Page 4 of Jam and Jingle Bells
He nodded, his eyes rolling toward the ceiling. “The studio has been crazy, but I can’t complain. I didn’t realize how far parents would travel to bring their kids to yoga. Anyway, I just closed up for the night and wasn’t in the mood for food from a can.”
I turned my lips up in distaste. “Food from a can?”
He chuckled in a self-deprecating way. “You know, Dinty Moore Beef Stew, Chef Boyardee. Should I continue?”
I held my hand up. “Please stop. I take it cooking isn’t your forte?”
He rolled his eyes again. “Not unless it involves a can opener and a microwave.”
My nose turned up at the idea. “Sounds unappealing, but at least you have The Nightingale Diner where nothing is from a can. I just ordered the daily special. Tater Tot Hotdish with rolls and pie.”
He whimpered a little and then sighed. “I’m so hungry I could eat two servings.”
I held up a finger and scooted around the counter. “Hey, Lance,” I called to the cook at the stove.
“Something wrong, Addie?” He spun toward me and his usual boyish charm oozed from every pore. He brandished his spatula like a knife and jammed to the tunes on his headphones.
“No, but would you add a double order of the special along with mine and have Becca bring it all to booth four?” I asked. “My friend Ellis here is starving.”
He waved his spatula in acknowledgment and I grabbed my coffee cup then motioned for Ellis to follow me. We sat opposite each other and Becca waltzed over with the coffee pot.
“Since Addie did my job for me, can I get you some coffee?” she asked, her smile teasing and her tone jovial.
He waved his hand at the coffee pot. “No coffee, but thank you. Do you have hot chocolate?”
She lifted a brow at me before answering. “Do we have hot chocolate? What does this look like? Amateur hour?”
He managed to keep a straight face but I could see the twinkle in his eye. “A hot chocolate would be fantastic.”
Becca headed toward the counter and I patted his hand. “Sorry about my forwardness, but I would love the company for dinner and I know you’ll love the special.”
He waved away my words and leaned back when Becca brought his cocoa. “Thanks.” He offered her one of his boyish smiles. “It’s been a long day.”
Becca squeezed his shoulder. “I hear ya, buddy. I’ll have your food out shortly.”
“Long day, huh?” I asked after she disappeared again. “I have to say, you wear Santa well.”
He glanced down at his shirt and then snickered. “Thanks, the kids love it, what with my hair and all.”
I took in the whole package as he sat before me. He wore black yoga pants and a tacky as hell long sleeve shirt that looked like Santa’s coat. His white hair and gentle beard did fill out the rest of the look, even if his hair wasn’t as long as Santa’s.
“Your hair needs a trim again.” I motioned at the long shock of white hair hanging over his eyes.
He looked up and blew at it until it ruffled in the breeze. “I know, but your salon is never open when I’m done with work.”
I leaned over the table. “My dude, for Santa, I’m always open. Seriously, when we finish eating, my salon is waiting.”
A smile filled his face and he nodded once. “I do need it cut since the holidays are coming, but I’ll make an appointment for a time earlier than seven o’clock at night. That’s above and beyond, Addie.”
I waved my hand at him. “No worries. I’m not open tomorrow and don’t have to be anywhere until eleven anyway. I can sneak in a haircut for you and still be in bed by ten.”
He gripped his mug and nodded once. “Okay, if you’re sure.”
“I’m sure. So, tell me, how long have you worked as a yoga instructor?” I asked conversationally. “You’re my age, right?”
He chuckled and sipped his cocoa. “You’re twenty-five?”
I pointed at him. “Yep. I’ll be twenty-six on January first.”
