“Wait a sec. It’s my phone ringing.” She dug into her purse and pulled out her cell. “Hello?” She listened as the adjustor told her he’d been held up and wouldn’t be able to get there for at least another hour. “Five or five-thirty?” she asked, shooting Nick a glance.
“Hopefully,” the man answered. “I’ll do my best.”
She ended the call without stomping her foot and put her phone away. “Small delay. I can probably hang at your restaurant for an hour,” she told him, looking back at her rented vehicle.
“I have to run home and let the dogs out. Put some fresh food and water out for the night. Want to go for a ride? They won’t mind the car in the lot. We can get it on the way back.”
“Sounds good, but can we leave at the gas station? It would save me a trip.” She could still be at her parent’s by seven at the latest.
“Yeah. Of course.”
She followed him to the station, parked her rental and climbed into his car. During the short drive she found herself curious to see where he lived. Where he worked was rustic and homey, his Jeep perfect for the mountains and snow.
He pulled up in front of a small cabin with a one-car garage. It was nothing special from the outside, but the neighborhood was nice. She heard a dog barking as he put the key in the door.
“That’s Sammy. He’s a little friendly. Are you afraid of dogs?”
“Not unless they bite,” she answered with a smile. “Or run in front of my car.”
“No. He’s a lover not a fighter.” Using his foot, Nick attempted to keep the big, white furry dog away from the door so they could enter. “Back Sammy.”
“He’s beautiful,” Jennie said, squeezing past Nick who quickly got the door shut. Then a second dog came skidding around the corner and nearly knocked her over.
She recognized him from the accident. “You still have him. Are you going to keep him?” She bent over to pet the little guy. Sammy started sniffing her behind and then pushed his way between her and the pup.
“Get off me,” she said, but gave him a hug and scratch too.
“I made some posters, and I was going to start putting them up around town but ran out of time. Last thing I need is another yappy mouth to feed.” He picked up the pup, who barked happily, and snuggled into his shoulder to lick his neck.
“He loves you,” she said, her heart sparking. “Look at that.”
“I think he’d love your children more,” he shot back.
“Not until we find a new place to live.” She bit back a sigh at the things on her plate. Sometimes her problems seemed monumental, other times she handled them in stride. But of course, the holiday season added a whole new level of stress.
Her eyes roamed about the place which had built-in cabinets and a carved oval coffee table that didn’t appear store-bought. It was stained polished wood and had a half moon base. It was pretty. Different. “Did you do that?” she asked, tilting her head to the table. “Are you a carpenter too?”
“I wouldn’t call myself a carpenter but I like to work with my hands. I usually have a project or two going on. Keeps me occupied.”
“I don’t think you have any problem with that. Your restaurant doesn’t give you much free time.” Jennie pointed at the clock on the stove in the kitchen. “You’ve got to get back to work soon. I’m sorry that I took up so much of your time.”
“I’m not.” He opened up the sliding glass door and the dogs rushed out.
She walked into his living area, checking things out. For a bachelor he was very neat. The dogs had chewed up a magazine that might have been left on the floor, and a throw pillow on the sofa had a big hole in it with stuffing hanging out. She had a feeling that the puppy might be responsible for that.
“You have a nice place.”
“It’s okay. I’m just renting for now. My grandpa died last year and I’ve been trying to renovate the old farmhouse to put it up for sale. Then I might try to find something a little bigger for me.” He stood at the back door, watching the dogs run around and play. “Good thing about this is the fenced yard, and convenience to everything.”
“You don’t want to keep the other house? The one you’re renovating?”
“It’s too big, and this is too small, so I’m looking for something just right.” He put fresh food and water down for the dogs then let them back in. “I’m going to wash up,” he told her. When he returned, he said casually, “If you’re in the mood after the adjustor leaves, come by the bistro for dinner. Place isn’t busy past eight.”
“It’ll be too late. I’ll probably just drive home, but thanks for the offer.”
