The next morning, when the sun popped out, I thought for sure that my ghostly visitor had only been a dream. When I opened my eyes and spotted the ghost sitting on the bed next to me, I realized that sadly I had not been dreaming.
“You’re still here,” I groaned.
Her curls bounced when she nodded. “I can’t leave until you help me.”
I shook my head. “If this is about that Deanna Snow business, I’m afraid there is nothing I can do.”
Not waiting for her answer, I climbed out of bed and shuffled to the bathroom. Without turning back to see if Trixie had followed me, I closed the door. The ghosts hadn’t learned that the shower was off limits. I’d discovered that the hard way when they often popped up in the shower with me. Luckily, this time Trixie stayed out. At least she didn’t seem as aggressive as some of the others.
When I stepped out of the bathroom and slipped over to my closet, I was relieved that Trixie was nowhere in sight. Of course, that didn’t mean she wasn’t hiding. As I dressed, I remained on full alert. What did she possibly think I could do about Deanna, anyway? Getting Deanna to acknowledge Christmas would require a miracle. I skipped breakfast because I wanted to avoid the ghost if possible. Besides, my boyfriend ran the coffee shop next door to my shop, so it would give me an excuse to pop in and see him. Not that I needed a reason, but still …
After navigating the traffic into town, I pulled up to Callahan Weiss’s shop and walked through the door. Tables with large leather chairs sat at the front of the small space; the perfect spot to relax and read with a warm drink. The coffee shop was cozy with dim lighting and the exposed brick walls. The historic building dated back to the 1800s.
Callahan smiled when he saw me and waved a small pastry bag through the air. In his other hand he held up my favorite chocolate covered cherry latte. Not only was Callahan handsome with thick dark hair and bright blue eyes, but his personality outshined his good looks.
“How did you know?” I asked.
He winked. “Lucky guess.”
Movement out of the corner of my eye caught my attention. A guy in a Santa suit was headed my way. I met him halfway and pulled on his beard.
“Is that you, Nick?” I asked.
This Santa was Callahan’s cousin. It was kind of ironic that his name was Nick.
“How’d you recognize me?” he asked with a sweet Southern voice.
His blue eyes danced with the beginning of a smile that looked just like Callahan’s. I’d recognize the smile and eyes anywhere. Any woman could see the promise of hard, lean muscle under that baggy red suit.
“Why are you dressed like that?” I asked.
“Mrs. Hanks said Todd Baxter couldn’t be Santa in the parade this year,” Nick said.
“This guy volunteered,” Callahan gestured.
I placed my hands on my hips. “Wow. I’m impressed.”
Before I had a chance to continue the conversation, I sensed someone watching me.
“Guys, I have to go.”
Callahan followed my gaze. He probably knew that I was seeing someone that wasn’t from this dimension. I didn’t give the men a chance to question me further as I walked out the door. For a brief moment I thought about ignoring her, but like I said, she would just follow me.
After waiting for a couple of people to pass on the sidewalk, I approached Trixie. She glanced at her watch. Today she wore white pants and a white sweater. Was she some kind of guardian angel?
“Do you have somewhere to go?” I asked as I walked down the sidewalk.
“Yes, as a matter of fact, we both do.” She crossed her arms in front of her chest.
“I’m going to work.” I rushed my words.
She waved her hands. “Not right now. I need you to talk with Deanna.”
“I thought I’d gotten rid of you,” I said.
“I told you I’m not going anywhere until you talk with her.” Trixie walked along beside me in spite of the fact that I’d picked up my pace.
I sighed and looked around to see if anyone was watching me. People would think I was talking to myself.
“Fine. I’ll talk to her, but I don’t know what I can do.”
I walked past my shop and to Deanna’s. The sign on the door was turned to open, so I sucked in a deep breath, opened the door, and stepped through.
Deanna looked up at me when I entered. “Hi, Larue. What can I do for you today?”
