On Christmas Avenue

by Ginny Baird

“How did today go?” he asked her in a whisper.

  “Fine,” she said. “Really fine.”

  He wasn’t sure if she seemed distant or distracted, but something was off. He hoped she wasn’t regretting their ice-skating date, because he sure wasn’t.

  The Children’s Theater director appeared to applause and she introduced the annual program. The Nutcracker was performed here every Christmas, but this was the first time Evan had ever had a family member in it. So, it was the first time he’d attended.

  Before the curtain went up, Evan leaned toward Mary. “Just two days until the parade.”

  He’d said that in an effort to lend support and let her know he was thinking about it. Yet, instead of smiling, she frowned. “I know.”

  Evan peered at Itzel, but predictably her gaze was on Nash. Maybe Evan should have suggested the two of them sit together. But the truth was, he’d never do that to his brother. He counted himself the least meddlesome of the pack.

  “Oh.” Mary sighed happily as the music picked up and the first dancers came on stage.

  It didn’t take long for Evan to get sucked in by the production too, and soon he was chuckling at the kids’ charm. When Chloe arrived on stage, tiptoeing along exquisitely with her tiny arms held high, she absolutely stole the show.

  Evan peered at Nash, who beamed proudly, just like you’d expect a good dad to do. Chloe was lucky to have such a dedicated father, and he was blessed by her. Evan peeked at Mary, whose cheeks held a radiant glow, and he wondered if she was thinking what he was…about what being a parent would be like. Evan had an inkling that Mary would make a great mom. She would sure be organized about it. Professionally accomplished. Positive and upbeat, a really good role model for any young kid.

  The show ended with a standing ovation by the appreciative relatives and friends of the performers. As the auditorium cleared, Mary turned to Itzel. “That was so great.” She spoke next to Nash. “Chloe did an amazing job!”

  Was he imagining it, or was she ignoring him? And why?

  Evan ventured, “My mom mentioned you might need some help unpacking those boxes tomorrow?”

  Her brow crinkled uncertainly. “Um, yeah. Sure!”

  “Mary?” Itzel tugged on her elbow. “Hate to interrupt, but our reservation is at seven.”

  “Right,” Mary said, before making her apologies. “I’m sorry, Evan. I’d better go.”

  “All right. So. You do want my help, then?”

  “Tomorrow? Um-hmm. Yeah, that would be great. Thanks!” She waved to the others as Itzel led her away. “Bye, all! Fun ballet.”

  Evan watched her trail Itzel out of the auditorium following the press of others, and his heart sank. What had he imagined? That Mary was feeling just as into him as he was into her?

  He felt Marshall’s hand on his shoulder. His brother had observed Evan watching Mary walk away, and said cagily, “She’s a very sweet woman.”

  “Yeah.”

  Apparently, Marshall couldn’t resist the moment, because he leaned toward him and whispered. “You a little bit sweet on her?”

  Evan shoved him in the chest. “Cut it out, will ya?

  Marshall held up both hands. “Didn’t mean to step on any toes.”

  Mary and Itzel ate at a diner-type place called the Dine N Dash. Both ordered a burger and fries. “You have to let me treat you to dinner,” Mary said. “It’s only fair, since you wouldn’t let me reimburse you for my ticket.”

  “All right.” Itzel grinned and took a bite of her burger. “I’ll let you.”

  Mary heaped catsup on her fries, thinking they looked delicious. Sadly, she didn’t have her normal appetite, and she knew why. She wasn’t just worried about the parade; she was also stressing over how she’d treated Evan. Itzel had picked up on it too.

  “So, um. Is there something going on with you and Evan?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Things seemed a little tense at the theater.”

  Itzel was right, and that had been all on her.

  “Did he say or do something?” Itzel continued. “I mean, I know sometimes he can come off as stern, but he’s got a heart of gold underneath.”

  It was precisely that heart Mary was worried about breaking. She’d had other guys accuse her of being uncaring and reckless. She’d never seen it from anybody else’s perspective before, maybe because she hadn’t wanted to.

