Page 20 of The Holiday Grump
I blew out a sigh. “Not even one. Some people put in zero effort. It’s sad, really.”
He gave a dry chuckle. “If you ever tell him that, I want to be there. That man spends more on hair products than I spend on groceries.”
“We’ll make a night of it,” I promised. “He’ll be thoroughly scandalized.”
He laughed again, shaking his head. “We’ve known each other since kindergarten. Jackson’s always been there for me, but we live different lives. He’s a lot more outgoing. Never brings the girls home.”
His tone carried a warning.
“Don’t worry. I stick to the elbow patches and the men who never leave their homes.”
“Ouch.”
I winced. “Oh no! I was joking.”
“It’s true. I don’t go anywhere.” His voice turned bleak.
“I’m sorry I brought you here. I could have picked up the pies.” I glanced toward the café. “Actually, I’d love some coffee with mine. I’ll do that by myself, okay?”
I nodded at Love at First Sip, its pink door beckoning me. I expected him to head back to his store, but he followed and stopped at the entrance. “I’ll… wait here.”
As I stepped in, the silver-haired woman behind the counter perked up. She was timelessly beautiful and surrounded by happy pops of color. Candy cane earringsdangled above her pink blouse, while matching mugs lined the counter. She quickly finished with a customer, then hurried toward me with a wide, eager smile. “Hello! You must be Noelle! Come in! Let’s get to know you.”
“Ye…es. How did you know?”
Her smile deepened. “Word travels fast around here. I’m Eileen, the owner.”
She walked me to a table by the window, ushering a white-haired man to the side. “Scoot, Wayne. We have a special guest.”
Wayne grunted, sliding his chair two inches over.
“I’m just here for coffee,” I said apologetically. “To go.”
“Oh no! Are you in a hurry?”
I made the mistake of glancing out the window, where Fredrik stood waiting. Eileen followed my gaze and shook her head. “That fool! What is he doing standing out there?”
I noticed several patrons had paused their conversations, sneaking glances. At least I could spare Fredrik from it.
I paid at the counter. All the drinks were named after romance heroes, so I picked a Fabio for myself and asked what Fredrik usually ordered.
Eileen bit back a smile. “I make him a special I call the Grump.”
“Sounds fitting.”
After promising to come back for a proper chat, I took the coffees and rushed outside.
“You didn’t have to bring me anything,” he said, taking the cup. “But thank you. It’s freezing.”
“Eileen knew who I was,” I said. “How would she?—”
“My sister.”
“Ah.” My stomach knotted. “Is she… well connected?”
“You mean a huge gossip? Yes.”
Had she told Eileen about my past? The question burned in my mind as we walked. He guided me across the street, steadying me when a car passed.
