by Nancy Thayer
Christina gasped. “You’re kidding.”
Janice sniffed. “Well, that’s a flattering remark.”
“I’m sorry, Janice. I’m just so surprised. But why aren’t you married?”
“Because I refused him. You know what it’s like on this island. I have all my family and friends here. I have my routines and my way of life. I wouldn’t change all that for the world. Who would want to be Mrs. Oscar Bittlesman?”
“But you’d be rich!”
“I am rich. I’ve spent half my life fixing my house to be exactly how I want it. It looks out over the moors, you know. I watch the deer and the hawks, I walk the paths and gather blueberries or beach plums and make jams and jellies. I’ve done that all my life. I took the job with Mr. Bittlesman because I needed the money. I’ve made some improvements on my house that I couldn’t have afforded otherwise. I’ve made my mother comfortable and safe in the house, and that means a lot to me.”
“But Oscar…”
“I never intended to fall in love with Oscar Bittlesman. You know, I’ve worked on and off for him for three years now. I have a nice little room off the kitchen in this house, and some nights I stay here, but most nights I go home. Oscar asked me as a special favor to be here constantly for the month of December because all his family would be here. I’ve moved my mother to my oldest daughter’s house for this month.”
“But, but,” Christina stammered, “are you two…lovers?”
“Christina Antonioni, you know better than to ask such a personal question. You have no right to the answer. I care for Oscar—I love Oscar. And he loves me. We have wonderful times when we’re together alone. You can’t imagine how he changes when it’s just Oscar and me.” Janice smiled. “Oh, how we laugh.”
“Didn’t you feel awkward when we had dinner at this house and you cooked and served it but didn’t eat with us?”
“Oh, no, honey. It’s much more fun to be the fly on the wall. Oscar and I stayed up for hours picking apart the dinner conversation and laughing about it.”
“Does Delia know? Or Andy? Or your friends?”
“I suppose Delia and Andy have an inkling, but Delia’s too obsessed with her own life, and Andy’s so good-natured, he doesn’t intrude. As for my island friends, they have no idea. Why should they? I’m simply working as a housekeeper.”
“I’m glad you told me this, Janice. It helps me see Oscar Bittlesman in a new light.”
“I’m glad I told you, too. Maybe it will convince you that you could make a life with Andy Bittlesman.”
Christina’s shoulders slumped. “Janice, you know as well as anyone that I’m an island girl and Andy’s a city guy. You just said you won’t marry Oscar because you don’t want to change your life.”
“That’s true. It’s also true that you and Andy are a generation younger than Oscar and me. You’re not as set in your ways. You and Andy are both changing—I can see you two changing. You can move toward each other. You can change each other. It won’t be easy. I doubt if life with any Bittlesman can be easy, but who needs easy when they can have romantic?”
Christina laughed. “Janice, you’re a wonder.” She hugged the other woman tightly.
“So I can trust you not to tell anyone, especially my island friends, about my relationship with Oscar?”
“I’ll keep your secret, Janice, I promise.”
“Thank you.” Janice opened the door and stepped inside. “Go on now, before we both freeze to death.”
“Wait! Do you think Oscar will come to my shop tomorrow?”
“Honey, I don’t interfere in Oscar’s business and he doesn’t interfere in mine. All I can say is that I wish you both well.”
Christina couldn’t stop smiling as she walked to her car. Oscar and Janice! She understood and respected Janice’s position. She could see how it would add to the fun for them both. Like a child’s game of pretend.
Although it was too bad Christina couldn’t have implored Janice to convince Oscar to be charitable about the rent. But Janice had said clearly that she didn’t interfere in Oscar’s business.
And anyway, maybe, Christina thought as she settled in her car, just maybe her plan would work and Oscar would be honorable about her challenge and not raise the rent.
But of course, maybe not. He was a cranky, money-mad old miser.