  With Evan, she could guess his point of view, because she’d begun to be in tune with him. So much so that she understood that maybe she’d led him on. She’d been the one who suggested ice skating. Then she brought him that Christmas tree. He probably knew she’d been dying to kiss him at the skating rink, because the guy was not stupid. He was a highly intelligent and attractive man who knew his way around women.

  “I really like Evan,” she told Itzel honestly. “Like him a lot.”

  “He’s got a ton to offer,” Itzel said. “For a sheriff.”

  “I know that’s true, but…” Mary shrugged.

  “You live in Richmond. Yeah, I get that makes things complicated.”

  Mary had been carrying the secret about Seattle her whole time here, and she was burning to share it with someone. Itzel was so kind and sympathetic, maybe she’d understand.

  “It’s not about Richmond,” she told Itzel. “If I do well with this assignment in Clark Creek, I’m going to get promoted.”

  “Go you.”

  “To Seattle.”

  Itzel frowned. “Seattle?”

  “It’s not only that,” Mary confided. “I…oh.” She sucked in a breath and held it when heat prickled her eyes.

  Itzel reached out and squeezed her hand, only making her want to cry harder.

  Mary took her napkin and dabbed at the small trickle of tears that had leaked from her eyes. “I think I’ve made a big mistake, Itzel. I mean, I know I have—huge. But please don’t tell your mom until I fix it.”

  Itzel gasped. “Is this about the parade?”

  Mary nodded.

  “Can you fix it?”

  Her voice shook. “I don’t know.”

  “But you’re going to try, right?”

  “My absolute best,” Mary said with conviction.

  Itzel squeezed her hand. “Then, that’s good enough for me.”

  Mary released Itzel’s hand to wipe her cheeks.

  “Mary,” Itzel said softly. “We all make mistakes.”

  “I’ll bet Evan doesn’t.”

  Itzel thought on this, and then she laughed. “No, you’re probably right.”

  “He is pretty perfect, isn’t he?” Mary said.

  Itzel’s eyes lit up. “So then, what’s the problem?”

  “Apart from Seattle and my big mistake?” Mary winced. “I’m not very good with commitments.”

  Itzel rolled her eyes. “Those all sound like excuses to me.”

  “Maybe so. But you’ve got to admit that they’re good ones.”

  Itzel laughed, sounding resigned, but Mary could tell that she understood.

  “Want to know what I think?” Itzel said. “I think nothing is over until it’s over.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “There’re two days left until the parade.”

  “That’s only forty-eight hours.”

  “You never know.”

  Mary laughed, appreciative of this newfound friendship. If she were staying in Clark Creek, she’d definitely be seeing more of Itzel. While she was a few years younger than Mary, that didn’t seem to make a difference. Itzel was almost like the little sister she’d never had.

  “What about you and the country doctor?” Mary asked.

  A hopeful look came into Itzel’s eyes. “Like I say. It’s not over until it’s over.”

  “How long have you had a thing for him?”

  “Almost two years.”

  “Oh, Itzel.”

  “It’s all right,” Itzel said. “I see other people.”

  “Well, that’s good. You’re yo
ung.”

  “Not that much younger than you.”

  “By at least five years,” Mary guessed.

  “So?”

  “So.” Mary shot her a look. “It’s good for you to have a life.”

  Itzel smiled. “I think it’s good for you to have one, too.”

  Later that night, Mary called Judy. She didn’t know why she felt guilty about her dinner with Itzel, because she shouldn’t. Judy had plenty of other friends.

  “Hey,” Judy said when she answered. “I was just about to call you.”

  “You were?”

  “Yeah. It’s like all day long I’ve been feeling this energy. Sensing that something was off.”

  Mary got a heavy feeling in her stomach. “You know what’s off. It’s got a thirty-thousand dollar price tag on it.”

  “No, I meant besides that. And Mary?”

  “Hmm.”

  “I wanted to say I’m sorry. I apologize if I came off as harsh the other day.”

  “I understand,” Mary said. “At Davenport, you’re my boss. My failures are a reflection on you.”

