Ray waved his arms. “I forgot one thing. If you decide to stay, please grab a Santa hat from the box beside the door and wear it to the party. Thanks, everyone. I appreciate your speedy work. Merry Christmas!”
Ian turned to face Brandi. Katie stood beside her as if waiting for her friend. “Are you ladies planning to join the party?”
They both nodded.
“Good.” He motioned toward the door. “Shall we?” He followed after them and reached for a hat on the way out. Hats weren’t his thing, but he’d promised Ray he’d wear one. At least he’d provided one for everyone, so Ian wouldn’t be the only person who donned the festive hat. They strolled through the hall toward the gym. The roar of voices and the sound of jazzy Christmas music surrounded them. They stepped into the gym. A stage sat on the far end. Ray had hired a jazz band to play this evening. They were really good, too. Fifty to seventy-five or so people mingled while eating.
“This is it?” Brandi asked. “With all those gifts I thought this place would be packed.”
“More people will sprinkle in. It’s still early.”
Katie excused herself and walked to the other side of the gym closer to the band.
“That’s odd.” Brandi said.
“What?”
“Katie never leaves me alone when we’re at social things unless she has someone else to hang with.”
“Maybe she saw someone she knows.” He motioned toward the food line. “You hungry?”
“Starving actually. That’s cool of the center to provide food and entertainment. It makes the evening even more special for the kids.”
“Yeah, they know how to do Christmas here.” He hadn’t known about the band. It must have been a last minute addition to the festivities. “Are you free tomorrow for coffee? We could meet at that place in Green Lake.”
Her eyes twinkled, and she nodded. “I’d like that. Katie and I’ll be going to Pathway of Lights tomorrow night. It sounds like I’m going to have the perfect weekend.”
His insides leapt. “That sounds like fun. I’ve never been.” He was quiet for a moment, hoping for an invitation to join them, but she didn’t say anything. Though disappointed, he shrugged it off. “What time would you like to meet for coffee?”
“Well…I’m kind of a morning person. I like to beat the crowds. Is eight too early?”
He sucked in a breath. Though he hated to do it, Ray would understand if he had to cancel their one-on-one game of basketball. “Eight is perfect.” They stepped forward in the fast-moving line.
“I didn’t realize how much fun I would have tonight. I’d love to be on the list to help again next year.”
“I’ll let Ray know. You and your friend have been a godsend. It’s sometimes a challenge to find reliable volunteers this time of year.”
“Oh, don’t you worry. Katie and I are dependable, and we’ll be there.”
He reached into his pocket as they moved closer to the food. “I have a little surprise for you. I talked to Ray, and he agreed it wasn’t a problem.”
“What are you talking about?” Confusion covered Brandi’s face.
“This.” He handed her two tickets to the Clay Ball and Auction.
Her face lit, and she tossed her arms around his shoulders and hugged him tightly then released him. “Thank you! Katie will be so excited. I can’t believe you did this.”
Heat surged to his face. He knew she’d wanted to go but had no idea she would respond like that. “You’re welcome. You can thank Ray. He’s the one who made it happen. But maybe thank him with a little less enthusiasm.”
She giggled. “He’s not a hugger. Got it. How about you?”
“You can hug me whenever you’d like.” He ducked his head, realizing too late he probably shouldn’t have said that, but it was the truth.
“Good to know.” Her lips quivered as if she was holding back laughter.
They reached the front of the line, each took a plate with a hotdog and chips on it, then found empty folding chairs.
“Normally I don’t eat like this.” Brandi took a bite and appeared to savor the juicy hot dog. “This is really good.”
He bit into his own and nodded. Ray had done a great job pulling all of this together. His heart for the families that used the community center was apparent in his attention to the details. He only hoped the people appreciated it.
At the top of the hour Santa entered the room—was that Ray?
