“I bet,” Vanessa said.
“We like the town the way it is,” Lilene said.
“I can see why. It’s absolutely charming.” Giving Lilene a nod of appreciation, Anna said, “I bumped into this nice lady downstairs. I was asking the gal at the register where the offices were and she swooped right in to help me.”
Vanessa said, “Thank you, Lilene. What were you doing down there?”
“I had some goodies packed up for the staff that is working today. Just a friendly gesture from me, and I did do a little Black Friday shopping.”
“You’re really thoughtful.” Vanessa admired the endless amount of energy Lilene put into her life in this small town.
“Mike said something yesterday about Vanessa meeting up with a cousin here over the holidays, but I thought he was mistaken. Then here I bump into you. What a small world!” Lilene pointed her thumb toward Vanessa. “So, you two are cousins. I’m glad you’ve got family here with you. This is a wonderful place to spend the holidays.”
“And who is Mike?” Anna looked way too interested in that.
“Oh, that’s a long story, and it didn’t end happily. Don’t ask.”
Lilene said to Anna, “You just let me know if you want to do a little sightseeing. I know everyone in this town.”
Anna’s face lit up. “That sounds lovely.”
“I’ll let you two catch up,” Lilene said, “but we have lots of holiday fun going on over the next couple of weeks. I’ll make a list of the things you two won’t want to miss.”
“Thank you, Lilene.”
Lilene walked out of the room.
“She’s so nice, Vanessa,” Anna said. “I can’t believe how cute this town is. We’re going to have so much fun.”
“I’m glad you’re here, but I’ve got my work cut out for me.”
Anna didn’t seem to understand the significance. “Nothing you can’t handle. I know you.”
“I hope so. I’ll fill you in over dinner.” She reached for her sweater. “It’s freezing in this place. Come on. There’s a great little diner here.”
They walked down the street, stopping to enjoy the holiday décor in the shop windows. It was as if elves had spent all night, while the town was in a turkey coma, working to spruce up the place.
“It’ll be so pretty at nighttime. I love those big artsy Christmas trees on the poles,” Anna remarked.
When they got to the Blue Bicycle Bistro, the bicycle on the rooftop sign now had a Santa standing next to it.
“Seat yourself,” Lisa called out.
“Thank you.” Vanessa was happy to see that her usual booth was empty.
As they slid into the booth, Anna told Vanessa about her drive from Atlanta.
Lisa walked up to the table.
“We’re going to both have the special,” Vanessa announced. “And water?”
“Yes, with lemon please,” Anna said, then leaned her elbows on the table and continued her story. “It was a beautiful day for a ride through the mountains. Next week’s forecast looks a little iffy.” She pressed her hands together, and grinned. “We might even see some snow here.”
Vanessa had tired of snow a long time ago. Chicago promised white winters, and if you trudged through enough icy and snowy days you learned quickly how to dress in enough layers to stay warm, and still be stylish. Not that the latter made much difference around here. She forgot some folks pined for a peek of the white fluffy stuff over the holidays.
They ate over casual conversation, picking up right where they’d left off.
Vanessa placed her napkin on the table. “There hasn’t been one meal that I haven’t enjoyed here yet.”