She wouldn’t be so cheerful when she figured out what I wanted to talk about. I had to admit that I was curious as to why she didn’t have any sign of holiday cheer. Not even a snowman or a paper snowflake decorated the display window.
Deanna was a petite blonde. She wore black pants and a black sweater as if she was in mourning.
“I’m looking for a lamp,” I said.
“You didn’t sound very confident about that,” Trixie said with a shake of her head.
Well, she hadn’t exactly given me much time to plan this little excursion; what did she expect?
“We have lamps all around,” Deanna said with a wave of her hand. “Do you have a particular style in mind?”
“Yes, I want gold.” It was the first thought that came to mind.
“I have a nice gold lamp in the corner.” She pointed toward the front of the store.
“And silver,” I added. “With white.”
She frowned.” I don’t have anything like that.”
“You’re not very good at this,” Trixie said drily.
I ignored her, of course. “That’s too bad,” I said as I looked around.
“Was there something else I can help you with?” Deanna asked.
I mustered up my courage and said, “I noticed you haven’t decorated your store window for the holidays.”
Her expression darkened. “No, I have not,” she said curtly.
“Don’t you want to attract shoppers?” I asked.
“I have shoppers,” she said as she continued her work behind the counter.
Trixie gestured for me to continue.
“It would be festive if you added Christmas decorations. Hanukkah or winter wonderland, maybe? Something? Anything?”
My confidence waned with her glare zinging across the room at me.
Deanna’s big brown eyes narrowed. “I don’t do Christmas and it’s none of your business. Now if you’ll please excuse me.”
I nodded and headed for the door. My job here was done. Trixie couldn’t say that I hadn’t tried.
“Well, that was a pathetic attempt,” Trixie said as she trailed along behind me.
“I did what you asked me to do,” I said as I opened the door of Book Nook.
When my grandparents retired, I’d bought the bookstore from them. It seemed only natural with my love of books that I’d run the business. I went straight to work with my morning routine as Trixie sat on the counter staring at me.
She crossed her legs. “I don’t think you understand why this is so important.”
I shook my head. “Well, no I don’t, but like Deanna said, it’s none of my business.”
“She wasn’t always this way, you know,” Trixie said.
“Really,” I said as I stacked the books along the shelves. “What happened?”
“She was engaged to be married.”
“What does that have to do with anything?” I asked.
Trixie shook her head. “She had a Christmas wedding and the jerk left her at the altar.”
I stopped and looked at Trixie. “That’s terrible.”
She nodded. “Yes, it is, and after that she wanted nothing to do with Christmas. She stopped giving gifts and didn’t want to discuss the holiday ever again.”
I shoved the last book on the shelf and then said, “I admire what you’re trying to do, Trixie, but I have no idea how I could possibly help.”
She threw her arms up. “Well, you’d better think of something soon.”
“You have to give me a reason first. You can’t just show up and start ordering
me around,” I said.
Trixie looked around as if someone would overhear us. “Well, a demon has his eye on her and the more she turns against something she used to love so much, the more it feeds this demon’s desire to be around her.”
I’d been around demons before and I didn’t want anything to do with that fate.
“How would I possibly get Deanna to care about Christmas again?” I asked around a sigh.
The bell on the door jingled and grabbed our attention. Mindy walked through the door with Diet Cokes in hand. It didn’t matter that it was cold out, we needed our caffeine fix.
“You look stressed. Is something wrong?” she asked.
I glanced over at the counter where Trixie sat. “You could say that.”
“Is there a ghost here?” Mindy asked as she glanced around. She still hadn’t given up hope that one day she’d see the spirits too.
“Yeah, there’s another one here.”
Trixie watched our exchange with interest.
“Uh-oh. Who is this one?” Mindy frowned.
I shrugged. “I have no idea. It’s someone by the name of Trixie. She claims she’s been sent here to help Deanna Snow reclaim her Christmas spirit.”
