A cherry-picker truck lifted an orange-vested worker into the air as two others shouted orders from below to install Christmas decorations on the lampposts down Main Street. While others relaxed at home thinking about the huge meal that would be consumed the next day, six-foot zigzag garland Christmas trees with golden stars on the top were hoisted one at a time and affixed to the utility poles, bringing a dazzling splash of color to the landscape.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
Vanessa noted the sign on the diner door.CLOSED ON THANKSGIVING.
She squeezed by a cluster of people hanging out by the door, apparently waiting on takeout orders. She took a seat already knowing that she’d order the chef’s salad for tonight, and an extra one to go for tomorrow.
The waitress, Lisa, walked over, but rather than exhibiting her usually audacious attitude she handed Vanessa a menu. “I’ll get you some water while you decide.”
“Thank you,” she said, but she doubted the waitress had heard her over all the commotion. She pushed the menu to the side, and checked her phone.
“Know what you want tonight?” She slid a glass of water onto the table. “The special is spaghetti.”
“I’m going to have the chef’s salad. Light Italian dressing. And I’ll take a second one packed up to go.”
Lisa finished writing on her tablet with a pounce of her pen to the paper, grabbed the menu, and walked away. The conversation was louder than it had been before, making Vanessa a little lonely. Thankfully, her phone rang.
“Anna? Perfect timing. I was just ordering dinner.”
“I was hoping you’d be done for the day by now.”
“Wrapped up early. You’d be proud.”
“I’m glad you’re finally starting to listen to my advice.”
You’ll never be truly satisfied by work until you are fulfilled by your personal life.“Uh-oh. Don’t go getting motivated to dish out more advice. I can only accept so much life balance at a time.”
“Now, isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black? You’re the one always forcing change on others. Isn’t that in your job description?”
“Forcing”? That sounded harsh.“In a way. Yes. I suppose I am, but sometimes in a good way.” Vanessa turned and looked over her shoulder. The booth behind her was empty, and the other people in the restaurant were busy in conversations among themselves.
“Well, don’t go wasting the best days of your life doing it.”
How am I even supposed to know I’m living my best days? Compared to what? Or who?
“Speaking of good,” Anna said. “I have good news.”
“I love good news.”
“I found a place to stay in Fraser Hills. It’s absolutely adorable, affordable, and roomy enough for two.”
“That’s great. I hadn’t gotten around to asking Lilene to do that yet.”
“You’re too busy for all of that. I took care of it. It was quite easy. Do you want me to send you my itinerary?”
“Sure. I can have the driver here in town come get you at the airport.”
“I’ve already got all that arranged too.”
“You’re making me feel unneeded,” Vanessa teased.
“Hardly. I’m simply lightening your load so we can spend more time together. Is everything going to plan out there?”
“It is. I had a great day today. Really made some good progress.”
“I’m so glad to hear that, because I found a slew of fun things to do out in that area. I know you have to work, but we can make time for a few things too. There’s plenty to pick from.”
