needed some time alone to process what she’d been told, without Bobby leading the witness.

  “I’m going upstairs,” Liz replied. “I have some things to do before the party tonight.”

  Bobby nodded, his disappointment evident. For a very brief moment, Liz almost felt sorry for him. It was too bad he came on so strong; he was a handsome, engaging guy when he wasn’t pushing so hard. The brief moment passed when he opened his mouth.

  “Pre-party brandy in my room? Or the parlor?” he pressed.

  “No, thank you. I’ll see you at the party.”

  “No point in our both driving over. I’d be glad to chauffeur, unless, of course, you have a ride.”

  She bit back her reaction to
his taunt. “No,” she said slowly, carefully. “I’m planning to drive myself. I’ll see you later. Thank you, again, for lunch.” She started up the steps, half expecting him to follow and harass her all the way to her door. Thankfully, he stayed downstairs, and, with a dramatically forlorn wave, walked into the parlor. Liz all but jogged around the corner to her room.

  “Hey Liz!” Becky called out, coming down from the third floor. “You look a little ...” she hesitated, “fried. Everything okay?”

  Liz brightened up immediately at the sight of her new friend. “I’m better now,” she almost smiled. “Long, long afternoon with a lawyer. What’s up there? More rooms?”

  Becky glanced behind her. “That’s my sister’s apartment. It’s pretty cool. Wanna see it?”

  “Oh, I don’t need to see their private space,” Liz objected, wanting very much to see their private space. How cool would it be to have an apartment in the attic of an old Victorian inn overlooking the ocean? She almost forgot her irritation with Bobby at the thought of snooping around on the third floor.

  Becky shrugged. “They wouldn’t mind. They’re actually really proud of it. John did most of it himself. Well, he had help, but he designed the whole thing. They don’t ever get to show it off.”

  Liz dismissed her reservations when she heard Bobby whistling as he ascended the stairs. “Show me,” she replied suddenly, diving through the door into the stairwell.

  Becky grinned and pulled the door shut behind them.

  ***

  Upstairs, in the privacy of Becky’s sister’s apartment, Liz finally relaxed as she related the story of her afternoon with Bobby, as well as his early morning warning. Becky listened attentively, nodding as Liz wound down with the interminable ride home and Bobby’s relentless passes.

  “On the one hand,” Becky began immediately with her analysis, “it sounds like a simple case of jealousy. Bobby wants you and he’s trying to make you think that Christopher’s the womanizer, instead of him. Not very plausible.”