Should she tell the other Shedders about her bet? She thought about this as she parked her car and hurried down the brick sidewalk to the wharf. Should she get their hopes up when most likely Oscar wouldn’t budge? Yes, because they would all be affected by the outcome.
She was fifteen minutes late opening her shop, but she didn’t regret her impulsive action. Customers were waiting by her door, and as soon as she opened it, people poured in. She had no time to think about Oscar or Andy. No time to check her cellphone. Angels, elves, mermaids, pirates, and boats of every kind flew out of her store with happy customers.
During a lull, her store was empty while people were off having lunch. Christina changed the OPEN sign on her door to the WILL RETURN IN THIRTY MINUTES sign.
Andy tapped on the window. At the sight of him, her heart leapt.
“Come in, Andy,” she said.
Andy stepped inside. He waited until Christina had locked the door before he spoke.
“You haven’t returned any of my phone calls.”
For a moment, Christina was speechless. Andy was so very much there, tall, handsome, and to her confusion, casually dressed in jeans and a down ski jacket. Oh, she realized, his good wool coat was probably still drying out. She flashed on the moment he’d raced into the geyser, his strong arms lifting her out and up, cuddling her close to him for warmth, striding into Mimi’s.
And she flashed on Anastasiya standing there, watching…and giving Christina her warm fur hat.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call you,” Christina said. “Yesterday sort of knocked the stuffing out of me. I came back to the store in the afternoon, and it was a madhouse. When I got home, I pretty much collapsed.”
“Are you okay now?”
“I’m fine. I didn’t mean to be so histrionic, but the burst pipe was so shocking, so disorienting…and there you were with Anastasiya.” She lowered her head. She couldn’t meet his eyes. She didn’t want to let him know how much it mattered.
“Did you listen to my messages?”
Christina nodded. “I did.”
“So you know that Anastasiya and I aren’t together in any way. She’s engaged to Wonk. She and I are only friends, and nothing more. You believe me, don’t you?”
“I…I do believe you.” She wanted to rise up on her toes and kiss him passionately. Instead, she said haltingly, “There’s something else. You should know this. Maybe Oscar has already told you.”
“I haven’t spoken with him, except to say good morning. What has he done now?”
“It’s what I’ve done.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
Andy folded his arms and leaned against a shelf. “Tell me.”
“I barged into his house today and interrupted his breakfast. I dared him to stay in my shop for one full hour. If he remains for the entire hour, I’ll pay the rent increase. Of course, I don’t think I can, but that’s another matter. I’m willing to bet he’ll realize the rent shouldn’t be increased.”
“What did he say?”
“He’s coming here tomorrow. At one o’clock.”
Andy laughed. “Christina, I think you’ve just made him a very happy man. My father loves a challenge.”
“I hope the temperature falls and the wind rises,” Christina said. “The weather’s been so mild, he’ll think it’s fine in here.”
Andy put his arms around Christina’s waist and pulled her toward him. “You make my temperature rise, you brilliant woman. I hope y
ou know that whatever happens between you and my father tomorrow, it won’t change how I feel about you. What I hope to have with you.”
“What do you hope to have with me?” Christina asked quietly.
“A future. I hope to have you in my life forever. Christina, I know. Isn’t it the same for you?”
Christina put her hands on Andy’s chest. “I do know. But it’s all happening so fast. It terrifies me, actually. How can I trust it?”
“You’re right. It is happening fast. I guess we both have to trust it every day, and with each passing day, we’ll be more certain.”
Christina smiled. “You’re such a romantic.”
“You’re the one who spends her days with mermaids and pirates,” Andy said.
“They’re make-believe,” Christina whispered as Andy drew her closer.
“But you and I are real,” Andy said. He cupped her head with his hand and brought his lips to her mouth.
Christina melted against him. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back with all the hope and desire and longing she’d been trying to deny. She felt like they were in the very center, the glowing warm heart of the world.
The sound of laughter came from just outside her windows.
“Andy. People are watching,” she said. She pulled away and saw several teenage girls trying to stifle their giggles with their mittened hands.
