Page 47 of A Love Like Christmas Time
“Of course.”
By the time I turn back around, the two of them have their heads together, without a doubt conspiring to run those two out of town. If they’re even still here.
Do I hope they are? Yes. No. I’m not sure.
“I’m just saying, my pitchfork is polished and ready to go,” Bobby mumbles, and Shawna nods solemnly.
“I could sic my grandchildren on them.”
“Your grandchildren?” I lift my eyebrow, amused, as I set the plate with a generous piece of apple pie down in front of her.
“They’ve reached their honest phase.” She fixes me with an amused gaze. “You know, they’re now the age where they confront you with painful truths, and because they’re being honest, you can’t tell them to fuck off. The other day, theypainstakingly pointed out my double chin.” She gives it a poke with her index finger, then sprays a tiny mountain of whipped cream onto her plate. “Then they asked me why I have so many wrinkles and why my hair is gray. Sadly, they’re adorable and I can’t even be mad, but ugh.” She rolls her eyes. “They understand how to poke where it hurts.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourselves with the revenge plans,” I mumble, putting the whipped cream back behind the counter. “Who knows, maybe they left. Trust me, I was not very welcoming.”
“Yeah, of course you weren’t.” Shawna waves me off. “Though you’re nice. And probably a lot nicer than I would have been, even though you hide it under that resting murderer face. Anyway, hon…” Shawna points at me with her whipped-cream-clad fork. “Take a break with your friends. It’s always dead in here after the midday rush. If anyone comes in, we’ve got it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Please.” She scoffs with an eye roll.
So I get myself a huge mug of filtered coffee from the kitchen, grab myself a cinnamon roll that was too ugly to display, and make my way over to Lauren’s table.
“Caleb!” Kieran shouts with a wide grin when he sees me approach, and quickly scoots aside, reaching for another chair. “That’s a first. Come on, come on, sit down.”
“I mean, I would if you would be kind enough to tame your beast.” His dog is darting towards me excitedly, jumping up and putting his little paws on my thigh. Quickly, I lift the mug and cinnamon roll out of his reach.
“Ignore him, please.” He shakes his head, and his eyes turn to Dick, narrow with disapproval.
“Haha, is your Dick a little overexcited?” Nic grins widely, and Lauren is biting her lips to keep from bursting into laughter.Said Dick still has his paws on my thigh, tail wagging and peering at me with those adorable, wide puppy eyes.
“See this?” He slams his index finger on the table. “This is exactly why I called him that. Isn’t it hilarious? Now come here, boy!” It takes a few more calls until the cute golden retriever agrees to let go of me.
“You’re immature,” I say, finally sitting down.
Once I do, the adorable dog scurries around the table, running into our legs before he comes to a stop right next to me, looking up expectantly. Then he keeps turning around himself, occasionally glancing at me to see if I’m now prepared to share my food with him.
Lauren’s worried gaze burns into my skin, and I evade it. I’ve reached my limit of being worried about for today. I don’t know how to deal with it.
“Psst. Please give him a T-R-E-A-T,” Kieran says and hands me one. “A lady on the internet said to reward dogs when they calm down. I’m trying that strategy.”
“Sure.” I take the small treat and hide it under my hand as I take a sip of my coffee, waiting for the dog to relax. “That’s a good boy,” I finally say and hold out the treat.
Nic's eyes dart between me and Dick. “Have you ever thought about getting a dog yourself?”
“Nope.” I shake my head. “I’ve got a café to run. I don’t have enough time to take a dog for a walk three times a day. Or every few minutes if they get the runs.”
Everyone at the table grimaces and mumbles their understanding.
“Anyway…” Lauren rummages in her bag and pulls out her signature bottle with a triumphant smile. “Can I interest you in some gingerbread spice syrup?”
“No, thank you.” I roll my eyes.
But her question managed to achieve what she wanted and changed the topic to more Christmas-related things.Namely, one of Kieran’s videos that apparently involves a sugarcane, coal and a whip.
“Do you want to see it?” Nic asks with a giggle, already unlocking her phone. All the color drains from Kieran’s face.
“He does not,” he answers quickly before I can.
