She carried it into her bedroom and put it in the window seat to dry before taking the dogs outside for a quick walk. She knew Mel had taken them on a morning outing, but felt guilty for leaving them home all day. While she knew so many people thought of them as “just dogs,” to her they were much more. They brought so much joy to her life and she wanted to make sure they had as much fun as possible. They needed some exercise before she left them again for the tree lighting festivities.
They walked the blocks around the neighborhood, before returning home in time to eat their dinner and for her to change clothes. After fixing her hair and touching up her face, she surveyed her closet. She chose a black shirt topped with a black sweater with silver metallic threads, along with jeans, her warm boots, and silver jewelry. She took one more look in the mirror before adding her alpaca scarf and warm winter jacket. Between all her layers, she hoped to be warm no matter what the weather did. She made sure her gloves were in her pocket and added some cash, a credit card, and her keys.
The dogs rushed to the door and she knew Mac had arrived before the bell rang. He greeted the dogs with ear rubs and chin scratches, and treated Lily to a dazzling smile. “You ready?”
She promised the dogs she’d be back soon and locked the door. He led her to the waiting car. “You look sparkly and beautiful tonight,” he said, making sure she was inside before shutting the door.
As soon as he got behind the wheel, he turned toward her. “How was your class?”
Warmth surged through her, happy that he remembered and cared enough to ask. “It was lots of fun. I think I’ve found a new hobby and a way to use Aunt Maggie’s sea glass. I’m going to set up a small table downstairs and work in front of the windows. It’s quite relaxing, almost therapeutic.”
He found a parking spot a block from the main street and the parade route. They wandered along the waterfront to Sunrise Coffee, where they stopped to get a warm drink and say hello to Mel. The place was packed and they squeezed into the line of people waiting to order.
Lily stood on her tiptoes to get a glimpse of Mel at work. She was at the register, wearing antlers that lit up, keying in orders and handling transactions with ease, in the midst of the crowd of customers. She and her co-workers were joking and smiling with each other and customers as they worked nonstop to crank out fancy coffees and hot chocolates. When they finally arrived at the front of the line, Mel’s eyes widened when she looked up to greet them.
Mac ordered hot chocolates, and Lily watched him slip a twenty-dollar tip into the jar. “Has it been this busy all day?” she asked, as Mel finished running Mac’s card.
“Just the last hour or so. People getting here early for the parade and stuff. The manager is treating us to pizza tonight to thank us for our hard work. I can still give Wendy a ride and then come back.”
Lily shook her head. “No, we’ll pick her up. You just enjoy yourself. We’ll be done with dinner by eight, so it’s no problem.” She pointed at the top of Mel’s head. “Love those antlers.” Mel waved and smiled as Lily and Mac moved down the counter to wait for their order and the next customer stepped to the register.
Mac nodded in Mel’s direction. “What a difference a job and school have made. She looks so happy and does a great job keeping things organized.”
“I’m so glad she has found her place in the world. She’s a special young woman.” Mac’s name was announced by a young man with an elf hat and apron, and they took their drinks and went outside.
They strolled along the crowded sidewalks, making their way toward the fountain, where they found an empty bench. “We’ll have to pick Wendy up at eight-thirty.” She went on to tell him she had talked to George today just as her class was starting. “I wasn’t sure if Wendy could trust him or what was actually going on, so offered to talk to him. I know she’s overwhelmed.”
He listened as she explained that there was no property in Wendy’s name. Everything went through the company and she was not an officer. “On the plus side, she can’t be implicated in any of the wrongdoing, which sounds like a solid case with Chad’s partner flipping on him and leaving him to take the brunt of the punishment.” She took a swallow from her cup. “Not that the jerk doesn’t deserve it. He had been cheating people and laundering money. It’s not going to end well for him.” She blew out a long breath. “Wendy was laying a guilt trip on me last night because Uncle Leo left me the cottages and she spent all the money he left her on a charter yacht vacation.”
