Page 16 of Jam and Jingle Bells
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my life. I own a successful business, I have a great family and group of friends, I do what I want when I want, and I report to no one but myself. Owning a business made alone time hard to come by and during the early years I cherished it, but lately, there was just too much of it. I found ways to avoid sitting in my apartment alone, and that usually involved working too late or hanging out at the diner too long. It was a sad and pathetic state of affairs.
“It’s beautiful,” a voice said behind me and I twisted so fast I nearly fell off the railing. I grabbed at it just as he grabbed my coat and pulled me forward, right into his chest. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you,” he said, his breath warm on my cheek. He helped me stand on the gazebo floor again and held my upper arms.
“Hey, Ellis,” I said, not making eye contact. “It’s no problem. I’m always taken by its beauty and forget to pay attention to my surroundings,” I said, motioning at the tree.
He nodded his agreement, but his eyes weren’t on the tree. “It’s breathtaking, or maybe it’s the woman standing in front of the tree that makes it breathtaking.”
I smiled shyly and dropped my gaze to the floor. “Thanks, but I already know it’s impossible to top the beauty that is our Bells Pass Christmas Tree.”
“I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” He sighed heavily. “I’m glad I caught up with you before you left the park. I wanted to apologize again for last night.”
I held up my hand to stop him. “Ellis, seriously, you don’t have to worry about it. I shouldn’t have begged you to come.”
He grimaced and tipped my chin up with his finger. “You didn’t beg me, and I was planning on coming. I’m sorry I didn’t call. I didn’t have your number and I didn’t even think to call the salon. I don’t know where you live, either.”
I rested my hand on his shoulder. “Hey, stop. You don’t have to keep apologizing. I understand and I’m not upset, other than at myself for putting you in an awkward situation. I realized afterward that you probably wouldn’t come, but it pleases me to know you planned on it.”
He shook his head while he held my eyes. “I don’t say something I don’t mean. My mother would be extremely disappointed in me to know I stood you up and didn’t call. She had no time for that kind of disrespect.”
“Ellis, don’t be so hard on yourself. I’m sure your mom would understand the situation considering what happened last night. Did you call her and let her know you’re okay?”
His smile faded and he broke eye contact. “Wish I could, but she passed away from cancer when I was a teenager.”
I lowered my hand to his chest. “I’m sorry, Ellis. Open mouth, insert foot, Addie.” I gave him a weak smile.
“You didn’t know.”
“If it matters, I think she’d be ridiculously proud of you right now if she was here.”
He shrugged and I tapped him gently in the chest. “Seriously, Ellis, stop worrying about it. I’ll admit I was a little hurt that you didn’t show up, but it all makes sense now.”
“Maybe that means you’ll let me take you to dinner tomorrow night to make up for last night?”
“Dinner?” I asked slowly. “Like out somewhere?”
His eyes filled with worry and he tripped over his next words. “I mean, only if you want to. If you don’t, that’s fine, I understand. I just didn’t want you to think I didn’t appreciate your hospitality in inviting me yesterday, and—”
I put my finger to his lips. “I’d love to go to dinner with you tomorrow night,” I whispered. “I have clients until noon, but then I’m done for the day.”
I removed my finger and he smiled, his head nodding. “I could pick you up at seven?”
“That sounds perfect.”
He laid his hand over mine on his chest. “You pick the place. The only restaurant I’ve checked out has been the diner, so I’m open to a new experience.” He snapped his fingers. “Oh, and I always order Pip’s Pizza but I’ve never been there.”
I raised one brow. “Really? Oh, I know a few great places. If you give me your phone I’ll put in my number. That way you can get ahold of me if plans change. You can always call the salon, but that’s an extra step.”
He wore a sheepish expression when he handed over his phone. “Guess we should have done that yesterday, huh?” he asked while I typed a new contact into his phone.
“It’s all good.” I threw a smile his way as I handed the phone back. “You’ve got my number now.”
He typed into the phone and my own dinged. I pulled it out and eyed it, chuckling at the text he sent.I promise not to stand you up this time. I’m looking forward to it.
I held up the phone. “Me too.”
“Where should I pick you up, or would you rather meet at the restaurant?”
I threw my head back and laughed, the giggles rippling through my body happily. “I’m sorry, I suppose that would be helpful. You can pick me up at the salon.”
