The afternoon and evening before the giveaway, Rosemary, Lisa, and Jessie assembled a few more boxes and stacked them in the large foyer. There was a small table for people to sign the guest book—a fond farewell to Riverwood Books—and several magic markers to use for putting their names on their boxes.
Rosemary had found a small wooden cart about the size of a picnic table on one of the properties she was listing. The owners were going to junk it, but Rosemary decided that a few cans of spray paint and some garland could turn it into a sleigh for the children’s gifts. She was able to get Evan to bring it over in his truck, and he and a few of his men lugged it up the porch steps.
“Hey, easy, guys. Do not disturb the decorations! A lot of hard work went into this,” Evan said, half joking.
The men carefully placed the makeshift sleigh next to one of the Christmas trees. Jessie stepped outside to see what the ruckus was about. She didn’t think she could be any more surprised than the night she’d arrived to see the array of garland, lights, trees, and wreaths. But she was. And it wasn’t just the sleigh. It was the effort everyone was making. She was feeling a true sense of community among these people whom she had just recently met. She felt somewhat lighter. De-light, she thought to herself. Interesting. The light.
“Wow. This is incredible.” Jessie took a few steps around the sleigh. “The only thing we’re missing is Santa.” Her smile was so big she thought her lips would pop off her face. “Rosemary, you are a woman of many talents.”
Rosemary was deep in thought. “Huh? Oh thanks. I’m wondering what we should do for the other side of the porch. For the food pantry items.” She snapped her fingers. “Oh duh. Shelves. We have lots of ’em. We just need to clear one off and bring it out here.” She looked straight at Evan.
He held up both hands as if to say, “I surrender.” He followed with a “Lead the way,” and swept his hand across the threshold to allow Jessie and Rosemary to enter the shop.
“So which books and where do we put them?” Jessie’s eyes scanned the space.
“Let’s pull the science and nature books and put them in a box. I know Connor’s school will want them,” Evan offered.
“Good idea. I’ll go assemble a few more boxes.” Rosemary went into the large closet that held the rest of the unassembled cartons.
Once they cleared the shelves, Evan’s two crew members moved the bookcase out to the other side of the porch. “Hey, easy, guys. Do not disturb the decorations!” There were grumblings of “Yeah, yeah . . . A lot of hard work went into this” mixed with laughter from the crowd.
Jessie thought her knees were going to buckle under her. The kindness of everyone was awe-inspiring. This was truly the Christmas spirit. Strange. Even though she had friends and was very social in Philadelphia, there was nothing like this sense of community. Maybe it’s because it was a big city. Sure, you knew your neighbors and frequented local restaurants; you’d attend fund-raisers and special events, but there wasn’t the same type of connection. The people she was standing with were rooted in this hamlet. They might not all socialize with one another on a daily basis, but they pulled together for the good of the local townspeople and showed great pride in their village on the Hudson.
Jessie ran up the stairs to the apartment and pulled out a box of rice, cereal, and pasta, and a few cans of soup, corn, and beans. When she returned everyone gave her an odd stare. “What?” she queried.
“We were wondering what you were doing. What ARE you doing?” Rosemary asked.
“Setting up the display. This way, when people arrive, instead of just piling stuff, we can pre-organize. Makes it easier for the pantry.”
“Brilliant!” Lisa chimed in. She had been on the other side of the shop, where they had set up a table with eggnog, cider, and cookies baked by the Blue Belle volunteers from the hospital. “Jess, do you have a bowl?”
“What kind of bowl?”
“Something for donations.”
“What donations?”
“The Blue Belles. The hospital volunteer group. They’re donating cookies, so I figured if we put a little bowl out, they can collect money for the family-care group. You know, the little fund they have to help out families with expenses,” Lisa explained.
“Oh. That’s lovely. I had no idea.”
“Yeah. They do a fund-raiser every summer. Old-fashioned barbecue. Chicken, ribs, corn on the cob. Yum. Lots of fun.”
“Corn on the cob. I can’t remember the last time I had any.” Jessie thought carefully. “Seriously.”