“I know,” Andy said. “You’ve got to open your store.”
“I do.” She couldn’t stop looking at him.
“I’ll go.” Andy grinned. “Because if I stay, I’ll take you right down onto this cold wooden floor so no one can see what we’re doing.”
“As tempting as that suggestion is, I’m afraid I’ve got to insist you leave.”
“Fine. But look, I’m invited to a Christmas party at a friend’s house tonight. I’d like to take you. Will you come with me?”
Christina hesitated.
“I promise, no serious kissing. But I might hold your hand.”
She smiled. “You’re irresistible. Yes, of course, I’d love to go to a party with you.”
Outside, more people were peering in the window. Someone rapped on the door. She’d been closed for thirty minutes, not that that mattered to eager Christmas shoppers.
“I’ve got to open up.” Christina told Andy.
“I’ll go. And I’ll pick you up tonight around six-thirty. Okay?”
“Okay.”
Christina changed her sign, opened the door, and slipped back behind her counter as the customers flocked in. Andy waited politely for everyone to enter, then winked at Christina and left.
Again, the day flew by as shoppers swarmed into the store, searching for the perfect present. She had no time to close the shop for lunch, but during a lull, Christina managed to text Mimi, Jacob, and Harriet about the challenge she’d given Oscar.
Jacob texted back, I’ll keep my fingers crossed tomorrow.
Mimi texted, High five, darling!
Harriet texted, Wow, Christina, that’s clever. I’m impressed.
Wow, Christina thought, a compliment from Harriet without an accompanying insult.
Her phone buzzed again. P.S., Harriet wrote, Too bad you couldn’t join us for lunch. I made a delicious chicken vegetable soup last night, brought it in a thermos, and shared it with Mimi and Jacob. And I flirted with Jacob. And I was nice! Jacob gave me the sweetest smile.
Christina went warm all over. So Harriet had taken her advice and was softening. Maybe she’d even become pleasant!
Again, her phone buzzed. P.P.S., Harriet texted, but I still wish I knew if Jacob had money. If he even owns a condo on the island, that would clinch the matter for me.
You’re such a romantic, Christina texted back.
She started to put down her phone, when a thought struck her. Harriet, get a copy of the town voter registration. We call it the Nosy Book. It will tell you where Jacob lives and what kind of neighborhood his house is in. Then you can check with the town clerk to see if he owns the house.
Immediately Harriet texted back, Christina, what a good idea! I think you’re my best friend in the world!
Well, that’s a terrifying idea, Christina thought. HEY! her Inner Christina snapped. Don’t be so judgmental. You don’t know what her life has been like, or who she’s dated. Give her a break.
“You’re right,” Christina said aloud. “I will.”
At four o’clock, as darkness fell, customers were few and far between. By six o’clock, Christina had tidied her shop for the next day, prepared her bank bag, and locked her shop door. Business had been great, so she was feeling optimistic, although she stepped gingerly over the bricks as she made her way to her car. Her heart had been warmed by Andy’s visit. She was no longer worried about the gorgeous Anastasiya, and she felt certain that whatever happened with Oscar and the rent, she and Andy were on their way to a serious relationship. Not only was she crazy sexually attracted to the man, she also just plain liked him. He was gorgeous, and he was nice. And he was making her believe that he felt the same way about her.
“What a difference a day makes,” she hummed as she entered her house. Last night she’d been completely exhausted and downhearted. Tonight she was close to floating on air.
“Mittens, my good old feline friend!” She turned on the Christmas tree lights, sat on the sofa, and sweet-talked her cat until Mittens actually jumped in her lap and allowed her to pet her. “I’ve ignored you recently, haven’t I?” she said, running her fingers through her silky fur. “But you know I love you, you gorgeous girl.”
