Winter's Harbor

by Aurora Rey

  “Sleepy enough for me to wander over here for a pick-me-up. You guys take care, now.”

  He left and Alex turned to Jeff. “I’m good to cover here if you want to go do your ordering.”

  “Oh, that would be great. I was hoping to sneak out a little early today.”

  “Hot date?” She enjoyed teasing him and he made it easy. Jeff had a hot date more nights of the week than not.

  “You know it.”

  “What’s his name?”

  “Edwin. He’s here on a writing fellowship. I think he’s looking for some inspiration.”

  Alex rolled her eyes. “Well, then, you better inspire.”

  “Don’t I always?”

  “Always.”

  “Thanks, Chef.”

  As Jeff scooted away, Alex called after him, “Don’t call me Chef.” It was a habit he’d picked up from watching Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares. When he discovered the formality irritated Alex, he resolutely refused to stop.

  Once he was out of sight, Alex poured herself a cup of coffee and picked up the Sunday Times crossword puzzle. She didn’t get very far before the door opened. She looked up to see Jan Stein from Provincetown Realty. Jan had helped her sort through the contract and other legal issues when she bought the bakery. She’d also grown up in the same Boston neighborhood as Alex, only about twenty years prior. Between that and a shared love of the Red Sox, they’d become friends.

  “Hey there, sexy.”

  Jan grunted. She didn’t like to speak before she’d had at least one cup of coffee. Alex, in turn, gave her a hard time by being as perky as possible. She handed Jan her usual, a large coffee, black.

  After taking a long sip, Jan sighed. “G’morning. How’s things?”

  “Can’t complain. You?”

  “Not bad. Office is quiet. New tenant at the Harrison place, but no one else so far this week. This new tenant…quite a looker, and she came to town solo. Definitely your type.”

  Alex rolled her eyes. “You say that about every seemingly single woman under the age of fifty.”

  Jan made a puzzled face. “Is that not accurate?”

  “You’re an ass.”

  “Just one of the many reasons you love me.”

  “Somehow I keep forgetting that.” Alex was about to say something off-color when Stuart walked in.

  Jan turned to leave. “Thanks for the coffee, hot stuff. Bruins-Rangers tonight, remember.”

  “You bet, sunshine. Hopefully Kimble won’t suck.”

  With Jan on her way out the door, Alex turned her attention to Stuart. “Good morning, Mr. Harbormaster. Your usual?”

  “Please. But let’s not get on Kimble this early in the season, eh? It’s not like we’ve got anyone else to play between the pipes.”

  Alex poured coffee into the travel mug he handed her. “Muffin?”

  “Yes, darling?”

  Alex rolled her eyes. Even if she thought it was funny, she refused to encourage him.

  He shrugged. “Sure. Surprise me.”

  She took a crumb-topped muffin from the case and put it into a small paper bag.

  “Connie wants to know what she would have to do to get the recipe for that chocolate thing you brought the other night.”

  Alex grinned. It was deceptively easy, as well as one of her best-kept secrets. “Tell her it was given to me by an old French master and I’m sworn to take it to my grave. However, I’d happily trade her one for a pot of her chili any day of the week.”

  “I think she’ll take that.”

  “Anything exciting on the agenda today?”

  “We’re replacing some of the support beams under the pier before the weather really turns. We’ve got a crane coming in from Wellfleet.”

  “I’d love to see that. How about I stop down later with coffee for the crew?”

  “If you come bearing coffee, they might even let you operate the crane.”

  “In that case, I’ll bring some pastries, too.” She moved her hands back and forth as though she was working a pair of joysticks.

  “Great,” Stuart said, picking up his coffee and muffin. “I’ll see you later.”

  Alex waved as he left. With no one else waiting to be served, she picked up her crossword and tried to remember the name of Jimmy Carter’s Secretary of State.

  Chapter Five

  When Lia woke, she had no idea where she was. She panicked for a moment, then realized she was in her new apartment. Light was filtering in through the white curtains on the windows, just as she’d imagined it would. She rolled over and blinked at the small clock on the bedside table. It was just after eight.

