Page 1 of Brewing Up Christmas

Winter Blues and Unexpected Magic

Eli leaned against the bar, arms folded across his chest as he stared out the fogged-up windows of Harbor Craft Brewing. The dim lights inside did little to lift his mood. Outside, the wind howled, rattling the windows, and the occasional car headlights streaked across the snow-dusted streets. Christmas lights lined the town, but even the twinkling lights couldn’t cut through the gloom that seemed to settle over Bayshore every winter.

He hated this time of year. The cold had a way of biting through his jacket, sinking into his bones, making the quiet coastal town feel lifeless. The ocean lay still, flat as glass—no waves to catch, no rhythm to break the monotony. His surfboard, propped against the wall behind the bar, felt like a taunt, a reminder of everything that summer promised but winter took away.

The town itself seemed to have lost its spark. Gone was the hum of summer, the easy laughter drifting from beachside cafes, the warm breeze carrying the scent of salt and sunscreen. He missed the buzz, the energy that came with the season—the sun, the waves… and the sundresses. God, the sundresses. He could almost picture them now, flowing in the breeze, teasing him with the warmth and beauty of sun-kissed skin.

But instead, here he was. Trapped behind the bar, pulling another double shift. The holiday crowd, once expected to bring life, was nowhere to be found. Just the quiet, the cold, and the empty seats mocking him like the surfboard.

The bar was crowded if a crowd could be made of five people, mostly regulars looking for something to warm them up. Eli poured drinks with his usual charm, his grin doing half the work while his hands worked the taps.

“Hey, Eli,” a familiar voice called out from the end of the bar. One of the locals, Kayla, raised her glass with a wink.

“Feeling festive yet?”

“Not a chance,” Eli replied with a chuckle. “Winter’s just another excuse to drink.”

She laughed, but there was something hollow in it, and Eli couldn’t help but agree.

Holiday cheer?

More like a holiday drear.

As he poured another pint, the front door of the brewery swung open with a gust of icy wind, and Eli barely glanced up. Another night, another customer looking to escape the cold. But then he felt it—an odd warmth that cut through the chill, like someone had lit a candle in the center of the room.

He looked up, and there she was.

She walked in like she owned the place—long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders, dressed in a pristine white coat that shimmered against the dull surroundings. Her boots barely made a sound against the wooden floors, but her presence was louder than the storm outside.

Eli couldn’t tear his eyes away.

“Welcome to Harbor Craft,” he said, sliding the freshly poured drink across the counter to Kayla without even looking at her. His focus was entirely on the new arrival.

She made her way to the bar, her gaze locking on him. Her eyes—blue, like the sky after a snowstorm—sparkled as she took a seat directly in front of him.

“Cold night,” she said softly, her voice warm despite the words.

“You could say that.” Eli leaned in slightly, giving her his best bartender smile. “What can I get you?”

She tilted her head, studying him for a moment before answering. “Something strong. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long night.”

Eli chuckled, reaching for a glass.

“I like your style.”

He poured her a bourbon, neat, sliding it across the bar with a practiced motion. She took it, her fingers brushing his for a second—just long enough for him to feel the warmth radiating from her touch. It sent a jolt through him, something unfamiliar and almost... electric.

“New in town?” he asked, leaning back casually, trying to shake off the odd sensation.

“Just passing through,” she replied, taking a slow sip. “Thought I’d stop by, see what the locals are like.”

“Well, you picked the right place. I’m Eli.”

He extended a hand, and she took it, her grip surprisingly firm for someone who looked so delicate.

“Angelina,” she said with a small smile, though there was something behind it—something mysterious.

“So, Angelina, what brings you to our quiet little town?” Eli kept the conversation light, but there was something about her that made him curious. She didn’tlook like the type to just pass through. She shrugged, taking another sip of her drink.

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