A Snowy Little Christmas Read online

  Jessie’s mind was racing when she was literally saved by the bell. She must have been holding her breath for a full minute.

  “We’re not finished with this, young lady.” Evan smiled, showing his dimples.

  Funny, she hadn’t noticed them before.

  Not long after the wind started to kick up, the lights flashed on and off, and then went off entirely. Really off. Fortunately, Jessie had tea-light candles on the tables, so it wasn’t a complete blackout. Everyone waited a few beats, hoping the power would be restored, but after several minutes and a lot of grumbling, Evan dialed his friend at the Department of Public Works. “Hey, Rick, any idea what’s happening?”

  “Downed power line.” Evan had it on speakerphone so everyone could hear.

  “Not too bad. Should be no more than two hours. I’ll let you know if it’s going to take longer.”

  “Thanks, pal. Be careful out there.” Evan hit END.

  Jessie, Lisa, and Rosemary gathered together and decided to rearrange the tables and bring in the rest of the food. No one had eaten much earlier. Most likely from jitters about the evening ahead.

  Brian pulled his portable speakers from his backpack and hooked them to his phone. He found a good retro playlist, and the bop of 1960s Motown Christmas songs filled the room.

  Gerry politely bowed to Rosemary. “May I have this dance?”

  Giggling as she stood, Rosemary proved to have another talent. The two of them began to do the twist when Brian shrugged at Paula and joined in the dance. It took no longer than a minute for Richard, Lorraine, Harold, and Mabel to kick up their heels as well. Jessie stood in wonder at how proficient Brian was on his feet but even more amazed at how this evening had gone from an awkward date-if-you-dare gathering to a holiday dance party. Jessie, Evan, and Lisa were totally entertained and clapped after each song, encouraging more.

  As promised, the power went back on in less than two hours, which seemed to disappoint everyone in an ironic sort of way.

  A couple of inches of snow had fallen at that point, which spurred people into leaving. As they gathered their coats, hats, and gloves, Jessie prepared bags of goodies stuffed with sandwiches, cookies, and pastries for everyone. She thought to herself, If not potential dates, perhaps people made new friends. Jessie could not have asked for a better outcome until she stepped out onto the porch and was stunned by the twinkling of the lights filtering through the snow. Truly a winter wonderland. Awesome was an understatement. Everyone stopped for a moment to marvel at this special display, while the oohs and aahs floated through the air in a way that can only be heard while snow is falling.

  Brian offered to drive Paula home since her MINI Cooper wasn’t the best for driving on slippery roads and already had a few inches of snow covering it. The two other gentlemen, Richard and Harold, offered to drive Mabel and Lorraine home as well. Evan had to pick up Connor, but before he sauntered down the front porch, he took Jessie’s hand and said, “To be continued.”

  She stood in silence for fear of breaking what felt like a magical moment. As he was getting into his truck, he paused and gave her a smile that melted her heart. She gave him a soft wave as he pulled out of the driveway.

  Rosemary and Gerry helped lug the remaining food up to the apartment, and Rosemary asked if Jessie would be okay.

  “I’ll be fine. I’m going to light a fire and shove a few of these capreses into my mouth!” With that, Gerry and Rosemary headed out, grabbing a goodies bag for each of them.

  “Call if you need anything!” Rosemary said over her shoulder.

  “Will do!” Jessie stepped out far enough to feel immersed in the glow of the twinkling lights. Turning toward the front door, she stopped for a few moments and took in all that had occurred over the past ten days. It was surely a remarkable community, with wonderful people. A big lump formed in her throat.

  Several hours had passed when it finally dawned on her that Brian hadn’t returned. She pinged him, You OK?

  He quickly replied, Yes. Sorry. Paula’s power is still out, so I think I’m going to crash here. You okay with that?

  I am so okay with that. And she was. The feeling of camaraderie she had been experiencing was seeping into her bones as she realized she had been smiling most of the night.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The snow continued to fall until the wee hours of the morning of Christmas Eve, leaving over two feet on the ground. Jessie wondered if the roads were clear enough for travel since she was supposed to help Lisa with the presents for the kids. It was still early enough in the day, but by noon she hadn’t heard any plows out on the roads and gave Lisa a call. “Hey, any word on the condition of the roads?”