  Lia couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept for twelve hours straight. Even when she’d had the flu, and walking from one end of the apartment to the other had exhausted her, she grew restless quickly and struggled to stay in bed for more than a few hours at a time. She rolled around for a moment, stretching and enjoying the weight of the duvet covering her. As she climbed out of bed, she realized she also couldn’t remember the last time she felt so rested.

  She ambled into the bathroom, regretting that she hadn’t bothered to brush her teeth the night before. She glanced in the mirror and let out a guffaw. Her hair, dampened in the bathtub, but neither washed nor dried, was standing completely on end. Knowing that taming it would be a lesson in futility, she stripped off her sweats and stepped into the tub. After carefully pulling the shower curtain around the inside, she turned on the water and stood beneath the hot spray.

  She gave her scalp a good scrub and the rest of her a quick wash. She brushed her teeth with extra vigor. Feeling significantly more human, she went back into the bedroom and realized that most of her clothes were still in the car. She settled for jeans and a sweater, figuring she’d do little more with her day than unpack and shop for groceries. She twisted her hair into a bun and headed downstairs. In the kitchen, she found a coffee pot and filters, but no coffee.

  Lia drummed her fingers on the counter. She should probably accomplish something before rewarding herself. Of course, she’d be much more productive after a nice cup of coffee. Besides, she had skipped dinner, and Mama always said that you should never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. Perhaps she’d wander into town for coffee and breakfast before starting the work of settling in.

  The sun was shining, so she grabbed her sunglasses and a jacket from the car. She slipped them both on, then stepped out into the street. Other than some gulls screeching overhead, there was no sound. She tucked her hands into her pockets and started the short walk into town with a smile on her face.

  As she meandered down Commercial Street, Lia realized just how many of the shops and restaurants were closed up for winter. She saw sign after sign promising passersby “we’ll see you in April!” She passed a few people on the street. Since a couple of them were carrying cups of coffee, she figured she was heading in the right direction and kept walking. When she got to The Flour Pot Café, an “open” sign and the faint aroma of coffee made her sigh. If her memory was correct, this place had amazing coffee and baked goods.

  When the door opened, Alex was scowling over twenty-eight across, a seven-letter Norse god. She looked up, expecting one of her usual customers. She was surprised to see a pretty, yet unfamiliar, woman smiling at her. She set down her cup and stood.

  “Good morning.”

  “Hello, good morning.”

  The woman’s cheeks were pink from the chill in the air and her eyes were bright. She had a slightly rumpled look about her that Alex found incredibly sexy, along with dark hair, dark eyes, and killer curves. Since Alex had never seen her before, she was intrigued. “What can I get for you today?”

  “Coffee, please, the bigger the better. And I’ll definitely have to pick out one of these lovely treats.” She looked over to the case where the muffins and croissants were displayed.

  “I’m afraid the selection isn’t huge. We pare down quite a bit in the off season.” Alex always felt the nee
d to explain when there weren’t at least a dozen things to choose from. “Cream and sugar?”

  “Just cream, please. Yes, if I remember correctly, your offerings in the summer would rival a French patisserie. I see, however, that y’all have chocolate croissants, so I needn’t look any further.”

  The more she spoke, the more Alex picked up on what she was certain was a Southern drawl. It wasn’t very pronounced, but faded in and out like maybe she’d lived there once and didn’t anymore. “You got it. For here or to go?”

  “Here, please.”

  Alex assessed the woman who was smiling at her again. It was a pretty smile, warm and reassuring. A rare smile, as Nick Carraway would say. She poured coffee into a thick white mug, stirred in some half-and-half, and set it on the counter. She then took a chocolate croissant from the case and set it down on a saucer next to the coffee. “Always a good choice. And since I make croissants every day for some of our lunch sandwiches, we are never without them.”

  “That’s very good to know, about the sandwiches and the chocolate croissants.” She pulled money from her wallet and handed it to Alex. “You make them yourself?”