“No problem. If something happens and you don’t leave, give me a call or come by. Don’t want you spending the night alone.”
“I’ll call, but I won’t come by. Sleep sounds like a good idea. I’m exhausted. Barely slept at all last night, or the night before we left.”
While the dogs were chowing down, the two of them slipped out the door. Ten minutes later they pulled into the garage at the gas station.
“Good luck with everything,” he said, giving her a concerned look. “You do look tired. You sure that you want to drive into Philly tonight? You can leave first thing in the morning, and the kids will barely miss you.”
She laughed. “I’m sure my parents are fussing over them right now, so you’re probably right. I’ll see how long this takes and make a decision then.” She had her door open, but she leaned back to touch his arm. “Whatever happens? Don’t expect to see me later.”
“That’s fine. I understand. But call me and let me know either way.” His hair fell forward over his brow and he shoved it back. “Get some sleep.”
“I could use it.” She slipped out of the Jeep, the air now gray and cold. “Thanks for everything, Nick. Have a good night. I’ll let you know when I’m on the road.”
She knew he was still watching her as she strode toward the garage. Staying here tonight was tempting. He was tempting. But it was another complication and distraction that she certainly didn’t need.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The gas station wasn’t the nicest place to hang out and wait, but what other option did she have? Jennie went inside and grabbed a coffee. They had a small shop that sold snacks, drinks and convenience items. Not fancy, but it would do in a pinch. She explained to the guy behind the counter that she was waiting on an insurance adjustor and he told her she was welcome to wait as long as it took.
A half hour later, he gave her a worried look. “I think you’re wasting your time, lady. Nobody’s going to come out here this late. It’s Saturday night before Christmas. The mechanic’s gone home. I have a key to the garage, but only for emergencies.”
Jennie tossed her cold coffee. “I know. I’ve called twice but didn’t get through. It seems ridiculous to wait any longer. I’m sure he’s not coming.” Tears smarted her eyes and she wiped them away. She didn’t normally cry at the drop of a hat, but she was emotionally exhausted. It was all too much, and she couldn’t take it any longer. Nick was right. She needed a full night’s rest, more than her kids needed her.
“I’m going to the Inn and see if I can get a room for the night. If by some stroke of good fortune this guy actually turns up, could you give me a call?” She wrote down her name and cell number on a piece of paper he gave her. “The adjustor’s name is Allen Johnson.”
“I’m Geoff,” the pimply young kid told her. “I work until ten. If he calls or shows up, I’ll be sure to let you know.”
“Thanks, Geoff.”
“You’re welcome. I have the number for the Inn right here. I’ll give them a jingle and let them know you’re on your way.”
“I appreciate that. Thanks so much.” She had left her rental car in the gas station parking lot, and it was dark, the car unfamiliar, but she didn’t have far to go. She already knew her way to Main Street, and it was at the end of the road.
As she passed Nick’s Bar & Bistro, she felt a moment’s longing, wishing she
could stop for a reassuring hug that she knew would be fast in coming. But even more than his comfort, a few hours sleep was in order.
She parked outside the Inn, dragged her large suitcase out of the trunk and wheeled it into the lobby. When she stepped up to the check-in counter, a young woman smiled. “Ms. Braxton. Geoff let us know you were on your way. We’ve given you a room on the second floor. Room 204. Just need your signature and a credit card.”
“Thanks so much. Everyone in this town is so welcoming.” She forced a smile. “Never seen anything like it.”
“My name is Helen Watson,” the young girl replied. “I’m from Nebraska, and I’ve been here for two years. The friendliness is genuine, and it doesn’t get old.”
As Jennie’s mother had said, the Inn was small, but charming—English Tudor in style both inside and out. The lobby had a tartan carpet, four plaid high back chairs next to a hearth and fireplace. The walls were decorated with hunting scenes and floral gardens. A small bar was tucked away in the far corner of the lobby, with a waiter dressed in a stiff white shirt, black vest and pants. One man sat on a stool, smoking a pipe and sipping on a port.