  “It’s slow going. Kenny checked. Lots of people on vacation. They’re hoping to have the main roads cleared by tomorrow morning, so people can attend church, visit relatives, etc.”

  “So I might be snowed in?” Jessie was bordering on being concerned.

  “Maybe for today. But like I said, should be okay for tomorrow.”

  “But I promised I’d help you.”

  “Don’t be silly. Kenny and I can handle it. You just relax today. You’ve done enough this week.” Lisa was making sense, and Jessie appreciated it.

  “Thanks, pal. I’ll give you a buzz later. Love you!” Jessie signed off.

  She quickly sent off a text to Brian, wondering how his evening had gone.

  Hey! All good? Roads are still covered. May take a while. Hope you’re having fun!

  A minute later, Brian responded, All good here! Paula is a gaming junkie. Has cyberpower pcgaming supreme! She throttled me in Minecraft. You okay?

  Jessie responded, I’m fine. Enjoying doing nothing. Have fun!

  Brian texted, I am! Will try to get there ASAP to dig you out!

  Jessie wrote back, No worries. I’m really okay! Lots of sandwiches! See you prob tomorrow.

  Brian ended with, Roger that.

  Jessie spent the day doing exactly what Lisa had suggested. She made a few phone calls, took a shower, put on a fresh pair of lounging pajamas, and lit a fire. After finishing her annual reread of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, she watched a movie and chomped on a few more sandwiches.

  It was around eleven o’clock when she decided it was time to turn in. Even though she had dozed a few times reading her book and watching movies, she was ready for a good night’s sleep.

  As she flung herself on the bed she looked up and noticed the clear starry night through the skylights. She bounced back up and said, “What in the???” She looked up again. Sure enough, she could see the sky. She pulled on her boots and wrapped a blanket around her as she made her way out onto the deck. She stopped in her tracks when she saw a large snow angel on the ground. Peering at it closely, she noticed writing in the snow: Hi Santa! Jessie was dumbfounded. Looking around, she saw what appeared to be footprints. But they were messy, as if someone had tried to cover them up. She rubbed her eyes and pinched herself in the arm. Was this for real? She knew right then that there was only one person who could have done this. But when? She shook her head. It didn’t matter when. It only mattered that it was.

  When she awoke on Christmas morning, she had a new sense of purpose and exhilaration. She couldn’t wait to tell Lisa about the skylights and the snow angel.

  Around ten in the morning, Brian pulled onto the snow-covered drive. Jessie was relieved that she wouldn’t have to dig herself out by herself. As they were clearing off her car, she teased him about Paula.

  “She’s a pretty cool chick,” Brian offered. “She’s going to come to Philly for Martin Luther King weekend.” Jessie wasn’t sure if he was blushing or if it was the cold air.

  With a big smile, she tossed a handful of snow at him. “Well, whaddya know. Speed dating wasn’t such a bad idea after all!”

  Brian made a loose snowball and threw it at her. Once they were satisfied the driveway and car were clear, Brian gathered his things and headed out.

  “Brian. Thanks
so much for everything. I really appreciate your coming up here and helping out.”

  “I should be thanking you, Jessie. You and your crazy idea!” He pecked her on the cheek. “See you next week. Merry Christmas!”

  “Merry Christmas indeed!” Jessie was overjoyed. She packed up all the gifts for Lisa, Kenny, and the boys and searched for any remaining pastries. She thought she could never look at another cannoli again.

  Lisa and Kenny’s house was abuzz with kids laughing and running around, and the wonderful aroma of food being prepared wafted through the air. Jessie was relieved to be off the sandwich and pastry diet. She had to admit, she really overdid it with the platters of food. Thinking about the past few days she smiled to herself and decided that this had truly been the best Christmas she had experienced in a very long time.

  Lisa was about to burst from the joy she felt as Jessie told her about the skylights and snow angels. “So? What do you think?”

  “About what?” Jessie was trying to be demure.

  “Funny girl. About Mr. Man Cake?”