He shook his head. “You two are really very different, you know that?”
She chuckled. “Oh, yeah. I’m not sure why, but she changed when she hooked up with Chad. Their entire life seemed to revolve around money and extravagance.” She sighed and added, “Gary and I didn’t have that problem.”
She finished her hot chocolate. “Bottom line, George doesn’t have much hope since all the assets are frozen until the case is adjudicated, but suspects it will all be seized. He mentioned Chad’s sister as a possible source of help for Wendy, so I’m going to ask her about that idea. George said Chad would like to see Wendy, but knows it would be a hardship for her to fly back there and suggested his sister might be willing to help and give her a place to stay.”
“What do you think she wants to do?”
Lily shook her head. “She just wants it all to be a bad dream. I don’t think she understands this isn’t temporary. She was complaining about her job and I don’t see her hanging in for the long haul. I just don’t know. I made the mistake of telling her Cyndy invited her to her stocking party and that set her off, because she has to work, of course.”
“It’s a rude awakening, when you’ve led a totally different lifestyle, I’m sure. We could include her in our dinner plans, but I don’t think I’ll be able to change the reservation. It’s always busy on tree lighting night.”
She shook her head. “No, but I’ll see if I can order her something to go. Cheer her up a bit.”
The parade started and their conversation was drowned out by the loudspeaker announcing the local high school band, along with holiday entries from various groups and shops. The streets were filled with people enjoying the floats and music, along with the festive elves handing out cookies and candy canes.
Santa, riding in a sleigh, brought up the rear of the parade and took his place on a red velvet chair next to the tree. The mayor stood on a stage and welcomed the crowd to their annual celebration, leading everyone in a few Christmas carols before counting down to the lighting of the huge tree that stood in the square.
Lily gasped and the crowd erupted with cheers and whistles when the glow of the tree filled the square. Children began lining up to tell Santa their Christmas wishes. She leaned next to Mac and whispered in his ear. “It’s so beautiful. What a great night.” They stood, letting the wonder of it all wash over them, before leaving the square. Lily held onto Mac’s arm, as he forged his way through the throng of people to the block one street away, where they could escape the crowd.
They could hear the choir singing as they walked away from the square toward the restaurant along the waterfront. There was a cool breeze coming off the water and Lily was thankful for a seat in the restaurant and the warmth of the fire that filled the space.
She scanned the menu and made her choice, requesting an order of the salmon with vegetables to go. Her glance out the window was rewarded with several boats decked out in Christmas lights, getting in the spirit of the celebration. Mac followed her gaze and tapped the window. “They’re having a Christmas boat parade tomorrow night.”
After another superb meal, they lingered over tea while they waited for Wendy’s order, not wanting it to be cold when they picked her up from work. “I thought you, Kevin, and Mel could come over one day for a little surprise I’ve got in mind. We could do a meal, whatever works around Mel’s schedule on a weekend.”
“Sure, we’d love that. Now, I’m curious.” She wiggled her eyebrows at him. “What kind of surprise?”
“The secret kind.” He laughed and winked at her.
The waiter delivered the check and Lily grabbed it before Mac could, adding her card to it. “I insist, plus you don’t need to buy Wendy’s meal.”
“I’m happy to do it, really. It’s wonderful to have someone to share things with.” He reached for her hand. “I’ve missed that and want you to know how much you mean to me, Lily. I haven’t been this happy in a very long time.”
24
Lily waited until Saturday morning to broach the subject of Chad’s sister. Wendy had been in a terrible mood last night, and after eating her dinner, had gone straight to bed. Lily didn’t mention her black clogs that Wendy was wearing, but was glad she was no longer limping.
Mel had the early shift and had already left for work. Lily had plans to meet her when she got off, so they could go to the store and pick out things to make their stockings for Cyndy’s party. Mel’s eyes had lit up when she saw the invitation and she was eager to put together a fun stocking.