  “You haven’t failed yet.”

  “I’m on a downward spiral.”

  “This is not the woman I know and love,” Judy said. “The woman I know and love is invincible. She can conquer anything. I know you’ll find a way. Have you tried phoning the merchandiser about a refund?”

  “That’s one of the first things I tried. They’re closed down until after the holidays. I put in a request for a refund, but things don’t look good.”

  “What? Why not?”

  “I bought the T-shirts on sale, so they’re supposedly nonrefundable. Plus, they’ve got Clark Creek’s gazebo on the front. What are they going to do with that?”

  “I see what you mean. Well, here’s a thought—maybe you’ll sell them! It’s possible.”

  “Maybe, but I don’t think it’s probable.”

  “How is the rest of the prep going?” Judy asked.

  “That’s going fine. I picked up the tickets and parade programs today.”

  “And the sheriff? Still being difficult, I’ll bet.”

  “No, actually he’s come around.”

  “Really?”

  Mary paused and then she braved it. “He took me ice skating.”

  “Is this about that bet you made about the lodging?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Come on then, don’t make me pull it out of you.”

  Mary giggled. “Okay. We had a great time. He’s kind, thoughtful, understanding, and oh, Judy,” she said, her voice wavering. “I think I’m getting a thing for him.”

  “Uh-oh. Is it mutual?”

  “I think so.”

  “That complicates things.”

  “Only if I let it,” Mary said. “I’ve decided to take your advice and not get too involved.”

  “Sounds like you already are involved to me.”

  Mary paused, knowing Judy was right. Judy was always right. Except for when she was wrong, which was, like…never. “Only slightly.”

  “I don’t think ‘slightly’ counts in romance.”

  “I never said it was a romance.”

  “You didn’t have to.”

  “What are you?” Mary teased. “Clairvoyant?”

  “Just call me Madam Crystal Ball.”

  Mary laughed again. “I really miss you.”

  “I miss you, too. How about the rest of the town? People friendly?”

  “More than friendly. They’re warm…accepting. You’ll have to come and visit Clark Creek to see for yourself. Hopedale’s really cool, too. It has a similar vibe.”

  “Oh yeah, that’s the place with the ski resort where you found all those sponsors.”

  Mary decided to tell her about Itzel. “I think I made new friend.”

  “You’re making friends now? That’s great. I thought you only knew how to make boyfriends, and then dump them.”

  “Ha ha. You’re so mean.”

  “Seriously though, I’m happy for you. Who is she, or he?”

  “Itzel Torres. She works at Evan’s office, and she’s really sweet. Straight talker too.”

  “You probably can’t have too many of those in your life.”

  “Shut. Up.”

  Judy laughed.

  “I’m glad you don’t mind.”

  “Now, why would I mind?” Judy said. “You’re expanding your horizons, which is what I’ve always said you should do. It’s true I gave you that advice in college and it’s taken you nearly twelve years…”

  “I’ve had other friends before.”

  “Yeah, but have you kept them?”

  “Not fair,” Mary said. “I’ve moved around a lot.”

  “True. You have. And, hey. Who knows? Maybe this time with Itzel things will be different?”

  Mary hoped so, because she really liked Itzel and found herself wanting to keep up with her. She was rooting for Itzel and Nash to have a happy ending, if that was in the cards for them.

  “I’m going to try better this time,” Mary told her friend, and she meant it. “So, what’s going on in Richmond?”

  “I thought you’d never ask.” Judy giggled. “I’ve got a date.”

  “Woo! New guy?”

  “It’s a fourth date.”

  “What? Jud-y, and you didn’t tell me?”

  “I wanted to get past that awkward phase.”

  “Which awkward phase?”

  “Where I decide if he can handle being introduced to my family.” Both of Judy’s parents had been born in the United States, but her dad’s heritage was Filipino. The family was very tight-knit and her paternal grandparents lived with them. Judy’s Lolo and Lola, as she called them, made a habit of grilling her boyfriends on their intentions. She’d always kind of put up with it and didn’t seem to mind. Some of the guys she’d gone out with were another story.

