Page 6 of Christmas Treasures

He placed a hand on the counter, afraid he might pass out. Cheese was the least of his problems. “Take it.”

The bluster went right out of her. “Did you say take it?

“Yeah, it’s fine. You can pay me what I paid for it.”

She narrowed her eyes and placed her hands on her hips. “What’s your angle?”

“Angle?”

“No one just gives in like that. Not in business, anyway.”

“I don’t know what kind of business you were in, but in Vermont, we don’t cut each other’s throats over a chunk of cheese. As excited as I was to share it with my customers, if it was promised to you, I won’t stand in your way. I understand what it’s like to promise something to your customers and find out you can’t give it to them.”

“I had the menus printed up,” she said under her breath.

“It’s a great pizza. I thoroughly enjoyed it earlier, if you remember?”

She stared at him blankly. Maybe she didn’t recall their earlier interaction?

He opened the deli case, took out the four wheels, and set them back into the package they came in.

“What do I owe you for them?”

He gave her the invoice.

She cursed softly. “That snake. He’s charging you way less than he did me.”

“Oh? Weird.”

“Just when I thought the locals were really starting to accept me.”

He mumbled sympathetically, but his mind was halfway around the world.

“What’s wrong with you?” Charlie asked, tilting her head. “Are you ill?”

He brushed his hands through his hair. “I’ve just had a bit of a shock. Right before you came in.”

She let out a whoosh of air. “I’m sorry. Is it something bad? Did you lose someone?”

“Kind of, yeah.”And gained someone.He hesitated, rubbing his face, unsure of what to even say. “It’s…complicated. Family stuff. Unexpected news.”

Charlie’s brow softened. “I’m sorry.” Her voice lost its edge, replaced by genuine warmth, hesitant but seemingly real. “I didn’t mean to pile on to whatever you’re going through. If there’s…anything I can do, just let me know.” She broke off awkwardly, shrugging one shoulder. “I feel stupid about the cheese now.”

Despite his angst, that made him smile. “Don’t be. But it does put things into perspective.”

She paused, seeming to debate with herself about whether to say more. Then she reached out, briefly brushing his forearm with her fingertips. “I hope everything turns out okay.”

Touched, he nodded. “Thank you. I appreciate it.” He gestured toward the box of cheese. “Do you need help getting it out of the car?”

“No, I’ve got it. Take care of yourself.” She slid the box off the counter and into her arms.

Max didn’t see her leave. He was too busy thinking about what in the world to do next.

2

CHARLIE

Stomach in knots, Charlie set the reclaimed wood box on the prep counter of her restaurant. Four wheels of Bramblewood Ash cheese nestled inside like hidden treasure, still cool from Max’s deli case, was no joke. Yet the victory felt hollow, given Max’s obviously troubled state. He’d clearly had more important things on his mind than cheese. Still, handing over the cheese without a fight had been unexpected. She had spent many years battling men during her time in tech, so she had been prepared for a more ruthless reaction.

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