Page 47 of Bright Lights, Big Christmas
“AshleyActually posted a story on her Instagram feed and the masses descended. I actually had women fighting over trees.”
“That’s a good thing, right?”
“Depends on how you look at it. Murphy says we might totally sell out of trees this weekend. And if that happens, he says we pack up and go home.”
“Home?” Austin yelped. “What about our story?”
“Hang on, pal,” Patrick said, putting a hand on his son’s shoulder. “Is it possible to buy more trees somewhere?”
“That’s what I suggested, but Murphy isn’t keen to sell just any old trees. He’s pretty picky about quality. I guess I agree. It’s the family brand, and we don’t want to harm that.”
“He’s got a valid point.”
“What about our date?” Austin clamored. “When do we eat? I’m hungry. Aren’t you hungry, Kerry?”
“You know what? I’m starved,” she said. “I didn’t even get lunch.”
“Then let’s go,” Austin said.
“Can you?” Patrick asked.
Kerry glanced at the trailer. She could hear her brother’s muffled snores.
“I’d have to wake up Murphy. He worked all day too.” She looked down at herself. Her jeans were smudged with dirt and her hands were sticky from pine sap.
She longed for a hot shower and the chance to show off her new sweater.
“Can you just close up the stand?” Patrick asked. “There aren’t a whole lot of trees left to sell tonight.”
“Look at me,” she protested. “I’m a hot mess.”
“We won’t go far,” Patrick promised.
She looked down at Austin, whose face was scrunched up with hope.
She untied her green Tolliver Tree Farm apron and tossed it on the back of the chair. “I’m officially off the clock. If Murphy wakes up, he can take the next shift.”
chapter 28
“Bernie’s Burgerz,” Austin said, as they entered the restaurant. “My favorite.”
Patrick offered Kerry an apologetic smile. “We usually go out to dinner whenever he’s with me, and it was his turn to choose, so here we are.”
A middle-aged Black woman with close-cropped silver hair came out from behind the hostess stand and greeted Austin like a beloved celebrity.
“Austin, where you been lately? I been missing you,” the woman exclaimed, kneeling on the floor and enveloping the boy in a hug.
“Hi, Bernie. I go to school now, you know.”
She ruffled his hair. “I knew there was something different about you since the last time you were in here. You’re all grown up.” She tapped his bow tie. “And all dressed up too. Like your daddy. Is it somebody’s birthday tonight?”
“No. Me and Dad are having a date with her.” He jerked his thumb in Kerry’s direction. “Her name is Kerry. She sells Christmas trees and draws pictures. And she’s my friend.”
Bernie took Kerry’s hand in both of hers and pressed them together. “Well, isn’t she a lucky lady? Y’all go on back over. I’ve got your favorite booth, right over there by the window.”
After they were settled with wine for the adults and lemonade for Austin, Patrick ordered an appetizer of chili-cheese-smothered tater tots.
“Oh my gosh,” Kerry moaned, at the first bite. “This is heaven.”
