Page 5 of This Christmas

I get into my car and turn it on, blasting the heat to defrost my frozen fingers. I didn’t realize how cold I was until now. A shiver runs down my spine, giving me a slight ache.

Noelle

I’ll be by this morning after I put in the service call.

As I stare at my phone, a smile forms. I hit the jackpot when Noelle applied to be my assistant. She’s a go-getter, community oriented, and I never have to tell her to do things. She just does them.

You’re the best!

After setting my phone on the passenger seat, I pull out of my driveway, which also doubles as my parkinglot. I head right to the Evergreen Café for my daily peppermint mocha with a shot of espresso, which I only have during the holidays. My mom will have food and coffee at the house, but my parents can’t make a good cup of coffee to save their lives. Plus, driving to the café will give me an opportunity to stop at the bakery for cinnamon rolls and check on Whitaker’s. Maybe I can get Noelle to go over there for the day to help, or I will if my parents don’t need my help. Either way, Mr. Whitaker will have someone else in the store today, making sure he’s getting the help he needs.

My eyes roll, thinking about Mr. Whitaker working his fingers to the bone while his son is off living in the city, not caring about his father.

If I ever get my hands on that man.

I shake my head and sigh. I get that this small-town life isn’t for everyone, but I feel like there’s a certain responsibility we, as children, have when our parents own a business. Especially when it’s the busy season. As soon as the leaves start to change, tourists flock to Deer Ridge. Zane could easily come back a few weekends a month and at least visit. Then maybe his dad won’t look so sad all the time.

As soon as I turn onto Main Street, a car pulls away from the curb. I pull in easily and decide to leave my car running, so it’s nice and warm when I get back in. Thankfully, the line at Alma’s isn’t out the door. The second I walk in, my stomach growls. I should be embarrassed, but I’m not and if it did and anyone heard it, I’m sure theirs growled just as loudly.

“Evangeline,” Alma calls my name and waves meforward. I apologize as I move around people waiting in line. At the counter, she pushes a box forward.

“What’s this?”

“Noelle phoned in your order. She said you had a rough morning.”

“Wow.” I shake my head in disbelief. “Noelle is the best.”

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” I tell Alma automatically. I’m not someone who shares all their bad news.

Alma’s eyebrow pops up. I fight to roll my eyes.

“Fine.” I groan. “My heat is out, which isn’t a big deal except the furnace is old and I’m afraid it’s going to cost me a ton.”

Alma reaches across the top of the display case. “It’ll all work out.”

I love her optimism because I need it. I thank her for the cinnamon rolls and head toward the café where the owner, Lila, raises a cup in the air.

“Let me guess, Noelle called in my order?”

“She did. Have a great day, Evangeline. My dad said to let you know or your dad know he’ll be by later today. What time will you close?”

“If you’re cutting your own, an hour before sundown. You don’t want to be traipsing through the woods at night.”

“I’ll tell him. See you later.”

“Thank you.” I hold my cup up, letting her know I appreciate the drink.

Outside, I pause and look across the street. Jake Simmons, one of the young men who works at thefarm, is shaking out what’s left of the trees I brought over on Friday. Mr. Whitaker comes out of the store, carrying a bag of groceries for someone. I watch as he sets them in the back seat of the customer’s car and gives her a friendly wave. He pauses and looks at Jake, and then his head shakes. I can only imagine how much he misses Zane, especially at this time of the year.

Mr. Whitaker waves. I smile and wave back. “Good morning, Mr. Whitaker,” I yell across the street.

“How many times do I have to tell you to call me Bernie?”

I wave away his question. “I know. I know.”

“Have a good day, Evangeline.” He waves again.