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When he grumbles something in response, I can’t help but laugh. He and Brent are so much alike.
“Please, call us Tom and Suzanne. We aren’t formal around here,” Suzanne says with a laugh.
“Sounds good. Thank you so much again for the room.”
“Our pleasure! Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“Actually, as amazing as it smells, I can’t wait to get out into the snow. It’s been a really long time since I’ve seen snow this beautiful. Is Sally’s Diner a close enough walk from here?”
“Oh honey, no. You could walk there but it would take you forever in this snow. You can borrow my car if you’d like. I have lots to do around here today and don’t plan on going anywhere.”
“I don’t want to impose,” I say. She has to be the sweetest woman I’ve ever met.
“Not at all. I just got new tires for the winter, so you’ll be safe to drive in this. Keys are by the front door, with the S on the keychain. Keep it as long as you need it today!”
“Thank you so much Suzanne. I promise I’ll drive carefully. Could you tell me how to get to the diner?”
After she gives me directions, I thank her, put my coat on, and grab the keys. As soon as I close the front door behind me, I take a deep breath and let the smell of fireplaces and the frigid air fill my nose. Carefully, I step down from the front porch onto the walkway that leads to the driveway.
Like a little kid, I can’t help myself. I bend down and take a handful of snow, molding it into a ball, and throwing it across the yard. I feel like I’ve stepped into somewhere magical, and I am wrapped in the gorgeous white of the snow.
Despite the freezing temperature, I take my time walking across the yard before approaching the car, unlocking the door, and climbing behind the wheel. As soon as I turn the key in the ignition to turn it on, the sounds of Christmas music fill the car and I make my way down the driveway.
Pulling out into the road, I take it slow since it’s been so long since I’ve driven in snow like this. I follow Suzanne’s directions closely, and within a few minutes, Sally’s Diner appears. I can almost smell those pancakes of hers as I enter through the front door.
The smell of grease and the clang of silverware greet me and I quickly spot Sally. I cross the length of the diner, quietly saying hi to the people I pass.
“Penelope! Hi!” Sally comes out from behind the counter to hug me as soon as she notices me there. I can’t help but shift uncomfortably as I hug her back. I’m not used to this kind of affection from a new friend.
“I came back for those pancakes of yours,” I say.
“Is your car not fixed yet?” She leans closer. “I was secretly hoping you would still be here today.”
“To be honest, me too!” I laugh. “Ben is having a hard time getting the parts that my car needs and this snow has slowed it all down. Looks like I’ll be here for the festival in a few days after all.”
“Oh good! Are you going with Brent and his family?”
“I’m not sure. I haven’t seen him today. He was gone before I left. I’ll definitely be there though. I’ve never been to a Winter Festival before.”
“Perfect! Come this way and I’ll get you seated. Same thing as yesterday?”
“Yes please! Those pancakes are delicious.”
Sally seats me at a table then brings me a cup of coffee. Without a phone, I’m not really sure what to do with myself while I wait for my food. I don’t usually sit alone—someone from my security team is usually with me.
After a few minutes of feeling awkward as hell, familiar faces start stopping at my table to say hi and ask how I’m liking Winterberry. It seems like everyone here knows about my car troubles and wants to make me feel welcome.
Before I know it, Sally brings me her magical pancakes. I spend the next half hour eating and talking in between bites. And here I thought I was going to be sitting alone with no one to pass the time with.
Not in Winterberry.
“Want more coffee?” Sally asks when she sees that my cup is completely empty. “I’m so sorry I haven’t had a chance to sit and chat, today has been so busy and one of my employees called out for the day, go figure.”
“Oh no!”
I know what it’s like to have a busy day waiting tables with no help. During my time as a waitress, I took every single shift I could to grow my savings account. And for some of those, I was alone.
It was a small restaurant, but every Friday night in the fall kids from the local high school would fill every single seat. I’d run around fulfilling orders. Sitting here now, watching Sally do the same, I’m transported back to that time.
