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“He’s not selfish like Kevin.”
Had Raven read her mind? But Abigail was second-guessing herself. How well did she really know Hayes?
Not liking the uncertainty the internal question caused her, she refocused on her friend. “Are you going to your parents’ home on Wednesday for Christmas?”
“They’re expecting me. You’d be seriously doing me a favor if you came along. Maybe between the two of us we can distract them from their worry about why I don’t have a husband.”
She grinned.
The server returned to ask if they needed a second round.
Abigail shook her head. “No way. That had enough alcohol that I can’t feel my face.”
Raven laughed. “I’ll pass too.”
When the bill arrived, he also brought a small plate with two tiny cookies on it. They were round and dusted with powdered sugar. “Snowballs. Compliments of the coffee shop.”
Unable to resist, even though she was already full, Abigail picked up one and bit into the pecan-filled treat.
“You know, that may be the fancy seasonal name for them, but they’re really called Mexican wedding cookies.”
Abigail looked at her friend.
Raven shrugged. “I think it’s an omen meant for you.”
If only…
* * *
Trying to focus on others, rather than herself while battling the pangs of loneliness on Christmas eve, Abigail wrapped the plates of cookies that she’d prepared.
She planned to deliver them to neighbors in her apartment complex. And because she would still have dozens left, she decided to drop them off at the shelter where her friend, Maddie, volunteered.
After putting on a holiday fascinator, Abigail headed out to spread her holiday cheer.
Visiting with people lifted her spirits, and she was in a happy mood as she headed downtown.
Since the streets were quiet, she reached the shelter quickly and found nearby parking.
The director greeted her right away and happily accepted the bag full of cookies and the cash donation Abigail added.
“Bless you. And please remember, our clients appreciate the gifts all year round.”
She nodded. Being generous at Christmas was one thing, but need always existed.
Ironic. She’d talked to Hayes about the story of Scrooge. Through the story, the character evolved. Maybe she had room for growth herself.
Before leaving the building, she sent Maddie a text, offering to help out the next time her friend volunteered.
Afterward, she grabbed a coffee from a shop that was fairly quiet. No doubt the place bustled during the workday, but she was able to walk straight up to the counter. “How about a gingerbread macchiato?”
“Whipped cream?”
“Uhm…” She debated. Then decided it was a treat to herself. “How about extra?”
“You got it.”
The drink was everything she could hope for. Except for the fact she had no one to share it with.
