Page 37 of Cookie

Thirty-Two

Charlie

“So, what did you get from the café?” I asked, as Ryan grinned from the passenger seat and my curiosity got the better of me.

“Just something for tonight. I didn’t want either of us to have to cook,” he said and reached across the seat to put his hand on my leg.

“You really are the best,” I said and squeezed his hand.

“I’m excited to spend New Year’s Eve with you, and I am so glad we also get to have New Year’s Day off. You know I love working at the store, but with the storms and heavy snow, it’s been a little challenging.”

“For someone who came here from the city less than a year ago and really had no idea what he was in for with the winters here, you’ve done really well. Plus, anyone who visits the bookstore comes back. You’ve turned the store around. I’m proud of you, Ryan,” I said and meant every word. “The whole town is happy with what you’ve done.”

“I hope everyone likes it. I know it’s different from what Millie did, but it was time for a change,” he said, and I knew he was still unsure about everything, even knowing he was doing what was right. “Those puzzles were a great suggestion and got here at just the right time.”

“Maybe we can work on the one you chose out of that last order,” I said, making him laugh.

“I’d love to. Do you think we’ll get more snow this year?”

“Possibly. Sometimes it snows in May,” I said and didn’t have to look at him to know his eyes were about to pop out of his head.

“Are you kidding?”

“Nope. But maybe it won’t this year.”

“I think I need to place another order,” he mumbled under his breath.

“Well, you’ll be relaxing for the next day. No more talk about work.”

“You’re right. Did I tell you how happy I am to spend the next two nights with you at the cabin?”

“Not yet, but I can tell you how happy I am to spend the next two nights with you away from Grace,” I said. “And I’m glad the weather is giving us a break this weekend. At least we won’t have to chop wood or shovel to get to the door.”

“What do you usually do for New Year’s Eve?” Ryan asked.

“Some years I go to my parents’, and we have a nice dinner with a few of the relatives. Other years I’ve gone to the bar but then regretted it the next day, or I’ve stayed home and watched movies. How about you?”

“Well, I used to go downtown to the Lavender Heights neighborhood and bar hop, but like you, I got tired of feeling like shit the next day and started staying home. One year, I went to a party at a friend’s house. That was fun.”

“Maybe we can do that one year,” I said.

“Or maybe we can invite everyone to your beautiful home when the weather is nice. We could have a barbecue,” Ryan said.

“I love that idea. Everyone could play horseshoes or corn hole. I’ve had my family over, but we could invite some friends and people I’m not related to.”

“Your family is wonderful. There is a lot of them, but they’re all very nice,” he said as I turned off the main road and onto the gravel road that led to the cabin. With all the weather, it was torn up here and there, but still passable in the truck. Ryan clung to the Oh Shit bar like his life depended on it until we finally pulled to a stop. “Well, I got my arm workout for the day.” He jumped down and rummaged around for the things he’d brought.

I tried to help him, but he insisted on carrying the bag that held all the goodies. And as soon as we were inside, he walked over to the table in front of the sofa and started taking items out. I built a fire and rubbed my hands together then walked over to where he now sat. “What did you get?” I asked, unable to ignore it any longer.

“Well, I ordered the same meal we shared on our first date at the café.” He looked up at me with a sweet smile. “And a few more surprises for after we eat.”

“You did? I can’t believe you went to the trouble of doing that,” I said and sat next to him.

“It wasn’t any trouble, and I wanted to surprise you. You’re always doing something special for me,” he said and leaned against me for a kiss. “Let’s eat before it gets cold.” We settled in and ate the food he’d brought, much like we did that first time. Both of us eating between sharing details about our day and bites of each other’s food. I loved Ryan. He was easy to talk to, but if neither of us felt like talking, we were both fine with the comfortable silence that settled between us.

“Thank you so much. I know I said I’d cook tonight, but it was nice to just get here and enjoy spending time with you,” I said as we finished eating.

“Well, I hope you still have room for dessert,” Ryan said, and took out cookies and a small cake from the bag.

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