  “Please stop calling him that,” Jessie pleaded. “I don’t know what to think. I’m trying not to think, actually. You know me . . . overthinking gets me into trouble. I’m going to try to enjoy these next few days. I mean, I’m sure I am going to see him, but maybe he’s just trying to be nice.”

  “Are you serious?” Lisa was incredulous. “That guy decorated the entire building and the grounds, helped with everything plus cleaned your skylights and made a snow angel? And you think he’s just trying to be nice? He likes you, girlfriend!”

  “I must confess, I kinda like him, too. As in really . . . really like.” Jessie was recalling the words they used to use when they were in high school describing how they felt about their latest boy crush.

  Lisa gave her a poke in the arm. “Go for it!”

  Jessie thought she just might.

  After several hours of gift giving and stuffing themselves with Lisa’s glorious dinner, the kids and their dog, Boogie, were all tuckered out. Jessie, too, was feeling a bit drowsy and decided to call it a day. Lots of hugs and thank-yous were in abundance as Jessie headed out, reminding Lisa she would be going into the city to meet Marjorie on the twenty-seventh.

  She had wondered how Evan was enjoying his time with his son and family. For a moment, she didn’t feel like a silly schoolgirl—but the moment didn’t last long when her phone pinged and she saw it was Evan. Got a minute?

  She sent back a Yes.

  With that her phone rang . . . butterflies again.

  She took a deep breath. “Merry Christmas!”

  “And a very Merry Christmas to you!” Evan’s strong, smooth voice replied. “Hope you didn’t get snowed in.”

  “No, Brian dug me out this morning.” There was a long pause, then she continued, “Speaking of digging out, someone cleaned off my skylights and left a message for Santa.” Yep, she was going for it.

  “Imagine that,” Evan said softly.

  “Yes. Imagine that,” Jessie spoke in the same tone.

  Evan cleared his throat. “Listen, I want to apologize if I was being too pushy about Dr. Richie. You seemed a little taken aback. I didn’t mean to pry. Just a bit of curiosity.”

  “Oh, no. It’s fine. I can explain when I see you. That is, assuming you still want an explanation.”

  “I do indeed. So how about that dinner meeting we were discussing?”

  “Yes, the dinner meeting.” Jessie emphasized the word “meeting.”

  “I have Connor until New Year’s Eve morning.” He hesitated. “But I am free New Year’s Eve.” Before he gave her a chance to answer he quickly added, “I know New Year’s Eve is a big deal for most people, but I haven’t taken it seriously for years.”

  “What a coincidence. Neither have I.” She could not wipe the smile off her face.

  “Excellent. I’ll pick you up around seven that night. As I said New Year’s Eve isn’t a big deal. Casual. Wear something warm and comfortable.”

  Jessie pulled the phone away from her ear and gave it a strange look. “Something warm?”

  “Yes. Boots, scarf, gloves. The usual winter garb.”

  “Okay.” She was a bit puzzled, but she was up for whatever he had in mind. “See you then!”

  Two days later, Jessie took the train into Manhattan and met Marjorie at the Blue Box Café at Tiffany’s. The sidewalks were packed with crowds of tourists getting a glimpse of the beautifully decorated windows. Of course, her favorite spot—and everyone else’s—was Rockefeller Center. From Fifth Avenue you could see the giant angels flanking the promenade leading to the magnificent and famous tree. It was breathtaking. Before leaving, she stopped at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, beautifully adorned with hundreds of poinsettias and thousands of candles. She walked over to the Altar of Saint Jude and lit a few candles of her own and said a few prayers. Even though he was known as the patron saint of those who are in despair, she still felt a kinship to the revered and beloved disciple, remembering all the times she had prayed for his help. This time she was thanking him.

  Chapter Fifteen

  After four days of packing up what remained in the store, Jessie was looking forward to her “Un-New Year’s Eve date.” Is it a date? She remembered Lisa’s words: “The guy did a LOT to make your Christmas special.” So, yes, she was considering it a date. End of matter.

  After changing her outfit three or four times, she decided on a Norma Kamali soft V-neck jumpsuit and a cashmere scarf. He had said “casual and comfortable.” She was thrilled she had an excuse to wear her Sorel Snow Angel boots. There certainly seemed to be a snow angel watching over her in addition to welcoming Santa.