Brandi spotted Katie sitting in a chair near the band. A little girl was talking to her. Relief washed over Brandi. She worried about her friend in situations like this where she didn’t really know anyone. Katie was a sweetheart, but she had a habit of sequestering herself off from people when in large groups.
The children in the room squealed and clapped. What was going on? Brandi turned in the direction of their attention. Ah…Santa.
“Ho—ho—ho.” The man dragged a large red velvet bag to the corner of the room nearest the entrance and sat on a throne-like chair she hadn’t noticed—probably because it had been at her back the entire time she’d been here. She leaned close to Ian. “Who’s that?”
He spoke into her ear. “Ray. He asked me, but I don’t do Santa. It’s a ridiculous tradition.”
She frowned and kept her voice low so no children would overhear. “Well, I suppose he’s not for everyone, but I always enjoyed the fantasy as a child.”
“Weren’t you disappointed and angry with your parents for lying to you about him?”
“Honestly, it never occurred to me to be angry. My mom explained how the tradition began and why she continued it forward.” She shrugged. “I know the true reason for Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and believe me, I do, but somehow, once I realized Santa wasn’t real, it kind of took the excitement of the holiday right out of me.”
“So by perpetuating a lie, they in essence ruined Christmas for you.”
She shook her head. “Not at all. In fact, someday when I have kids, if they want to believe in Santa, I’ll explain to them the same way my parents did to me when they discover the truth.”
“But what if your husband feels the way I do?”
Her pulse amped up. “Then we’ll have to work it out.” She bumped his shoulder with hers. “Let’s not be so serious and go join the fun. Look, the kids are opening their gifts. I want to watch. I love seeing the happiness on their faces.” She didn’t wait to see if Ian would follow.
A teenage girl opened a small package and grinned.
Brandi scooted closer to see. “Nice. I love glitter nail polish.”
The dark-haired girl looked up at her. “Me too. It’s exactly what I wanted, right down to the brand.”
“Cool.” Who would’ve thought a bottle of nail polish could make a person’s day? Brandi sensed a presence behind and looked over her shoulder. Ian stood there. An incredulous look rested on his face. “Everything okay?”
He nodded and gently pulled her away from the teen. “I’m just surprised at how something so little could make her so happy.”
“I was thinking much the same. I’m really glad you invited me to help with this.” Joy bubbled inside her. Yes, Jesus was the reason for the season, but being able to spread joy and receive it was one of the things she appreciated most. Without Jesus, though, none of this would happen—because without Him there would be no Christmas. Thank You, Lord.
In under an hour, families began to filter out. Katie headed toward Brandi. “You ready to go?”
“Yes. Just let me say good-bye to Ray. I know what I want him to do with the gift card.”
“Okay. I’ll wait here.”
Brandi ambled through the hall until she spotted Ray in the same room they’d wrapped the gifts in. His Santa beard and jacket were off, but the rest of the costume still hung on his body. She tapped the doorjamb.
He looked up and grinned. “Hey, thanks again for your help. Did you decide on a gift card?”
“Yes. I’d like to donate it to the commun
ity center to be used toward whatever it needs.”
His eyes widened. “I’ll take care of it. See you around, Brandi.”
She waved and headed back to where she’d left Katie. Ian stood in front of her. The two seemed to be in deep conversation. She sidled up to her friend. “I’m ready now.”
“Good. It was nice talking with you, Ian.” Katie set off for the exit.
“See you in the morning.” Brandi trotted after her friend. What a fun night. If the Clay Ball was half as much fun, it would have been worth the effort. In spite of being tired from a very full day, she doubted sleep would come any time soon. Tonight had been too enjoyable. Plus, she could hardly wait for her coffee “date” with Ian. It wasn’t a real date, so it was okay.
Chapter Eight
Saturday morning, Brandi rushed toward her favorite coffee shop even though she was ten minutes early. She’d spotted Ian’s SUV parked up the street a little ways. Hopefully, he hadn’t been waiting long. Maybe he was in the habit of being ten minutes early everywhere he went, too. Wouldn’t that be funny?