  “I do. I own the place. I bring in quite a bit of help in the busy season, but I do most of the baking myself in the winter.” She handed the woman her change, which was promptly dropped into the tip jar.

  “Wow. I’m very impressed.”

  “Flattery will get you everywhere. I’m Alex, by the way.”

  “Lia.” She extended her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  Alex shook Lia’s hand and smiled. “Likewise. Enjoy your breakfast.”

  “Thanks, I will.”

  Before Lia could walk away, Alex stopped her. “Where are you from? You sound sort of Southern, but I can’t quite pinpoint it.”

  “You’re good. Louisiana. Cajun country by way of Massachusetts and then New York for the last ten or so years.”

  She took her mug and saucer and headed over to a small table by the window. Alex was admiring her curves as she walked away when the door to the café opened and Tom French walked in. “Morning, Alex.”

  Alex grudgingly turned her attention. “Good morning, Tom. The usual?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Alex poured coffee into a large paper cup. She stirred in cream, lots of sugar, and topped it with a plastic lid. “How are you this fine autumn day?”

  “No snow, yet, so I suppose that makes it a good one.”

  “You’re going to leave me, aren’t you? You’re going to take Charlie and head south and I’m never going to see you again.”

  “Your face is the reason I stay. I couldn’t bear to live without it.”

  Alex snorted. “That might be true about my baked goods.”

  She took a banana-nut muffin from the case and put it into a paper bag. She handed both to him and said, “I’ll put it on your tab.”

  “Thanks, honey.” Tom winked at her—he winked at everyone—and turned to leave. He caught sight of the newcomer and, winking at her as well, wished them both a good day.

  When he was gone, Alex returned her attention to Lia. Lia looked up and seemed surprised to find Alex looking at her. Rather than glancing away, Alex offered a slow smile.

  “That,” Lia gestured to her plate, “was exquisite.”

  “Thank you.” She loved a woman who enjoyed food.

  “Just how quiet is it around here at this time of year?”

  That was a strange question. Alex considered for a moment. “I’d say we revert to your average sleepy small town. Not a ghost town by any means, but definitely quiet. A number of the restaurants and galleries close, but the fishermen are still working and most of the non-touristy businesses stay open.”

  “That’s reassuring.” Lia, done with her coffee and croissant, stood and walked to the counter with her mug and saucer.

  “Can I get you another cup of coffee?”

  “Yes, please.” She handed Alex her mug. “You are now officially my favorite place in town.”

  “Glad to hear it.” She refilled Lia’s mug and handed it back to her. She took that as her opening. “And what, if you don’t mind my asking, brings you to Provincetown in the middle of November?”

  Something passed through Lia’s eyes that made Alex immediately regret asking the question. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to pry.”

  Lia stopped sipping her coffee and shook her head. “No, no, it’s fine. I’ve actually just moved into an apartment in the West End. I was looking for a change of scenery and found a very reasonable six-month lease.”

  So she was the new tenant. Jan was right about one thing—Lia was definitely a looker. She had gorgeous brown eyes and rich chestnut-colored hair that escaped the bun she wore and curled around her face in the most alluring way. She was tall, too, probably less than an inch shorter than her own five-eight. Alex, who had an eye for such things, also sensed that, beneath the jeans and sweater, was a luscious hourglass figure. And it appeared she was sticking around for a while. Nice. She offered Lia her most winning smile. “Well, then, welcome to the neighborhood.”

  Lia visibly relaxed. “Thanks. And since you’re rolling out the welcome wagon, let me ask you a question.”

  “Of course.”

  “I saw a sign as I walked in that you have Wi-Fi.”

  “We do.”

  “Do y’all mind hangers-around?”

  “Hangers-around?”

  “Would it be a bother if I came in some mornings and camped out at one of your tables to do some work?”

  “Oh, I see.” Alex thought about this pretty woman sitting in her shop for hours on end. Perhaps she wasn’t in for a dry spell after all. “You are most welcome anytime. I’ll even promise not to distract you too much.”