Mindy snorted. “You’re kidding me.”
I quirked an eyebrow. “Would I kid you about something like this?”
She laughed. “No, I guess not.”
“She said she’s not going away until I fix Deanna’s little bah humbug problem.”
Mindy popped open her drink. “Good luck with that.”
I explained what Trixie had told me while Mindy finished my pastry. All that exercise really worked up her appetite.
“So what are you going to do?” Mindy asked as she chewed.
I ran my hand through my hair. “How can I make her like Christmas if it’s because of a guy who dumped her?”
Mindy raised her brow. “How about we find another guy for her?”
Just then we spotted the good-looking Santa walking by the window. I quirked a brow and exchanged a look with Mindy.
“Don’t you think he’s a little too fit to play Santa?” Mindy asked.
“Santa’s been working out? Maybe he’s been taking your pole dancing classes?” I said.
“Very funny,” Mindy said.
I gestured toward the window with a tilt of my head. “How about we match her with Santa?”
Mindy snorted. “Are you serious? Deanna hates Christmas and you think you’re going to set her up on a date with Santa?”
“Not just any Santa,” I said. “A hot Santa.”
Trixie jumped down from the counter. “Now we’re talking.”
“But you’re probably right. I doubt just seeing a good-looking Santa will change her mind,” I said.
“Well, I guess it’s worth a shot,” Mindy said as she headed for the door.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“To get the hot Santa and bring him back here,” she said as she walked out the door.
Trixie wiggled her eyebrows and smiled.
“Just because I find someone new for her doesn’t mean that will instantly make things good again,” I said.
“Do you have any other suggestions?” Frustration flashed through Trixie’s eyes.
I stared at her for a moment, and then said, “No, I guess I don’t have any other options.”
Just then Mindy hurried back into the shop with Nick in tow. I couldn’t believe she had actually dragged him into Book Nook. I wondered what she’d told him to get him here. He looked a bit confused as she pulled him across the room toward me. He would definitely need to stuff that Santa suit if he wanted anyone to believe that he was the real Santa.
“Mindy said you need to speak with me.” He leaned against one of the book tables.
Oh, great! So she hadn’t told him anything. I guess technically that was my problem, but I would have welcomed the help. Nick, Mindy, and Trixie stared at me, waiting for an answer. I had to think of an excuse quickly.
“So you’ve been recruited to be Santa in the parade?” I asked.
Trixie rolled her eyes. The first question out of my mouth couldn’t be if he wanted a date with Ms. Scrooge. I had to work my way up to it.
A warm smile crinkled the corners of his eyes. “It’s not so bad. I like doing it actually. I love Christmas.”
Mindy and I exchanged a glance. This guy was perfect for our crazy mission.
I picked up a stack of books and tried to act causal. “So Nick, we were wondering…”
I glanced at Mindy again for encouragement. She gestured with a tilt of her head for me to continue.
“I was wondering …,” I said as I placed the books on the shelf. “Are you dating anyone?”
Nick immediately looked at Mindy.
She held her hands up. “Don’t look at me. I’m dating someone.”
He looked from Mindy back to me and then finally said, “No, I’m not seeing anyone.”
I turned to face him. “How would you like to have a date for the town’s Christmas party?”
He glanced around as if the mystery woman would pop up. “I guess I’d like that.”
His voice didn’t sound all that confident.
“Have you met Deanna Snow? She owns the shop next door,” I said.
His expression looked a little like someone who wanted to escape. “She’s the one who won’t participate in the holidays, right?”
“Yes, that’s the one,” I said, not meeting his stare. “She’s really very sweet and pretty, don’t you think?”
“She’s very pretty, but I don’t think she’s interested in dating,” Nick said.
“What makes you say that?” I asked.
He folded his arms across his broad chest. “She’s already turned me down once.”
Uh-oh. This was going to be a lot harder than I thought.
“Well, just leave it to me, okay?” I offered a friendly smile.