After Mittens decided she’d allowed Christina enough of her time and stalked off to the kitchen to wait indignantly to be fed, Christina fed the cat, took a long, hot shower, and dressed for the party. Andy had told her that their hosts were the Bishops, who lived on Hulbert Avenue. Christina had never met them, but she was looking forward to seeing their house.
She decided to wear her simple black dress and her grandmother’s single strand of pearls with pearl eardrops. Once she would have been intimidated by people with a house on the harbor, but over the years she’d learned that it was the young New York City rich who flaunted their wealth, while the old-moneyed Yankees considered anything more than pearls ostentatious.
Besides, her few moments with Andy earlier in the day had given Christina a glow no jewelry could outdo.
Andy knocked on her door at six-thirty. “I won’t come in,” he said. “If I do, I’ll kiss you, and then we’ll never get to the party.”
“You’re a wise man,” Christina told him. She held his arm and leaned against him as they walked to his car.
The house on Hulbert Avenue was meant for summer, so the décor was casual, with huge paintings of seashells on the walls. The Christmas decorations had been done professionally. Everything was gold and silver and there were frosted white branches and zillions of tiny white lights everywhere.
“This is amazing,” Christina told Andy. “It’s like walking into a different world.”
The other guests were summer people. The women were sleekly gorgeous, glittering with jewels, and the men were tanned and muscular and loud, definitely alpha males. Andy introduced Christina to some of his acquaintances, and she said hello, then listened to conversations about where everyone was flying for Christmas. Secretly, she tried to remember names and which woman wore the emerald earrings or diamond necklace so she could tell Harriet. Several of Andy’s friends were friendly and funny and genuinely interested in what it must be like to live year-round on the island. By the end of the evening, Christina told several couples she hoped they would meet again. And she meant it.
Oscar and Delia arrived together. They made their way through the crowd to greet Andy and Christina. Delia’s diamond earrings were so huge, Christina was surprised her earlobes didn’t sag. Oscar lo
oked distinguished in a red velvet jacket. And as Christina watched him pass through the room, she thought Oscar looked bored out of his mind. Several heavily bejeweled women raced up to him, kissing his cheek, batting their eyelashes. Oscar didn’t look thrilled by the attention. I bet, Christina thought, Oscar seriously misses Janice.
It was the food that thrilled Christina. She had only one glass of champagne, but she couldn’t resist the gourmet delicacies the caterer had prepared. Waiters passed by with trays of barbequed duck and lychee canapés, chorizo and prawn skewers, beef and mozzarella meatballs, polenta and prosciutto chips, thinly sliced sirloin twists on onion toast, and crumbed artichoke hearts with truffle aioli. If she’d had a pocket in her dress, she would have tucked a meatball wrapped in a napkin to take home to Mittens. But she didn’t have a pocket, and she supposed that was a good thing.
After the party, as they drove toward her house, Christina asked Andy if Oscar had told him about her dare.
Andy laughed. “He pretends he’s angry, but truly he’s delighted. No one has had the courage to challenge him for a long time.”
“It’s going to be pretty close quarters in the shed,” Christina said. “I’ve got one stool I sit on behind the counter. I’ll let him use it. I’ll tell him it’s to keep him out of the way, but really I’m worried about him standing for a long time.”
“Nonsense. Oscar Bittlesman could stand all day long if he had to.”
Christina gave Andy a soft look. “I think you might be just a bit unrealistic about your father’s general health.”
Andy shook his head. “Why? He’s only sixty-five. He has a gym in the basement and works out every day. Since he’s lived on the island full-time, his health has actually improved. Cholesterol and blood pressure, down. Sense of humor, up.”
“Let’s hope he has a sense of humor tomorrow,” Christina said.
When they reached her house, Andy kept the car running. He put his arm on the back of her seat. “This is what I’m going to do. I’m going to walk you to the door and say good night. I’m not going to kiss you because it’s night and we’re alone and if I kiss even your cheek, I won’t be able to stop. I know you’ve got a big day tomorrow. I want you to be well rested, and rest is not something I want to do with you.”
