Page 55 of Jingle Spells
“Do you have your notes for the speech?”
Jasper patted his jacket pocket. “Right here. Though I’m still not convinced anyone’s going to listen to the guy who just rolled into town yesterday. Or was it today? I’ve never been less certain of what actually happened to me or when.”
“Trust me, a stern lecture from a visiting historian might be exactly what this town needs.” She touched his arm gently. “You’ll do fine. Just wait for my signal during Maximillian’s act.”
“What’s the signal?”
“Swift kick under the table.”
“Ah. Subtle.”
“Melroses aren’t known for their restraint.”
“I’m getting that.” His smile was warm, and for a moment, Delilah allowed herself to imagine how things might be different if they’d met under normal circumstances. If Oak Haven wasn’t hidden, if Jasper wasn’t going to forget her every time he went to work, if magicians weren’t threatening to destroy everything she loved.
“Come on, you two!” Scarlett called from the doorway to the banquet hall. “They won’t serve the boar until everyone’s seated, and I’ve been starving myself all day for this!”
As they approached the entrance to the banquet hall, they were greeted by Aphra, stationed beside an enormous basket.
“Io, Saturnalia!” Aphra called out when they approached. She pronounced the traditional greeting with a clear “EE-oh” but, when shouted, it sounded remarkably like “YO, Saturnalia!”
She handed each of them a cone-shaped felt hat. “A pileus for each of you.”
“Oh, Aphra, you’ve outdone yourself. They’re beautiful.” Delilah examined the intricate embroidery, with oak leaves, stars, and tiny symbols of protection stitched in golden thread.
“That’s me and my crafting circle.” Aphra beamed. “Every weekend since Thanksgiving they’d come by the shop to make hats and chew gum, and you know what they say . . .”
In unison, Delilah and Jasper offered, “You ran out of gum.”
“Got that right.”
“In Rome, these were worn by freed slaves,” Jasper said, admiring the craftsmanship. “They symbolized liberty.”
Aphra’s eyes lit up. “Look at you! Someone’s been doing their homework.”
“Occupational hazard.” Jasper placed the hat on his head. He should have looked ridiculous—a grown man in a tuxedo wearing a cone-shaped party hat—but somehow he made it work.
Just inside the hall, Jerusha and Candace were tending bar, but they seemed more focused on some sort of silent turf war, each trying to claim more counter space than the other. A line of thirsty guests had formed, all looking slightly apprehensive about their chances of receiving what they’d ordered.
Delilah swept past the line and around to the far side of the bar. She grabbed two bottles of champagne from the fridge and rejoined Jasper with a wink.
“Oh dear,” he cried in mock alarm. “Delilah, what have you done?”
“Ah ha, the privileges of hosting are many. Let’s find our table. Oh but first, grab a little plate and check out the pièce de résistance.”
She ushered him over to a massive table beside the bar, an edible diorama stretched across its surface. The entire town of Oak Haven had been recreated in cheese, meat, bread, and various garnishes. Tiny houses made of aged cheddar with prosciutto roofs lined miniature streets. The town green was a bed of arugula dotted with cherry tomato “ornaments.” A river of blue cheese wound through the center, crossed by a breadstick-covered bridge.
“I present to you,” Delilah announced with a theatrical flourish, “the Oak Haven Charcuterie Tableau.”
“My God,” Jasper breathed, leaning in to examine the detail. “Is that . . . Is the town hall made of brie?”
“I’m told it’s Gruyère, actually. Structural integrity issues with the brie.”
Zahir appeared beside them, surveying his creation with a mixture of pride and embarrassment. “Behold my masterwork: Cholesterol Heights. Three days of work for something that will be run through by an army of hungry wolverines in approximately twenty minutes.”
“You’re a marvel,” Jasper said.
“You are correct, my friend.” Zahir clapped him on the back. “Thanks for all the help. Couldn’t have done it without you.”
