Page 12 of Savoring Christmas
“I know you’re right, but shouldn’t every kid have a dog if they want one?”
“In theory, but that’s not the reality for a lot of folks,” Mia said.
“I grew up on a farm, so we always had animals. I never really thought how lucky my brothers and I were. We weren’t rich, but we always had more than enough to eat. That whole situation’s really sad.”
“I wonder what happened to her husband?” Mia asked.
“My mom told me he was a police officer killed in the line of duty. They were in Chicago then but moved here some time after that.”
“How does your mother know that?” Mia asked.
“Honestly, she kind of knows everything about everyone in Sugarville Grove. She and Kris share a lot of information with each other. Some call them gossips, but I know it comes from a good place. They’re just interested in the people who live here.”
“Maybe they can help us figure out what to do for Patty and her kids,” Mia said.
“I’ll ask Mom. But I’m sure Kris noticed it tonight too, so he’s probably already sent her a text.”
That made Mia laugh, which pleased him more than it should.
By then they were at their cars. Logan waited while Mia unlocked her car and placed her bag on the back seat, then straightened and gave him a smile. “Thanks for escorting me out. That was very thoughtful of you.”
He thought about giving Kris the credit but decided not to. “You’re a great teacher,” Logan said. “I had more fun than I thought I would.”
“Me too, actually.” Her quiet laugh caught him off guard.
“I was surprised how everyone opened up about why they were here,” Logan said. “It was touching.”
“I thought so too.” Her shoulders rose and fell in a quick, dismissive motion. “I hadn’t planned on sharing my reasons so honestly either.”
Giving it further thought, she said, “It just takes one person to open up to give everyone else permission to do so. I’m glad I didn’t talk myself out of this. I have to admit, it was touch and go there for a bit.”
“I’m sorry you’ve struggled to meet people here,” Logan said. “I always think of us as a welcoming community.”
“Oh, it’s all on me. At first, I was just busy getting the restaurant going. But as the months wore on, I found myself more and more isolated. The more I stayed home, the harder it was to get myself out there. I’m not the best with social things.”
“It doesn’t seem that way.”
“Really?”
“You were so easy with everyone tonight. In fact, it was because of you that everyone opened up right away. I found it impressive. You’re impressive in general.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it,” Mia said, ducking her chin. “I was so nervous. On the drive here tonight, I kept wishing I hadn’t decided to do this. But then it turned out to be fun. It reminded me of working with my staff at my restaurant in New York. Before we shut down.”
“What happened that you had to shut down?”
She sighed and looked up at the clear sky, where stars twinkled down at them. “It’s a long story. Basically, it wasfinancial. I couldn’t keep it running after …a bad investment decision.”
“That must have been hard.” Frost had sketched delicate patterns across the car window. Logan found himself tracing one with his fingertip before he realized what he was doing and yanked back his hand.
“It was, yes,” Mia said. “I should go. It’s getting late, and I have a bit of a drive.”
“Yes, please be careful,” Logan said. “Roads might be slick.”
“I will.” She smiled up at him. “Practice your knife skills before Thursday.”
He laughed. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Good. I’ll see you Thursday.”
