Page 31 of Pine Creek Lodge
Despite herself, Nat felt a laugh bubble up, and she accepted the cookie half from her father.
The movie's opening credits had just started rolling when the doorbell rang, and they all jumped, startled by the unexpected sound. Even Moxie lifted her head, ears perked in curiosity.
"Who could that be?" her father wondered aloud, checking his watch. "At this hour? On Christmas Eve?"
Her mother was heading for the door, adjusting her cardigan as she went. "Maybe it's Mrs. Henderson from next door," she suggested. "She often drops by with her Christmas pudding."
But Nat knew Mrs. Henderson would have called first – she always did. Besides, through the frosted glass panels oftheir front door, she could make out a tall, solitary figure that definitely wasn't their elderly neighbor.
Her heart started racing, though she told herself not to be ridiculous. It couldn't be... could it?
Chapter Twenty-Three
Following her mother to the front door, Nat’s heart was hammering against her ribs. Through the frosted glass, she could make out a tall figure, their shadow casting long against the porch light. She hung back slightly, not quite trusting her legs to carry her forward, as her mother reached for the handle.
The door swung open, and Nat's breath caught in her throat. There stood Sofia, still wearing the cream cashmere sweater she'd chosen earlier, though now there were snowflakes caught in her dark hair. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, and her eyes—those whiskey-colored eyes that had captivated Nat from the start—were red-rimmed and tired looking.
"I'm so sorry to show up unannounced," Sofia said, her voice slightly breathless. "Especially on Christmas Eve. But I'd love to speak with Nat, if that's possible?" Her gaze found Nat's over her mother's shoulder, and the intensity there made Nat's pulse quicken.
Nat could feel her family's presence, though none of them spoke, and the weight of their silent observation pressed against her back.
"How did you find me?" she asked, stepping closer as her mother retreated.
Sofia shrugged. "There's only one bakery in town," she said. "You told me you live above it, and your family lives next door." She shifted her weight, uncertainty creeping into her expression. "I hope it's okay that I came. Will you please talk to me?"
Nat stood frozen for a moment, her mind racing. She thought of Carla, back at the lodge. "What about?—"
"Please," Sofia interrupted, taking a small step forward. "Can we talk?"
Nat finally opened the door wider. The blast of cold air that rushed in made her shiver. She glanced over her shoulder at her family, who were all trying (and failing) to appear as if they weren't hanging on every word.
"Maybe we should go to my apartment," she suggested, turning back to Sofia. At least there, they'd have privacy. And if things went poorly, she could crawl into bed and pull the covers over her head as she'd planned.
Sofia nodded, relief washing over her features. "Yes, I'd like that."
Nat grabbed her coat from the hook, avoiding her family's eager stares. "I'll be back," she said to no one in particular.
They walked in silence through the snow to the bakery's side entrance, where steep stairs led to Nat's apartment.
The space felt even smaller somehow with Sofia in it. The tiny Christmas tree in the corner now looked a little silly, and Nat suddenly saw her home through new eyes—the secondhand couch with its mismatched throw pillows, the small kitchen with its cluttered counter, the stack of cookbooks threatening to topple over on her coffee table. It was nothing like the luxury Sofia was used to.
Sofia sat on the couch, patting the space next to her, but Nat cleared her throat, feeling awkward. “I’m sorry about themess,” she said, snatching up a coffee mug and a plate with breadcrumbs still on it. “If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve?—”
“No, please.” Sofia reached out, taking her hand. “It’s lovely,” she said, her eyes sweeping around the apartment with a softness that caught Nat off guard. “It’s nice to see where you live. It’s cozy, sweet… it really reflects your personality.”
Nat hesitated, a small, uncertain smile tugging at her lips. She finally settled into the seat beside Sofia, their knees touching, and for a moment, they simply stared at each other.
Sofia’s hand remained over Nat’s, her touch light but steady. “I’m so sorry, Nat. For Carla showing up like that, for putting you in that position.”
“It’s okay,” Nat said, keeping a brave face. “It’s none of my business.”
Sofia shook her head. “Itisyour business. After our time together… I can only imagine how uncomfortable it must have been for you when Carla showed up, especially when she asked you to make her a coffee.” She lowered her gaze, a shadow crossing her face. “I swear I didn’t know she was coming.”
“I know.” Nat swallowed, torn between the anger still simmering inside her and the sincerity in Sofia’s voice, the hint of regret in her eyes. “How did it go?” she asked. “Will she be staying with you for the remainder of your stay?” She could barely get the question out, the thought of tending to them both for the rest of the holiday twisting her stomach.
“No, no…” Sofia’s eyes widened, a look of shock and disbelief on her face. “Just so we’re clear, there’s been no reconciliation…”
“I don’t know what to think, Sofia,” Nat admitted, looking away. “I’ll be honest, it was really hard to watch all of that unfold earlier. But Carla is there… And she’s staying?”