  Lia beamed at her. Alex made an internal note to do whatever it took to get her to do that on a regular basis.

  “Thank you, and, you know, it would be nice to have some distraction now and again.”

  “Ditto.”

  “Well, then, as much as I’d like to hang around for the rest of the day, I didn’t bring my laptop with me. There’s also the matter of needing to unpack and not having a stitch of food in my apartment.” Lia set down her now empty mug. She stepped over to the table where she’d been sitting and slipped on her jacket. “I will, however, be back tomorrow.”

  “I’ll look forward to it. Oh, and if you need anything or have any questions as you’re getting settled, let me know.” For some reason, that seemed to make Lia get shy all of a sudden. If Alex wasn’t mistaken, Lia even blushed.

  “Thanks. I really appreciate it.”

  With that, Lia left, turning to offer a wave as the door closed behind her. A woman who could, and would, plop herself into a new place for six months. Alex wondered what exactly this Lia did for a living that would allow her to run off on a whim. Why was she there?

  A dozen questions swirled in her mind and she’d resisted asking any of them. It was none of her business. And if Lia’s initial reaction was anything to go on, she had no interest in sharing. That was fine by Alex. She’d rather flirt than play confidante anyway.

  Chapter Six

  Lia left the café and stood for a moment on the curb. She contemplated walking down to the real estate office to look at the photographs Jan promised to show her, but it made more sense to run all of her errands in the car. She headed back the way she came, turning her face to the sunshine that still held a hint of warmth. Whether it was the sugar and caffeine in her system or the prospect of being able to do her work in a café with an insanely attractive proprietor, Lia found there was a bit of pep in her step.

  Back at her apartment, she carried the boxes and bags from her car inside. She piled everything in the living room, unsure of what needed to be upstairs and what would stay down. With her car empty, she drove the block up to Bradford Street and headed back toward the East End.

  When she walked into the real estate office, an older woman was sitting at the reception
desk that had been empty the afternoon before. “Good morning,” she said cheerfully. “How can I help you today?”

  Lia returned the smile. “Hi. My name is Lia Brooks and I’m here to see Jan.”

  “Sure, just a moment.” She pressed a couple of buttons on her phone. “Hi, Jan. I have a Lia Brooks here to see you.”

  The woman hung up the phone and then squinted at her. “Wait, are you Cecilia Brooks who is renting the Harrison place?”

  “One and the same.”

  Lia watched the woman’s eyes light up as she threw her hands in the air. “Oh, it’s nice to meet you. I was gone yesterday before you picked up your keys, but I wanted to welcome you to town. I’m Stacia.”

  “Thanks,” she replied, trying to match Stacia’s enthusiasm. It was like she was in some gay parallel universe to her hometown. “And it’s nice to meet you, too.”

  “Now, I don’t want to come across as pushy, but I know you’re planning to stay through April and life can be pretty dull around here this time of year. If you’re looking for something to do, or to make friends, I organize a book club and a poker group. There’s always room for another at either.”

  She couldn’t stifle a laugh. This Stacia was beginning to sound an awful lot like her Great Aunt Mae. It was completely random and utterly charming. “You know, both of those sound like a lot of fun.”

  Stacia winked at her. “You sound like my kind of gal. I can email you the details if you’d like.”

  Lia was pretty sure she’d been winked at more times in the last twenty-four hours than she had been in the last year. There was not a lot of winking on the Upper West Side, at least not directed at her. The fact that the most recent was coming from a woman who had to be pushing seventy was icing on the cake. “I would love that. You can use the one you have on file here.”

  At that moment, Jan appeared from down the hall. “She didn’t sign you up for her bowling league, did she? Don’t be fooled by that sweet smile. She’s a hustler.”

  Stacia scoffed in mock outrage and Lia tried to swallow the giggle that was threatening to come out. “Not at all. I asked if there were any book clubs in town and she offered to let me into hers.” Now it was her turn to wink.