Page 19 of Christmas Promises

Drew shook her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” Laney took a moment to study him. So, this was the old boyfriend. Broad shoulders and good posture hinted at his military background. He had an air of self-assurance and discipline. Closely cropped salt-and-pepper hair framed his chiseled features and highlighted a pair of captivating blue eyes. He wore a pair of dark-washed jeans and a cashmere sweater that complemented his muscular torso.

There was an intensity to him but also compassion. She suspected he was a man who had seen the best and worst of times yet remained steady and positive. He also exuded an air of authority and respectability.

She was pretty sure he wasn’t a serial killer.

In fact, it was not a stretch to imagine why Aunt Edna had been madly in love with him.

“What brings you to Vermont?” Laney asked.

“I was just passing through on my way to visit my daughter. She lives just north of here. About an hour, according to GPS. I’d heard Edna was still here in Sugarville Grove. We haven’t seen each other in forty-two years, but I took the chance she might want to visit with an old friend.”

“He looks even better than the last time I saw him,” Edna said. “Which is entirely ridiculous.”

“Your aunt looks well too, don’t you think?” Drew fixed his gaze on Edna for a moment before seeming to realize he was staring and turned back to Laney.

“I think she looks exceptionally well,” Laney said loyally. It was all true though. Her aunt had practiced yoga almost every day of her adult life and it showed in her youthful physique.

“We’re going to lunch over at the Moose,” Edna said. “Would you care to join us?”

Laney hesitated, trying to read between the lines. Did she want her to come? No, she would not join them. They would want to reminisce, not make polite conversation with her. “Thank you, but no. I’m going to grab a slice of pizza and then hurry back to put up the store’s Christmas tree.”

“Bless you, kiddo,” Edna said. “Do you know this is the first holiday season that I’ve had help decorating? For years I did it alone after the shop closed.”

“You have me now,” Laney said. “Go to lunch. I’ll handle everything while you’re out.”

Laney turned once more to Drew, reiterating how nice it was to meet him, and then hustled out of there. The two of them had a lot of catching up to do, and she had no intention of getting in the way. She had never seen her aunt’s eyes sparkle the way they had just now.

The downtown areaof Sugarville Grove had the holiday spirit, with lights and garlands and gorgeous window displays in every store. Laney buttoned up her coat as she headed down the block and across the street to Sugarville Slice. Her aunt had told her that the pizza place was owned by an enigma of a woman named Charlie Kane. According to Aunt Edna, this Charlie was rumored to be a retired tech billionaire. Laney doubted that was true. The way rumors ran rampant in a small town, it was probably just fodder. Regardless, Laney was curious to see this woman who had managed to keep her privacy despite the nosy neighbors vibe of Sugarville Grove.

She walked through the door, immediately bombarded by the scents of sauce and woodsmoke from the pizza oven. There was a separate line to order a lone slice, so she took a place at the end and surveyed the menu that hung above the counter. They had mostly familiar types of pizza, only they were named with adorable references to Vermont. She decided to go with the Winter Warmer, with roasted potatoes, Vermont cheddar cheese, rosemary, and crispy bacon.

Her mother would not approve.

It was only one slice. With all the physical activity of the morning, surely it wouldn’t immediately pump up her thighs?

The woman behind the counter was about Laney’s age. Dark-skinned, with big brown eyes and hair swept into one of those cool buns that left the ends sticking out. Laney could never get her slippery hair to stay that way.

When it was her turn, Laney asked for a slice of the Winter Warmer. The woman’s badge read Charlie. This was the owner? Laney had imagined her older. She was young to be a billionaire, but maybe the rumors were true? Again, she doubted it.

“Are you new to town or just visiting?” Charlie asked as she reached into the glass pizza display for Laney’s slice.

“I’m visiting. My aunt owns the bookstore, and I’m helping out for the holidays.”

“Your aunt’s a wonderful lady. She always knows what books to recommend to me.”

“She loves that part of her job the most.”

“Can I get you anything else?” Charlie asked.

“No. One slice is fine.”

“My father always said only one slice was blasphemy, but he took his pizza very seriously.”

Laney wanted to ask about her father and whether she’d inherited this place from him but there was a long line, so she took her slice and headed over to the register to order a soda and pay her bill.

As she took a seat at the counter by the window, it occurred to her—there were no holiday decorations of any kind in here. Why? Perhaps she didn’t celebrate Christmas? The idea sounded very sad to Laney but to each her own, right? Maybe she practiced a different religion. These days, it was good to be careful and not make assumptions.

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