  At seven o’clock, she heard the sound of a vehicle enter the driveway. She thought it a bit odd that he would arrive in his pickup truck instead of his SUV, but tonight she was going to let him take the lead, knowing full well they had a lot to discuss. After a brief hug, he opened the passenger door for her. “You look great. And appropriate!”

  “Ha. Funny, I was thinking the same thing.” She chuckled, thinking about her “appropriate” boots but she was going to keep that her little secret. At least for now.

  As they were driving, she noticed they were heading away from the town and going to higher ground.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Just a little side trip.” He glanced over at her with his charming smile. Jessie thought she was going to burst with excitement.

  They arrived at an open field. For a split second, Jessie didn’t know if she should panic. This was a very strange place for him to park.

  Without saying a word, Evan opened her door and escorted her to the back of the truck. He jumped into the flatbed and held his hand out to help her up. She was quite confused at this point until he opened two anti-gravity chairs. He then began unpacking a cooler that contained a bottle of champagne, cheese, bread, and a variety of charcuterie; a large satchel held two soft blankets.

  Sensing her confusion, he looked at her and said, “Ten minutes.” He offered her a glass of the bubbly wine, then cut some of the cheese and bread and gave them to her.

  Jessie kept staring at him as she took the plate. Yes, he even had melamine dishes.

  Sitting back in his chair, he motioned for her to do the same. Checking his watch, he pointed north. “Look.”

  Jessie’s jaw dropped as she witnessed first one and then dozens of shooting stars. The sky was alive with what looked like thousands of fireflies. She was astounded by its beauty. “I’ve never seen anything quite like this,” she whispered softly, as if her voice would shoo them away.

  “It’s the Quadrantid meteor shower,” Evan explained. “I remember how you said you used to look up at the stars when you were staying at your uncle’s.”

  They sat quietly for quite a while and then, as if on cue, they both began to speak.

  “Please, you go first,” Evan offered.

  “Evan, there is something I have to tell you,” Jessi
e started.

  Evan thought he heard concern in her voice. “Is this about Dr. Richie?”

  “Oh no. Well, not exactly. Kind of, but . . .” Trying to find the right words—the words she had practiced for two days—she began, “When Uncle Hugo told me to sell the store and buy a house, I was stunned and excited. I had thought about buying a place, but everything is very expensive in Philadelphia, and I didn’t want to be flung out to the suburbs, especially since I don’t know a soul outside of downtown Philly. After being here these past two weeks, I’ve come to realize what a wonderful community this is, and the people, well, they are incredible.” She took a sip of her champagne and continued, “I’m afraid I’m not going to have you renovate the bookstore.”

  “Are you saying you’re keeping the store? Or are you firing me?” Evan had a look of surprise and confusion on his face.

  “Not exactly. I met with Marjorie, my boss, a few days ago. She told me that she was going into partnership with an ad agency in New York. She needs someone to take meetings twice a week and asked me to be her liaison person.” Jessie took in another deep breath. “I can work from home the other days.”

  Evan was still unclear. “So you’ll commute to New York from Philadelphia?”

  “No, not from Philadelphia.” Close to losing her nerve, she went on, “I want you to remodel the store so it can be my home.”

  “Does this mean that you’re staying here?” Evan’s voice was a bit shaky.

  “Yes. Yes, I am.” There. She’d said it. “I spoke with Paula and told her that I want to renovate and make the area that is now—was—the nonfiction section into a solarium to host author signings, weekly book readings, recitals, and other fund-raising events. And it will finally give me some space for my grand piano. Mozart will be thrilled.”

  She was almost giddy. “We’ll—I mean you—if you still want the job—can put in French doors, so I can close it off for privacy and it will still lead out to the patio.” Jessie became even more animated as Evan hung on every word. “I’ll use the mezzanine as my bedroom and remodel the basement to be my home office, and keep the apartment for friends and family. Obviously, I’ll need a real kitchen, too.” Jessie’s head was reeling, contemplating the next phase of her life.