“Seriously?” Lisa sounded leery.
“Yes. Seriously.”
“Oh, girl, you need to get your butt back here in the summer.”
Jessie glanced over in Evan’s direction. Looking back at Lisa, she said, “I sure do.”
Chapter Eleven
Surveying the foyer, then the interior of the building, Jessie was feeling confident that everything was well organized and ready for the giveaway. She had about an hour to freshen up. She thought about her dog and cat. They were being looked after by a neighbor, who she quickly called to check on them. Jessie realized that most people would think she was a little kooky for missing them so much, but they were her little family. She also knew that dragging them up to Croton for two weeks would be traumatic and chaotic. After the brief phone call, knowing Mozart and Picasso were lounging in their favorite spot in the living room, she shifted her thoughts to the evening ahead. She hoped she had packed something a little dressy yet practical. It was the first time in a while that she even cared about attracting a man’s attention. She got a little shiver up the back of her neck. Easy girl. Focus on the task at hand.
She took the interior stairs to the apartment and rummaged through her clothes. After trying on several outfits, she finally settled on a pair of black slacks that were slim enough to show off her trim legs and a forest-green cashmere sweater that emphasized her eyes. She finished the look by doing her hair up in a ponytail and putting on her grandmother’s emerald-stud earrings. A pair of high-cut boots rounded out the look: perky, cute, and a little alluring. After looking at herself in the mirror on the inside of the closet door, she thought, Who said that I just turned thirty-five?
She applied a modest amount of makeup, lipstick, mascara, and a touch of her favorite Hermès perfume. Voila! Yes, she was feeling and looking a little sassy.
As she made her way down to the main level, her phone chimed a text from Lisa. On my way. A second came from Brian. Be there tomorrow around noon.
The first person to arrive was Paula, the local librarian. Jessie was surprised that the woman was about her own age, mid-thirties. She really didn’t know what to expect. Paula was cute in a nerdy way. She had semi-spiked short white hair with pink streaks, a pair of black Clark Kent–type glasses, a plaid skirt, and knee socks.
“Hi, I’m Paula. I run the public library.”
Jessie was taken aback but broke out in a warm smile. “You sure don’t look like the librarian who used to work in town when I was a kid!”
“Ha. I get that a lot.” Paula made her way over to the sign-in table. “I think what you’re doing is wonderful, I mean about the books and all.” She let out a big sigh. “I am going to miss this store, though. Hugo would let us use the back patio and grounds for special events.”
Jessie got a pang of guilt. “He always looked like he was going to snarl at you, but he was really such a teddy bear.”
“Yeah. I remember the first time I met him. I was a little anxious. But when he offered us the use of the grounds anytime we wanted it, I knew he was a good egg.”
“Yes, he’s a character all right. He dropped this surprise on me.” Jessie swept her arm around like a game-show hostess, indicating the store.
“So you don’t think another buyer will take over?” Paula was searching for some comfort.
“Uncle Hugo was able to keep the place afloat, but it got harder each year. It was only his robust investment portfolio that allowed him to continue to run
the bookstore at break even or maybe a bit of a loss. And I have no portfolio, robust or otherwise, and know absolutely nothing about running a bookstore, let alone how to make money doing it. And I don’t know if the area can continue to support one. Publishing is a crazy business, and so is retail—especially with all of the online options, like Amazon.”
“It’s a gosh-darn shame. But what can you do? Gotta move on.” Paula pulled out one of the markers and wrote the word “library” on her box. “Do you mind if I get a jump on everyone? I have some specific types of books I could use for the library.”
“By all means. Here, I’ll mark a few more cartons for you.” Jessie was feeling a sense of betrayal to the community.
“Oh, that’s so nice. Thank you.”
“It’s the least I can do.” Jessie almost got a little misty-eyed. She hoped that it wouldn’t happen again this evening. This was no time to be emotional. Besides, it would smear her mascara. She laughed quietly, pulled her shoulders back, and stood tall. She reminded herself, It’s a good thing I’m doing.
