AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I think it makes her relieved to be going to college in a couple of years.” She smiled. “But I think she’s secretly excited, just showing it how some teenagers do.” She wandered over to the counter where a carafe sat and poured herself some hot cider. “So, I’m just filling in while Grace gets some rest. Cider?”
“Sure.” I chuckled, nodding. “Well, I spotted an old Spode ceramic Christmas ornament with a white cat a couple of weeks ago. I’m not sure if you still have it, but it reminds me of someone.”
She walked over with my own paper cup of spiced cider. “I think I know the one.”
I drifted toward the tree where I’d seen it a couple of weeks ago. “Ah-ha.”
The porcelain cat dangled from a branch with a string of painted Christmas lights wrapped around her while balancing on the famous Spode Christmas tree saucer.
I gently lifted it from the branch and spun around to see Maya texting someone before eyeing me.
“Who are you talking to?” I asked.
“Oh, just my sister. She’s wondering how it’s going at the store.” Her eyes avoided mine, and I knew it was all lies.
It was the Sunshine Breakfast Club on the other end of that phone.
“Do you mind telling Millie that I’ll be over to the holiday bazaar with my fudge right after I purchase the cat for Hunter?”
Maya blushed and let out a big sigh. “Are we that obvious?”
“A little.” I followed Maya to the cash register and took a sip of cider. “He’s coming up for dinner tonight and will be staying around town for a couple of days.”
“Oh, really.” She rang me up, and I handed her my card.
“Yup.” I smiled. “Might as well get everything out in the open.”
Maya gave me a grateful smile. “You know, I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think you and Hunter were a good match.”
She wrapped the ornament in white tissue and gently placed it into a paper bag.
“I know. Who do you think was on the other end of the shenanigans for you and Cash?” I winked at Maya and made my way out the door to Foxy. I placed the package inside, and she started right up.
Large snowflakes fell from the sky with the intention of sticking, and I hoped it wouldn’t be a tough drive for Hunter tonight. I turned into the parking lot of the community center and found a parking space near the door. None of the signs were up for the bazaar yet, so I’d made it on time.
I checked my phone just to see if Hunter had responded, and he still hadn’t.
Kind of odd.
But nothing to get crazy over.
Right?
I let out a sigh and chuckled to Foxy. “I really need to learn how to handle dating.” I turned her off, and she coughed with a crackle so loud I nearly jumped out of my skin. “Foxy, don’t you do this to me.”
This was not the moment to have her die on me, but I wouldn’t worry about it now. Hopefully, she’d start right up when it was time to leave.
In the meantime, I could deliver the fudge and maybe wander around some of the tables in search of the perfect gift for Jackson Jr. and Grace.
A few more cars pulled into the parking lot as I got out of my car and carefully maneuvered the four trays of fudge for the bazaar.
A white blanket of snow covered the ground as an older man sprinkled salt on the walkway.
“Good afternoon, Miss,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes.
I almost didn’t recognize Millie’s boyfriend, Jackson Sr. “Hey, there. Is Millie inside?”
“She sure is. Go on in.”