Nick adjusted his beard. “Whatever you say. The Christmas parade starts soon and I have to get ready.” I nodded.
Was I really trying to play matchmaker for a guy in a Santa suit and a woman who had not an ounce of holiday spirit? Yeah, apparently I was.
“Okay. I’ll see you later and be ready for that date.” I pointed at him.
He flashed a halfhearted grin and walked out the door.
“You’re a terrible matchmaker,” Trixie said.
I frowned. “Just give me a chance, okay?”
After a couple minutes, I closed the shop so that I could pay a visit to Deanna, and then get ready to watch the parade. If I could just persuade her to go out with Nick—maybe finding a good guy would help her forget about the jerk who had left her at the altar and renew her Christmas spirit.
Deanna looked shocked to see me in her store again so soon.
“Did you come back for one of the lamps?” she asked.
“Um, no, I wondered if you are going to the parade?” I asked.
Trixie cringed when I asked the question.
Deanna’s eyes narrowed. “I thought I told you I don’t do Christmas. Now if you only came here to harass me about this, I will have to ask you to leave.”
Trixie shook her head. “Good going.”
Ignoring Trixie’s snarky comment, I said, “I didn’t mean to harass you. I’m sorry. I actually wanted to ask if you could do me a favor.”
Deanna studied my face but didn’t respond, so I decided it was safe to continue.
“You know my boyfriend, Callahan Weiss? He owns the coffee shop two doors down.” I gestured over my shoulder.
She nodded. “Yes, we’ve met.”
“Well, his cousin is in town and I wondered if you could show him around town. He’s a very nice guy,” I added with a smile.
Her expression softened. “Who is he?”
Trixie stepped close to Deanna. What would she say if she knew there was a spirit standing next to her?
Trixie said, “So there is a way to break t
hat hard exterior after all.”
Just then movement caught our attention and we looked out the window onto the sidewalk. Nick was standing in front of the window. He waved his hand energetically.
When I looked at Deanna again, a scowl spread across her face.
“You expect me to go out with Santa? See, you are trying to harass me. Now get out.” She pointed toward the entrance.
I didn’t utter another word as I made my way out the door.
“Well, that was terrible. What is wrong with you?” Trixie scolded.
“I did the best that I could,” I whispered as I made my way down the sidewalk.
A crowd had started to gather for the parade. Christmas music played through speakers set up around town. People laughed and talked as they waited for the festivities to begin. Nick stood beside a float that had a sleigh on top. He spotted me and waved, then dashed across to meet me.
“What did she say?” he asked when he approached.
I shook my head.
“See, I told you she wouldn’t be interested,” he said with disappointment in his voice.
Trixie shook her head. “Santa should never be disappointed this close to Christmas.”
“I’m sorry, Nick, I’ll try again,” I offered.
“Listen, it is sweet that you tried, but I need to get to the parade.” He glanced over his shoulder and waved at someone. “I’ll talk to you later, okay?”
I nodded and Nick waved as he headed off down the street.
A dark sensation swept over us, drawing my attention upward to the top of the building. A shadowy creature appeared out of the corner of my eye. After a few seconds it came into full view as it floated from one rooftop to the next. I met Trixie’s gaze and I knew by her expression that this was the demon she had warned me about. It was after Deanna and I had to save her before it was too late.
The parade went off nicely and everyone had a wonderful time. I glanced over at Deanna’s shop just as the parade goers were clearing the sidewalks. She was sneaking out the door, trying to get away from the holiday revelers. Just as she made her escape down the sidewalk, one of the giant candy cane decorations on the streetlight overhead fell. It was headed straight for Deanna’s head.
From out of nowhere, Nick appeared in his full Santa costume. Like some kind of holiday superhero, he shoved her out of the way and the candy cane crashed to the ground. It broke into several pieces as the stunned crowd stared at them.
Naughty or Nice Page 16
