Page 16 of Wintertime Love (Holiday 2)

It’s around four and the diner is near to empty except for Lucia who’s had a half day at work since it’s Friday.

Then there’s Danny as well, as he never seems to have to show up to work, apparently.

Jerry is sitting in a corner booth, minding his own business as he does a crossword puzzle in the paper.

I’m sprawled in one of the booths with both my friends sitting across from me. My shoes are on the floor and I have my back against the wall, my legs stretched out on the seat. A cup of coffee and a slice of cake is lying next to my elbow. “Jerry, if you’re here, who’s minding the store?” I call out.

“It’ll mind itself.” He cackles, not even looking up. “Who’s going to come and steal my flowers, eh?”

I let out a yawn. “Why are you guys always here?”

“We get a ten percent discount on dessert,” Danny informs me, shoveling a spoonful of cake in his mouth. “Where else would we be?”

Lucia grins. “Dr. Hensen asked me to come over tomorrow and help him take out the Christmas decorations from his attic. He’s going into the city and buying some fancy stuff. He’s so puffed up, certain that we’ll win this year; it’s adorable.”

“What about you?” Danny looks at me, curiously. “You usually start at this point.”

“I’ll take out the decorations next Sunday,” I say, idly.

Danny is glancing out the window and he blinks. “Isn’t that Mayor Roger?”

“Where?” I turn slightly so I can look against the window that I have my back to and see the town mayor get out of his car and enter the closed bar.

I straighten up. “Do you think the new owner is in town?”

Danny frowns. “I think he is. Mom mentioned something last night when I went over to pick up Ben. She and Martha met up for coffee and Martha said that the new owner is going to inspect the place in a few days and then sign the contract.”

I stare out the window, feeling my eyes burn.

“Clara…” Danny reaches out and grabs my hand.

I swallow and my voice is thick as I say, “I’m being stupid, aren’t I?”

“No, you’re not, babe.” Danny is trying to comfort me. “Something better will come along. Just you see. And Lucia and I will never go to that stupid restaurant.”

Lucia nods her head. “You got that right. And if they have some good looking people working there, I’ll even date them to find out their weaknesses.

I let out a watery laugh. “Thanks. You’re a real champ.”

Danny clamps her on the back, smirking. “Taking one for the team.”

She grins and opens her mouth to say something but stills as her eyes fix outside the window with growing horror.

“Lucia?” I blink and then I turn my around to see what she’s looking at and the sight I see has my blood running cold.

Finn is standing in front of the bar, dressed in the suit I saw him in this morning, He’s standing next to a sharply dressed woman who’s gesturing in the direction of the bar. I hold my breath.

Don’t go in there.

Don’t do this.

Don’t be him!

I watch him follow the woman inside the bar and a strange sort of devastation enters my heart as the door swings shut behind him.

I don’t register the voices of my friends calling my name, shock and an abnormal grief being pushed aside by pure withering fury.

“Son of a bitch!” My voice is a growl. “Son of a – that little – I’m going to kill that little fucker!”

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