Jennie saw the elevator and stumbled toward it. As soon as she pressed the up button the door slid open and carried her to the second floor. Stepping off, she noticed the sign indicating room numbered 200-210 were on the right. The hallway was lit with wall lighting instead of glaring overheads, and the green and beige wallpaper was soothing to the eyes.
Hands trembling with fatigue, she got her door open and rolled her suitcase behind her. She didn’t bother to unpack except for her toiletries and nightie.
Jennie made a quick call to her mother, informing her that the adjustor was so far a no-show, and that she had checked into the Inn, too tired to drive or to even think straight.
Louise agreed that that was the wisest and safest thing to do.
“Mom. Just need a quick nap, then I’ll call you back and speak to the girls.”
“Fine, honey. They’re watching “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” with your dad.”
Jennie laughed. Katie never got tired of that movie. “Good. Love you all, and will call back soon.”
She ran a bath, adding some body wash to the water, hoping for bubbles. She stripped and stepped into the deep tub, closing her eyes with pleasure. Steam and hot water soothed her aches and worries, and she remained there until her bath was no longer warm.
Half asleep, Jennie put on her nightie, her cell phone on charge, and turned off the lights, sliding under the cool bed sheets for a nap. An hour’s rest would do her more good than dealing with the insurance company or facing the 95 traffic right now. Everything she needed to do could darn well wait until morning.
Her eyes were closed, but the healing sleep didn’t come. Little things ran through her brain. Nick’s face floated to mind and wouldn’t leave. His serious expression and his laughing one. Her stomach clenched remembering the look of concern in his eyes as he’d waited with her for the ambulance. How he’d smiled, popping out of his kitchen to check on them roasting marshmallows. Why wasn’t he married?
He seemed to like children and was a kind man. What had happened? Why did he choose to live alone with only a dog for company?
He deserved happiness and she hoped one day he would open his heart and find it.
With that last thought, Jennie fell into a deep sleep.
When Jennie woke up the room was dark, and she could see from the clock next to her bed that it was almost eight. Two hours? She stretched and yawned, resting for a moment longer before getting up.
Christmas was always a busy, stressful time with presents to buy, finding the money to afford them, fighting for a parking spot in the mall, and getting the best deal and right gift for each and every loved one. She had presents for her parents, her sister and husband, and their two boys. She knew what little girls were into, but what did a ten and a twelve-year-old boy with a roomful of toys want that they did not already have?
When pressed, her sister had suggested something for their recently finished rec room. Like a hockey game or ping-pong table. Figuring that was an easy out, Jennie had bought the ping pong table online, set up a delivery time, and bought some racquets and balls as little gifts for under the tree. It certainly was less trouble than hunting down toys or sporting goods this time of the year.
Brooke and Katie were almost afraid of their rough and tumble bigger cousins, but she’d be there with them to referee and make sure that the boys were gentle. The last time her sister and nephews came to visit in Norfolk, the boys had broken the swing set and stuffed Lego pieces down the upstairs toilet. Boys will be boys, her sister had said, offering to pay to replace the swings and for the plumber. But that had hardly been the point.
How lucky she was to have two sweet daughters. She missed them already. She’d call them and wish them a good night, but she had promised Nick a call, and better do that first.
He’d given her his cell phone number so she didn’t need to call the restaurant. He picked up right away. “Jennie! Where are you? I called the gas station and they said you’d left two hours ago. Are you home with your family?”
“No. I’m at the Inn. Guy never showed up. I waited until almost six and by that time I was so tired of hanging around I couldn’t see straight. I just woke up.”
“You’re staying the night?”
“Yes. I couldn’t face the drive.”
“Want to come over here and keep me company?” His voice lowered. “I’ll be closing up soon.”