She stepped into the shop. She breathed in deeply of the scent of coffee—her favorite aroma on earth besides anything citrus. “Santa Baby” played over the speakers. A green wreath with a large red bow hung above the fireplace. She hadn’t been in since they’d put up the Christmas decorations. She took a moment to admire the staff’s efforts as she kept an eye out for Ian. Christmas-themed artwork hung on the wall. Much of it looked childlike as if kids had been the artists. She stepped over to the display. “Cute.” They had hung artwork from local elementary students—another reason to like this place.
“Hey there,” a man said.
She turned. “Ian. Hi.”
“I saved us a table. Do you know what you’d like to drink?”
“A peppermint mocha, please.” She walked with him toward the short line.
“I thought you only had those to celebrate.”
“This is a celebration. I won the contest.”
He laughed. “Good point.” He looked at her, and his face grew serious. “I’ve never been so glad I made a wrong turn.”
“Huh?”
“The day we met I was on this street because I’d made a wrong turn.”
Her cheeks warmed as she realized the significance of his statement. “I’m glad you made a wrong turn, too.” Her mind had been filled with thoughts of Ian since their movie night. She couldn’t shake him from her head. He’d changed everything. According to Katie, she walked with an extra bounce in her step, and Miranda said she’d come alive at work—though she wasn’t sure what that meant or if Ian had anything to do with it. She’d give him credit though, since he was responsible for providing her with opportunities to give back this year.
Ian placed their orders.
“I can’t believe how fast the holiday season is going. Do you realize the Clay Ball is at the end of this week?”
He nodded. “It goes this fast every year. And in case I didn’t mention it before, your ad attracted a lot of attention, and the event is now sold out. The foundation is extremely grateful.”
“That’s great news. Thanks for letting me know.” Her cheeks were beginning to hurt from smiling, but this man simply made her happy. They collected their coffees then sat where Ian had placed his jacket.
“Last night was so much fun.” Brandi shrugged out of her coat. “I can’t believe I didn’t know about the community center. Then again, I don’t know why I would. It’s a big city, and it’s not like I’ve had reason to be in that area. How did you get involved?”
“Through Ray. He owns The Ring Athletic Club at the other end of the block.”
“Cool.” She sipped her drink then raised her cup. “Thanks for this.”
“You’re very welcome. May I tell you a secret?”
“If you tell me it won’t be a secret any longer.”
“I’m willing to risk it.” His brown eyes twinkled.
“Then go for it.” She grinned and sipped more of the decadent coffee.
“I was secretly rooting for you to win last night.”
Her heart skipped. That made two of them. “Aside from having a competitive streak, I was really hoping to win, too.”
“Oh? And why’s that?”
The stinker—as if he didn’t know. “I’ve enjoyed our coffee dates.” She made air quotes around the word dates.
“Me, too.” He tucked his chin and tilted his head. “But you aren’t dating.”
“I know. That’s why I added the air quotes.” Why did she ever make that commitment to not date for six full months? If she’d known she’d meet Ian, she wouldn’t have. But she’d grown a lot since making that pledge, so even though it was difficult, the commitment had been worth it. Her relationship with the Lord had grown, and she’d even lost five pounds. Who would have thought that would happen?
“Did you receive the instructions about checking in the art?”
“Yes. Thank you. Katie and I will be there ready to go, so don’t worry.”
“I leave the worrying to Ray.” He winked.
She chuckled. “The two of you seem really close.”
“Yes. Kind of like you and Katie, I imagine.”
She nodded. “She’s like a sister. We grew close in high school, and she’s practically part of my family. I think she spent more time at my house than her foster family’s.” She frowned. Now why had she said that? Katie specifically asked her after she’d graduated high school to never tell anyone about her past. At least she hadn’t blabbed more. Maybe spending time with Ian was a bad idea. Her feelings were growing for him, and she was beginning to feel guilty about it because he was constantly in her thoughts. She caught her breath. It suddenly occurred to her that she was doing the same thing she used to do—putting a man above all else, including the Lord.
