Page 54 of Savoring Christmas
He’d chosen one with Santa wearing aviator sunglasses and crossing his arms, with “Naughty List Enforcement Unit” printed across the chest. “You’ll see worse before the night’s over.”
“I can’t wait.”
Logan held the car door open for her and she slid into the passenger seat.
The drive toward Charlie and Max’s was quiet at first, snow drifting lazily through the beams of his headlights. He could feel the tension radiating off her. She didn’t want to tell him that she’d already made her decision. He could feel it.
“How did your meeting go?” Logan gripped the steering wheel, bracing himself.
“It was good. I still can’t believe they thought of me for it. The concept’s absolutely perfect for me. It’s a modern flagship Italian restaurant in the Flatiron District, built around authentic regional dishes. They want it to feel like gathering at an Italian family table, with my own twists on the classics. I would have full creative control over the menu, as well as decor and staff.”
Logan kept his eyes on the snowy road ahead. “Sounds hard to pass up.”
“It would be my chance for a comeback.”
He nodded, jaw tight. “That’s a big deal.”
“It is. I’m happy here. But it’s hard not to be a little excited about this.”
He nodded, forcing himself to sound supportive when inside he felt like he might be dying. “That sounds incredible. You’ve worked hard for this kind of offer.”
“I know. It’s just that I love it here. I’m finally feeling like I belong here. Would I be foolish to turn it down?”
Her words landed heavy in his chest, but he managed a smile. “Only you can answer that question.”
“Is that true? Or do you want to weigh in? You know, from a boyfriend type of perspective.”
“I don’t want to hold you back,” Logan said.
She didn’t say anything, turning to look out her window.
“How did you end it with them?” Logan held his breath.
“I told them I needed a few days to think about it.”
A few days. In a few days, his heart was about to be broken into a thousand pieces. It would take a fool not to see that as clearly as the Christmas lights on Max and Charlie’s house.
They pulled up the long drive to the farmhouse. Charlie had gone all in on Christmas. Wreaths hung in every window, garlands entwined with twinkling lights draped along the porch rail, and two big trees inside glittered through the front windows.
When he held open the car door for her, she placed her hand on his arm. “Please, let’s just have fun tonight and not think about all of this.”
“Sounds good.” But that was a lie. How could he think of anything else but the possibility that she might leave him?
Inside, the house was warm and noisy, the scent of spiced cider mingling with pine. Charlie greeted them at the door, her ugly sweater covered in appliqué poinsettias. “Come in, come in. Merry Christmas.”
Max swept over in his own sweater, which featured a moose wearing sunglasses and a Santa hat. “It’s about time you two got here. I’m already two drinks in. And those are some ugly sweaters.”
Mia laughed. “I was pretty thrilled to find this one on short notice.”
“You did good,” Max said. “You both did.”
Logan grinned. “I’ve had this one since October.”
Walking into the house, Logan and Mia noticed Logan’s nieces and nephews gathered with Patty’s kids near one of the two trees, laughing and sucking on candy canes.
Patty appeared a moment later, wearing a green and red plaid sweater. “You guys, I have news. Grant Stratton offered me the housekeeping position. I start after the holidays. And we’re moving into the guest cottage, which is bigger than my current rental and is brand new. It even has three bedrooms, so Benji doesn’t have to share with the girls. I can’t thank you enough. This is all because of you two.”
“That’s wonderful, Patty,” Mia said warmly, her eyes lighting. “He made the decision so quickly.”
