Page 6 of Christmas Cove

Poppy walked towards the door. “I’ll just give you a minute. Let me know how I can help.”

America tapped a finger on the side of her computer. “Some Christmas this is shaping up to be!” she said and typed Christmas Cove into the search bar.

A photo grid appeared on the display. America easily imagined herself amongst the idyllic, snow-covered pines and dancing below twinkling lights. If she had to spend the next week somewhere other than her home, it looked as good a place as any other.

America poked her head out of the door and knocked on the frame. Poppy looked up from her work with a raised brow. “I’m going home to pack,” America said.

“Yes!” Poppy stood and clapped. “I knew you’d be excited to do it.”

“Not exactly,” America said, “but since I have to find somewhere to stay for a week, it might as well be Christmas Cove.”

“Looks like Santa has plans for you this year, after all,” Poppy said.

“Oh, stop!” America turned and reached for her bag. “Can you let the boss know?”

“Already done.”

“What?”

Poppy shrugged. “I figured you would come around, although not in such a dramatic fashion. So, I made the call.” Poppy handed over a paper. “This is your itinerary. The driver will be at your apartment in an hour.”

“You took care of everything. Thank you.” America stopped in her apprehensive quicksand. “You really think I can do this?”

Poppy turned America down the walkway. “I know you can. And if you need anything at all—”

“I know.” America hugged Poppy and kissed both of her cheeks. “I will call you. Thank you for being my biggest cheerleader.”

“Always. Now go.”

The elevator doors opened, and America took the first step from her comfortable life as an editor into the unknowns of becoming a writer. “Merry Christmas,” she said through the narrow gap as the door shut.

CHAPTER4

America tookone last look around the apartment. She gripped the suitcase handle with an uncommon tightness and all but strangled it in her sweaty palm. A list of all the things she didn’t want to forget ran through her head, and she checked each one off.

“Coat? Check. Charger? Check. Computer and notebooks? Yes.” As though the completed checklist wasn’t enough, she gave herself a pep talk. “You got this, America. It’s just a trip in which you get to write notes. No biggie.”

With a nod, she walked from her bedroom through the living area and stopped in front of the Christmas tree. She palmed the hammered metal cross from one of the branches and slipped it into the front pocket of the suitcase for good luck. Taking each of her favorites in hand, she felt the glittery texture of the little farmhouse, and the smooth red velvet of the cardinal wearing a sweater. The gold sheen of the starburst ornament glinted in her eye. Her mother had given it to her last year to remind her to always shine brightly.

That was easier said than done on a day like the one she was having. While operating inside her routine, there was little to fear. But the known was now an unknown. As she turned the lights off and closed the door, she shut out the predictable and invited the unfamiliar to join her adventure.

There was no sign of Ms. Meadows, though America would have liked to say goodbye on her way out. She was no doubt busy putting out metaphorical fires with the city workers and other tenants. Unwelcome news always seems worse during the holidays, and America could sympathize with the landlady. The other tenants weren’t likely to be as kind as America was about the whole thing. So, she taped a Christmas card on Ms. Meadows’s mailbox on her way through the lobby.

Outside, a black SUV waited at the bottom of the stone steps. The driver, recognizing her, opened the door. “Ms. Greene?” he said.

“Yes. Sorry to keep you waiting. I’ll be just a moment.” America rolled her large gold suitcase to him and handed him a tote bag.

While the driver loaded her luggage, America hurried down the street to the corner, where she spotted her little friend. Jessica, the squirrel, with her curled tail and chubby cheeks, sat atop a lower branch. America took out a handful of nuts and a couple of biscuits and placed them on the bench. Jessica looked on and hesitated before spiraling down the tree towards the loot.

“Merry Christmas,” America said and returned to the SUV.

“All ready?” the driver said with a friendly grin.

“As I’ll ever be,” she said and took his hand as she climbed inside the vehicle. “Thank you.”

The driver closed the door and walked around to the driver’s seat. “It’ll be a couple of hours, but we should arrive by five. There’s no weather to account for at this time. If you need anything, you can press the green button on the console in front of you. Otherwise, I’ll see you when we get to your destination. Sit back and relax.”

The man didn’t even take a breath, as though he were a recording. “What’s your name? I’m told not to take rides from strangers,” she joked.

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