When Lily heard Wendy’s footsteps on the stairs, she ushered the dogs out to the deck, so they wouldn’t add to the stress. She poured Wendy a cup of tea and motioned her to the counter. “I heard from George yesterday.”
Wendy’s eyes widened. “Did he have any news?”
Lily frowned. “Not much.” With a gentle voice she explained that the chance of Chad getting out of the charges was slim. He would most likely be sentenced to prison and their frozen assets would be seized and forfeited. Wendy slumped lower in the chair as she absorbed the news. “He mentioned Chad’s sister as a possible person you might be able to turn to? You never mentioned her, so I wasn’t sure.”
Wendy sighed. “Constance. She’s never liked me. Thought I was beneath Chad and their family.”
“George thought you might be able to stay with her and he could arrange a visit with Chad, which would be better than a monitored phone call. He assured me you won’t be implicated in anything, but you also have no property. Nothing was in your name, only the name of Chad’s corporation, and you’re not an officer.”
Tears plopped onto the counter and Wendy reached for a tissue. “I’m trying to believe he did that to protect me, but right now, it’s hard to know what to think.”
“Talking with him might be the best thing for you. George made it sound like he could organize a visit in the lawyer’s conference room, so it would be private.”
Wendy nodded. “I can call her and see what she says.” She dabbed at her eyes again. “I just don’t know what I’m going to do. I wish Mom and Dad were still here.”
Lily grasped her sister’s hand. “So do I. All the time. You’ll just have to take it one step at a time. Figure out where you want to live and find a job that works for you. You can stay here, until you’re on your feet. It’s just not a great place to find a high paying job.”
“Tell me about it.” Wendy rolled her eyes and took a sip from her cup. “You were right about the shoes.”
“Oh, good. I’m glad they worked. There’s nothing worse than uncomfortable shoes when you’re standing all day. Trust me, I’ve been there.”
“I think I’ll wait until I’m off on Monday and Tuesday, and call Constance then. I’m not sure I can handle any more bad news and keep it together at work. I’m sure I’m going to have to beg Constance to help me, and I have to work myself up to it.”
Lily breathed a sigh of relief when Wendy went about making herself a smoothie and headed downstairs to get ready. Constant turmoil was exhausting and Lily hoped Wendy could find a solution, or at least come to terms with what was happening. Hearing it directly from Chad might be what it would take.
After dropping Wendy at work, Lily put the ingredients in the slow cooker for soup, then dug out a card table and situated it downstairs. The dogs, their heads tilted, watched with interest as she unearthed the jars of beach glass stashed in the cupboards and lined them up on the counter. She made a list of supplies she would need to start her new hobby.
She set out for town and met Mel as she was getting off her shift. They stopped by the mercantile, the hardware store, the fabric store, and several gift shops, gathering supplies and finding things to stuff into their stockings. When they were picking out the stockings themselves, Mel suggested they make one for Wendy since she couldn’t go to the party.
“That is such a sweet and wonderful idea. Maybe that will lift Wendy’s spirits.” Lily let Mel pick out a fancy velvet stocking trimmed with faux fur for Wendy, and agreed it was perfect.
They loaded their bags into Lily’s car and Mel followed her home. Mel turned on a Christmas movie the moment they came through the door. The dogs sniffed and examined each of the bags, finally settling in to watch as Mel and Lily selected from the pile of small gifts they had amassed. The stockings were large and had plenty of room for the candies, teas, coffees, handmade soaps and lotions, and even a small Christmas book.
Lily left Mel to admire their handiwork, while she went about setting up her makeshift sea glass studio. After spending a couple of hours prepping some new frames, arranging trays, and separating glass, she went upstairs to find Mel fast asleep on the couch.
She tiptoed by her and checked on her suncatcher, which was looking good, with all the silicone dry and clear. She took it downstairs and added the hooks and wire to the frame like Eva had shown them, and hung it on a suction cup hook in the window. It would be her inspiration for her coming creations. The sun was setting so she’d have to wait until tomorrow to see how it looked in the daylight.