  “You have an amazing family.”

  “Thanks. I just want to be sure that whoever I’m dating thinks so, too.”

  “So, wait. You’ve taken him home?”

  “Not home. We met in a public place for coffee. I figured it was safer that way.”

  Mary howled with laughter. “Stop.”

  “No, seriously. It was fine. I made sure the shop had no utensils, only coffee stirrers. You never know about those plastic knives and sporks.”

  Judy was so funny. “Your family is not that menacing.” While her grandparents asked a lot of questions, that was mainly because they were interested in Judy’s friends, and they actually were very sweet.

  “Maybe not to you.”

  “Well? How did he do?”

  “Paul? He did all right.”

  “Ooh, I like the name. When are you seeing him again?”

  “At Christmas. We’ll see how he does with the menu.”

  “I’m sure he’ll do fine.”

  “Hmm, maybe. Still early days. I’ll keep you posted! You keep me posted on your progress, too—with that sheriff and your parade. You’re in the eleventh hour now.”

  Mary gulped. “Yeah.”

  “I’ll be sending you some work stuff tomorrow,” Judy said in closing. “The accounting software and all that. Let me know if you have questions.”

  “All right, Judy. Talk soon.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Evan completed his early morning patrols and returned to the courthouse, thinking Mary might already be there working in the conference room, but she hadn’t arrived yet. He decided to get a head start on those boxes by moving them into the conference room from his office before she got there. He was on his second haul when his mom entered the conference room and set an oblong box on the table. It looked like a shirt box, but bigger.

  “I’m afraid I have some bad news.” Her mouth puckered in a frown. “Your dad’s got the stomach flu.”

  “Oh no. Did it just come on suddenly?”

  “Yes, this morning,” she said. “We were halfway in to work and he had me turn around and
take him back home.”

  “I’m sorry to hear it.”

  “I’m hoping it’s just a twenty-four-hour bug, or maybe something he ate that didn’t agree with him.”

  “What did y’all have for dinner?”

  “Jesse’s favorite, turkey chili.”

  “Don’t tell me he added jalapeños?”

  “He always does.”

  Evan shook his head. “Nash has warned him about that with his ulcers.”

  “I know. That’s why I made the chili extra mild and served it with sour cream. While I was tossing the salad, your dad sneaked in some chopped peppers. I’m guessing he also added a hefty dose of hot sauce, because the bottle was nearly empty. I didn’t notice until later, and by then it was too late to scold him.”

  Evan smirked. “But you still did anyway.”

  His mom shrugged. “He said something about it being better to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission.” She shook her head. “In any case, Jesse and I talked about it and decided we’re better erring on the side of caution.” She patted the box she’d set on the table, which Evan now understood held his dad’s Santa suit. “I tried calling Mary, but her voicemail box is full up, so I emailed. Can you give this to her when she comes in, along with your dad’s apologies? I’m afraid he won’t be playing Santa in this parade.”

  “Of course.” Evan frowned, knowing how much his dad had been looking forward to the occasion. “I’m just sorry he’ll have to miss it.” Apart from feeling sorry for his dad, he also felt bad for Mary, since this would mean a last-minute kink in her parade, and everything else had gone smoothly so far.

  “At least he’ll get to see the video later,” his mom said. “Mary’s arranged for some kids from the high school’s media class to record the whole thing.”

  Mary really did think of everything. She was more than a Christmas Consultant. She was a Christmas planning phenomenon. While their relationship had started off a little rocky, they’d made progress while coordinating the parade. Then lately, they’d gotten closer. On Monday night, he’d even believed dating-territory close. Then, last night at the ballet, she’d not seemed interested in talking to him at all.

  Maybe he’d upset her by coming on too strong during their ice-skating outing. He probably shouldn’t have put his arm around her or held her hand while they were talking. It hadn’t been a date, no matter how much it might have felt like one. Though she didn’t protest at the time, it was possible he’d misread her signals and that he’d made her uncomfortable. They were working together, and he was supposed to be her Clark Creek liaison, someone who kept his professional distance.