“Sorry, Nick. I’ll take a rain check. I just want to sleep and sleep. And I still have to call the girls.”
“Okay. I won’t press you. I know how exhausted you are. I’ll see you soon.” He hung up.
She pondered that for a moment or two. Was he annoyed with her for not calling earlier? That was ridiculous! Why would he be? Well, she had too much to deal with right now than to worry about his sensitive feelings. And she wanted to hear her children’s voices. Funny, how just after a few hours she missed them already.
“It’s me, Mom. How’s it going? Are the girls still up?”
“Yes. They’re been waiting for your call. We had pizza for dinner, then they had their bath. They’re in their PJ’s, watching ‘Charlie Brown’s Christmas’.”
Jennie smiled at the image. She knew how the girls loved watching movies and staying up past their bedtime. It was often a weekend treat—with popcorn, of course.
“Girls! It’s your mom. Who wants to talk first?”
“Hi, Mom!” It was Brooke who’d reached the phone. “We watched the Grinch and now it’s Charlie Brown. We’re having popcorn. I love it here!”
Jennie laughed, sitting on the mattress and curling her feet beneath the covers. “Of course you do! Nana and Papa love having you, too.” It was a big reason why she’d put her house on the market. “What else did you do today? Have you talked to your cousins?”
“Not yet. They’re coming for Christmas though. Nana said we could go outside tomorrow and build snowmen. When are you coming? Maybe you could build a snowman too.”
“I’d like that. Now, let me talk to your sister and then I have to make more pesky calls to the insurance people so I can come and be with you.”
“Tonight?” she said hopefully.
“No, honey. Not tonight. But tomorrow. I promise.”
“Okay. I love you, Mom.”
“Love you more.”
A second later Katie was on the line. “Hi, Mom. Where are you?”
“At the Inn. Where you stayed last night. I was so exhausted I fell asleep for two hours.”
“You took a nap?” Katie asked. “Only Brooke takes naps.”
“I was tired.” She imagined Katie sitting with the phone to her ear, so grown up. “Now I’m going to make another call and see why the adjustor didn’t show up. I want this all taken care of by morning.” Get home to eat popcorn and watch movies with her kids.
“Okay, Mom. I love
you. Nana wants to take us shopping. She says she wants to buy us something special. Whatever we want.”
“And what do you want?” Jennie asked, knowing that she had everything covered on the girls’ list.
“I don’t know. I already asked Santa for everything.”
“Okay. Well take it easy on Nana’s pocketbook. Just pick out something small. Hopefully, I should be there and can come with you. Goodnight, sweetheart. I love you.”
“Love you more. Here’s Nana.”
Her mom took the phone. “How did it go with you know who? The girls talked about him non-stop on the way home, so I don’t want to say his name.”
“Mom. Don’t encourage them, please.” She sat against the headboard. “You know how he is. Very supportive, but now he’s at work. I’m in my PJ’s and plan a big night watching TV.”
“You’ve slept some. You should go to the bistro for an hour. I bet you haven’t had anything since lunch. And you can walk there.”
“I’m going to order room service. Listen, Mom, I should be home by noon. I have tons of presents for the girls, so you don’t need to buy them anything else.”
“I know, hon. But it will be fun to take them to the mall and look around. It’s so beautiful right now with all the decorations. It might be a good idea to go early. Maybe we’ll do that at nine, and be home by noon for lunch. They can do the snowman thing in the afternoon. That’s a better plan.”
“Okay. Have fun, and see you noonish.”
“That’s fine, dear. But I really wish you had better things to do. If you know what I mean.”
“I do. And I don’t.” She sat on the edge of the bed. “I’m not ready for that yet, Mom.”
“I know, honey. But don’t wait too long. Sometimes we have to open the door when opportunity knocks.”
“The only door I’m answering is room service. I still have to call the insurance adjustor. Again!” She sighed with growing frustration. “Got to go. Love you.”
A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION Page 6