“Let me know if you need any help,” Jessie said, as Paula began to survey the shelves.
Shortly thereafter, dozens of people started pouring into the large front entry. Lisa and Rosemary had the process well organized. Once people dropped off their toy in the sleigh or placed pantry items on a shelf, they would come through the door, hang up their coat, sign the guest book, pick up a carton, write their name on it, and leave it in the foyer. This way they didn’t have to carry the box around the shop. They could browse and select at leisure. That was until Mickey Clark and his brother Danny began a tug-of-war over a dinosaur book and the screaming and kicking started.
Before Jessie could blink, Evan had soared across the room and separated the boys. He squatted and spoke to them in a very low voice. Mickey handed the book to his younger brother, and tranquility returned. Their parents were startled at how easily Coach Becker had untangled them. Mrs. Clark looked at him with amazement. “How did you do that?”
“Trade secret.” Evan winked at the couple.
Jessie watched the incident from the other room. It lasted less than a couple of minutes. Very impressive. No wonder he’s a coach. She walked toward the peacemaker. “Thank you. That could have gotten ugly, and people would have been uncomfortable.”
“You’re quite welcome. Have you met my son yet?”
Jessie was surprised that question made her a little nervous. “I would love to meet him and thank him for all his hard work.”
Evan walked over to a small group of boys looking through some of the graphic novels. “Connor, come meet Jessie, the lady who did this. You too, guys.” He gestured for the group to follow him.
Jessie was talking to one of the Blue Belles when Evan returned with his son and a group of his friends. As she turned, she saw a young version of Evan, who was almost as tall as she. “You must be Connor.”
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you for donating the books.”
“Well, I think I owe you—all of you—a huge thank-you, too! What a wonderful surprise! The place looks like a winter wonderland.”
The boys beamed with pride, one pointing out his personal contribution of wrapping the garland around the banister. “Great job, guys!” Jessie had an urge to hug each and every one of them but thought that might be a bit much. Instead, she shouted, “Group hug!” A few were a little standoffish, and some snickered, but Connor gave her the biggest hug in return. It was interesting to see the difference between an eight-year-old, a ten-year-old, and a twelve-year-old. Some still thought girls gave you cooties, while others were thinking about ladies’ boobies. She cracked a smile at that off-color thought.
After an awkward moment, Jessie gave a directive. “Okay, guys, go get your books!” Who she really wanted to hug was Evan. He had been so thoughtful. She put her hand on his arm, feeling his muscle beneath his shirt. “Your son is quite impressive, and you’ve been so kind.”
“You haven’t seen the estimate yet!” Evan teased her.
“You’re a comedian, too? I’m surrounded by them.” At that moment she thought she could wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him. She felt her face become flushed and pretended Lisa was motioning to her from across the room. She squeezed his arm one more time. “I think Lisa needs me. Excuse me for a sec.”
She made her way over to Lisa, eyeing the room as people picked their favorite authors’ books. Lisa turned. “Looks like you and the coach are hitting it off.”
“Don’t start. He makes me nervous.” Jessie was almost trying to hide behind her friend.
“But why? Because he’s handsome, built, charming, and single?”
“You forgot thoughtful. And yes, all of the above. I feel like I’m back in high school.” Jessie was fanning herself. “Is it warm in here or is it me?”
Lisa cracked up laughing. “All of the above! Let’s go out on the porch and check the toys and pantry stuff.”
As they made their way toward the door, people stopped Jessie to thank her and tell her how much they were going to miss the patio events in the summer. She smiled, then muttered to Lisa, “Sure, make me feel guilty.”
“Well, they’re not wrong. The summer reading circles were always fun and enlightening.” Lisa took her own jab.
“Thanks a load for laying on more guilt.”
“What are friends for?” Lisa wrapped her arm around Jessie’s shoulders. “I know it’s a big tug-of-war for you, but you’re right. You have a life in Philadelphia.”
“Do I?” Jessie was wary thinking about it.