“You okay?” Concern lined Ian’s face.
“Yes, but I just realized I need to go. I’m sorry.” She stood and slipped into her coat.
“Oh. Okay.” He stood and shrugged into his jacket. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
“Thanks, but I’m good. Will I see you at the Clay Ball?”
He nodded.
“All right then. Have a good week.” She tried to keep a normal pace but suspected she still looked like she was rushing away—which technically she was. How had she been so blind to what she was doing? I’m sorry, Lord. I made a promise to You, and I came very close to stepping over the boundaries I committed to. This not dating and focusing on her relationship with God while getting to know herself as a single woman was more difficult than she’d ever imagined.
Resolute, she marched home. The only way she’d be able to stick to her commitment would be to cut things off with Ian and refocus her thought life. She’d have to find someone to take her place checking in the art, and there would be no fancy dinner in her near future either—it was the only way.
Katie stared at Brandi, clearly shocked into silence as they strolled through Green Lake Park.
“Please say something.” Brandi glanced toward a hot chocolate stand and wished she could hide behind their booth. She’d love to escape right now and avoid the barrage of questions Katie was certain to ask.
“This was your idea. You can’t back out—you committed to checking in the art. I can’t do it all alone.”
“I know. But I’ll find you reliable help.” No matter what, she wouldn’t leave anyone hanging without help to fill in for her.
“Who?” Katie crossed her arms.
“I don’t know yet. But don’t you worry. I’ll get someone.”
“I should’ve seen this coming,” Katie mumbled.
“Why do you say that?” Brandi rested a hand at her waist.
“You’re avoiding Ian because he’s too much temptation.”
“Maybe.” Brandi winced. When put like that, it made her sound like a baby. But her friend had a knack for reading her and speaking the truth, even if it hurt. “I realized when we were at
coffee this morning that I was on the verge of forgetting about my promise, and asking him out.”
“What made you come to that realization?”
“I was too comfortable with him and saying things I shouldn’t have. That’s when it hit me that my thoughts had been consumed by Ian.”
Katie’s stance relaxed. “I respect your decision, and don’t worry about finding a replacement. A girl at work overheard what we were doing and wanted to help, too. I’ll get her to do it.”
“Are you sure? It’s really late notice.”
“I’ll text her right now if it’ll make you feel better.” Katie reached for her phone.
“It would. Thanks.” They continued along the path lit by luminaries.
A few minutes later, Katie’s phone indicated a new text. “She’s in, and she’s excited. I told her she’d get a free meal out of it. She can have your ticket, right?”
“Of course.” Sadness filled Brandi, but it was the right thing to do.
Ian strolled through the art displays in the lobby of Clay Ball’s venue. The girls had done a great job. They seemed to have an innate ability to know the best lighting to show off the art. He looked around the large space for Brandi and her roommate but didn’t see them anywhere. Disappointed, he turned to head to the dining room where Ray asked to meet him well before the ticket holders would arrive.
Ray stood talking to a woman wearing a chef’s coat. He held up a finger to Ian so he wandered around the dining room. There were probably thirty tables each seating eight. It would be an intimate affair—too bad Ray hadn’t planned on a bigger turnout. He probably could have doubled his return, but maybe his buddy was wise in taking baby steps as he grew this event. If it had turned out to be a flop then the financial impact wouldn’t have stung as much as a large failure.
“Hey, man, sorry for keeping you.” Ray clapped him on his shoulder. “What do you think?”
“It’s classy.” He wasn’t accustomed to eating at a table covered in elegant white linen. Then again he rarely donned a tuxedo either. “Where are Brandi and Katie? I thought they’d be here.”
Until I Met You Page 6