She had an idea for a couple of designs and wanted to make one for Mel for a gift. She’d have to get busy if she wanted to get it done in time for Christmas. She found an old sheet to cover the table that would keep prying eyes from seeing her surprises when she wasn’t working.
By the time she went back upstairs, it was past dinner time and the dogs were staring at their bowls, signaling her it was time to pour their kibble. She stashed the stockings in her bedroom and then turned her attention to dinner. Once she had the dogs fed, she got out bowls and spoons and sliced the bread she had picked up at the bakery.
Mel came from around the corner. “Sorry I fell asleep. I guess I was tired.”
While they ate, Lily told Mel about talking with the lawyer. “I’m not sure what Wendy will end up doing, but I know she can be less than kind and there’s no excuse for it, but I think she’s going to be even more stressed and under pressure until she figures all of this out. This week could be rocky.”
Mel reached for another slice of bread. “I won’t say anything, I promise. I know what it’s like to feel lost. It’s not easy. Honestly, without you and Donna I don’t know what would have happened.”
“I’m a firm believer that people come into your life for a reason. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, they stay with you forever, but others are there at the exact time you need them. I think we needed each other, Mel.”
She smiled and finished eating her soup. “What day does Kevin get here?”
Lily glanced at the calendar on the fridge. “Next Sunday and we head over to Victoria the day after Christmas, so you’ll have to babysit Wendy for me. The dogs will be at Mac’s with Andy. He’s going to stay there and take care of the place.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Kevin can’t stay as long as we had planned. He’s going to fly to New Hampshire right before New Year’s Eve to spend a week or so with Brooke and her family.”
“That’s too bad. I mean, for you. I’m sure he’ll have fun.”
Lily forced a smile. “I’m trying to be brave and concentrate on the fun we’ll have while he’s here.” She met Mel’s eyes. “You haven’t changed your mind about coming to Victoria?”
Mel shook her head and shrugged. “I’m scheduled to work, but I promise we can take the ferry over to Oak Harbor one day like you suggested.”
“That would be great. We can do that after Kevin leaves. That will make for a nice outing.” She glanced at her watch. “It’s almost tim
e for me to pick up Wendy.”
“I’ll clean up the kitchen, you go ahead.” Mel began collecting the empty dishes. Lily’s heart filled with pride as she watched her make sure every crumb was wiped from the counter. She wasn’t sure Mel would ever understand what it meant to have her around the house. Lily couldn’t imagine being alone, especially at the holidays, and now neither of them had to.
Over the next week, Lily kept busy with training Bodie, her secret sea glass projects, and playing taxi driver for Wendy. Mel spent all her time working, volunteering at the library or studying. Monday and Tuesday came and went and Wendy never said a word about Constance.
Lily wasn’t going to press her. She’d either call or she wouldn’t. Wendy was in unchartered waters and Lily had no idea what to expect. She knew her sister missed her old life. When she dropped her off on Saturday, Lily made a detour to the Driftwood Bay Recreation Center and inquired about exercise classes. Wendy had talked about exercising a few times. They had several options throughout the week and Lily purchased a pass for Wendy, adding it to the stocking she and Mel had made for her.
Mel came home around noon so she could change and they could get to Cyndy’s for the party. The invitation had requested guests wear ugly Christmas sweaters to get in the spirit and they were all supposed to bring some type of snack or dish to share. Mel wore a red sweater with a huge reindeer on it and red and white striped arms, and Lily donned a black one with a Christmas tree, complete with actual metallic garland that was draped on it. They were both hideous and had been only a dollar each at the thrift store.
Lily had made one of her huge charcuterie boards. Along with all the meats and cheeses she normally used, she did her best to make it festive with sliced apples, grapes, pomegranates, and cranberries. Mel offered to carry it to the car and steady it on the drive over, while Lily gathered their stockings.
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