Rosemary sidled up to both of them. “Jessie, do you mind if we have a little shop talk? No pun intended.”
“Of course. Let’s go up to the mezzanine.”
Rosemary followed Jessie up the stairs, where she started toward the counter. “Can I interest you in a cup of coffee, espresso?”
“Why yes. Thank you.”
“Large, or ‘grande’ as they call it, or demitasse?” Jessie asked.
“Grande for me! I love the taste of dark, rich coffee. I can’t stand the swill they serve in the office.”
“I’m a bit of a coffee snob myself. I’d rather have none than a weak cup. You know the kind that stays an ugly shade of brown no matter how much cream you pour?”
“Yep. That’s my office rotgut.” Rosemary sat back on one of the lounge chairs as Jessie fixed their drinks.
She handed Rosemary her cup and sat across from her, each enjoying their java. “So, what’s up?” Jessie asked.
“I think I can get about $650,000 for this place. We’ll ask for $700,000, which will give us lots of negotiating room.”
“Seriously?” Jessie was stunned. She had no idea what property was worth here.
“Because it was zoned as commercial with residential clauses, we can pitch it either way. It could become a two-family house or a commercial building with rental income. Lots of ways to go.” Rosemary was very animated, more so than usual.
“Wow. I had no idea.” Jessie was contemplative. What would she do with that money? Pay taxes on it, for sure, but could she find a suitable home for herself in Philadelphia?
“Yep. And when they clear out the lower level, it will be amazing.”
Jessie felt a surge of sadness and relief at the same time. She had been on an emotional roller coaster for several days. “Well, okay. At least I know there’ll be enough money to cover any construction work.”
“For sure! Do you know when Evan is going to get started?”
“Sometime in early January. He hasn’t given me the total estimate yet because he didn’t know how much damage there would be moving the shelves. Ballpark is fifteen grand, which includes remodeling the bathrooms with new toilets, sinks, tile floors, and fixtures.” Jessie felt like she was in a dreamlike state, the words slowly coming out of her mouth. It was really happening—selling the bookstore.
As she peered over the railing, she saw that most of the books had been spoken for and that Evan and
another guy were helping people carry the boxes to their cars. Lisa had started packing the pantry items.
“Who is that guy with Evan?” Rosemary asked.
“That’s Gerry. He works for Becker Contracting.”
“New in town?”
“I have no idea. Why?” Jessie realized that Rosemary was curious about the nice-looking, quiet man who had helped with the sleigh and pantry shelves.
“He’s a man, and he’s breathing.” Rosemary nodded. “Let’s go see what everyone is up to.”
Jessie burst out laughing, then asked the obvious question. “Did you check for a ring?”
“Yes, and no, he’s not wearing one.”
In unison they said, “But that doesn’t mean anything!” They laughed their way down the stairs to the few stragglers who couldn’t decide on Agatha Christie or Minette Walters. Jessie said, “Take them all!” She wanted as much gone as possible to save herself from packing what was left over. Surprisingly, there wasn’t much, which was a relief.
The Blue Belles had collected almost $100, the pantry shelves were bursting with nonperishable items, and the sleigh was packed with dozens of toys. It would have put Macy’s to shame.
Jessie stood in the foyer with her arms folded across her chest, still reeling from the dollar amount Rosemary had quoted her. Thinking of that much money was overwhelming.
Within a short time, the crowd had thinned out, leaving Evan, Gerry, Rosemary, Lisa, and Jessie. Connor was spending the night at a friend’s house. The Blue Belles had cleaned up the refreshment table, and there was little else to do at that point. Tomorrow, they would finish packing, and Evan’s crew would make room for the speed-dating event.
Everyone was commenting on how successful the evening had turned out and the generosity people had shown. Jessie felt a huge surge of relief and had to remind herself that she had done a very good deed for the town. With a little luck, the dating event would be successful as well.
“The tables and chairs will be delivered late tomorrow afternoon. Will that be enough time to clear out some space?” Jessie hoped that moving to the next event wouldn’t be problematic.
A Snowy Little Christmas Page 7
