Page 88 of About Last Christmas
I roll my eyes. “You were blocking the entrance, and I was about to take you down, but whatever.”
He chuckles. “How’s everything?”
I know what he means.Everythingmeaning my festive mission. “Okay, I guess.” It’s going horribly, but Fletcher doesn’t need to know that. “Hey, have you heard from Leo, uh, Remington, lately?”
Fletcher shakes his head. “Chief Todd said Remington’s out of town.” He adjusts his collar against the wind. “I told you the man can’t sit still.”
“Ah, I see.” No, I donotsee. Why didn’t Leo tell me he was leaving? Especially after I shared about my background? I’msure it’s only temporary. Not like he up and moved away. I want to say this to Fletcher, but he’s already retreating.
“I have to get to the office.” The wind picks up, disturbing his perfectly styled hair. “If you need anything, let me know.”
I give a parting smile, but my mind’s on Leo. As if my whole system malfunctions, I stop just inside the entrance of the café, next to a potted plant covered in twinkling lights. My brain scrambles for possible scenarios. What if … Leo’s tracking down my Garrick? The thought launches into my brain, then flies right back out. I never told him Candace’s name, first or last. The man couldn’t even locate me last year with full knowledge of my first nameandmy hometown. No, he must’ve left for another reason, and I truly hope it’s not because I scared him off.
All momentum for Operation Elana is lost. I can’t think straight, let alone be clever enough to glean information from the woman. But time is ticking. Tilly only has a half hour before she has to return. I need to get something right this week. After a few deep breaths, I spot Elana at the counter, just as Tilly described. I nab the stool two down from my target. Apparently, I’m using spy jargon now. Whatever works to keep me motivated on this assignment and not think of kisses beneath a candied mistletoe. Elana glances over and smiles. She’s probably ten years older than me and has excellent taste in handbags.
The barista takes my order, and once he walks away, I say. “It’s freezing out, but I will forever order iced coffee.”
“Me too.” She lifts her drink in solidarity.
I don’t expect to give an Oscar-worthy performance. My Christmas pageant era only taught me that I don’t have the right facial structure to pull off wearing a foam star on my head, but I give it a go anyway. “Wait, are you Elana Keller?”
She smiles. “I am.”
“I-I think we have a mutual friend.” I intended to mention Tilly, but with a surge of boldness, I dive right in. “Yourneighbor, I think. She lives on Bryan Lane.” I make a show of putting my hand to my brow. “Man, my brain needs caffeine because I remembered your name, but hers isn’t coming to me. She’s older and is going through a really rough patch.”
“You mean Adelaide?”
“Springfield?” My face drops.
“Yeah, that’s her. She’s my neighbor.”
Looks like I wasn’t fibbing after all. Adelaide Springfieldisa mutual acquaintance. Though I had no idea she’s the woman from Elana’s Secret Santa letter.
Elana claims the stool beside mine as if we’re instant friends. “I just feel so bad for her. Her husband got injured on the job, and his employer won’t take responsibility. So now they have no income because she can’t work either, since she’s taking care of him.” She shakes her head slowly, her bobbed hair sliding against her jaw. “I think she’s becoming desperate for money.”
“I’ve noticed that too.” Mostly because she’s been trying to con me out of thousands for several months. Now I understand why she’s amped up her visits to The Memory Bank. But I didn’t realize Adelaide had become a caregiver. My heart softens. While I was supporting Gran, I never had any financial setbacks, but I can imagine how that would add so much more pressure to the caregiving role.
“I wish I could help her,” I say with all the concern I feel, hoping that Elana takes the bait.
“Me too. I wrote to that community thing they have every year. The Secret Santa. I’m hoping they will help her. I think she might be slipping into debt. It’s awful during any time of the year, but especially tough during the holiday season, you know?”
I’m about to respond, but the very topic of our conversation is scurrying past the Brewtiful Grounds window, carrying a large box.
I know exactly where she’s going.
CHAPTER 26
After a rushed goodbye to Elana,I race toward The Memory Bank. Tilly is fabulous, but she’s not mentally ready for an Adelaide encounter. The older woman’s load is cumbersome, slowing her steps and giving me a chance to catch up to her.
“Oh!” Adelaide squeaks as I reach for the handle at the same time as her. “I thought you were inside.”
“My friend’s covering for me. Here, let me help you with that.” I prop open the door with my foot, and to my surprise, Adelaide lets me take the large cardboard box off her hands.
“Be careful with it.” Her panicky voice follows me inside.
Tilly’s behind the counter, scrolling on her phone. She sees me and hops to her feet. “Success?” Her eyes are bright with anticipation, which makes my heart happy all over again that she’s in on this secret.
I give a quick nod. “All because of you.” I set the box on the counter and squeeze my friend in a hug. “Thanks, girl. I owe you.”
