“Connor, you did so,sowell. Really!A+! Was that less painful than ice skating?”
“Infinitely so.”
•••
The following day at work, Shay caught herself staring into space, reliving the ugly sweater party.
Shay. You’re supposed to be fulfilling website orders. Adroitly, she taped closed a padded envelope, flipped it over, and then... went still as her thoughts tugged her back to the party.
It had been a revelation! Restrained Connor had been a master of across-the-room attraction. Shared glances. Shared smiles. His focus returning to her again and again. Who’d have guessed?
Quiet intensity lived in him. It was easy to miss, at first. But once you saw it, it was impossible to ignore. He was a composed man and his composure called to her. But beneath that composure lay passion and deep emotion. She was sure of it. And that called to her even more loudly.
She’d felt a delicious crackle when he’d looked at her from across Andrew’s living room.
Her phone dinged, interrupting her reverie.
I’ve completed another painting, Connor texted.I’d love for you to come over and name it when you have time.
Her fingers flew as she typed her reply.I respond to artwork naming needs almost as quickly as Batman responds to the bat signal. I’ll swing by tomorrow after work.
•••
“Shay!” Penny Bryant said as she swung open the door to their bungalow. “Will you look at that snow!”
“I know.” Snowflakes drifted soundlessly toward the thin blanket of snow accumulating on the ground. “It’s gorgeous.”
“Come in. I sent Connor to the grocery store for more sugar, but he’ll be back any minute.”
Warmth and the scent of chocolate surrounded her as she stepped inside.
“How is my nativity angel doing?” Penny asked.
“Cherubic? Serene?”
“Excellent, excellent.” Penny waved for Shay to follow her toward the kitchen.
Over the past week, Shay had been added to an email loop concerning the nativity and had completed a fitting with the costume mistress. Apparently, that was all the preparation needed because she only had to show up at the right place and time, then stand there, looking angelic.
The Vine Church choir had sung at the Christmas tree lighting, so, in order to prevent a turf war, the Baptists would sing Christmas hymns at the nativity. Volunteers would handle the animals, the set, the lighting, the printing of the pamphlets about the Christmas story, and the table serving free cider and cookies.
“I’m making homemade hot chocolate,” Penny announced, taking up a position in front of the stove and stirring the contents of a saucepan with a wooden spoon. “I was thrilled when I heard that you were going to stop by because I only allow myself to make this on the days in December when people stop by. Will you drink some?”
“Absolutely.”
“I’m so pleased that you and Connor have been spending time together lately.”
“Me too.”
“He’s lonely.”
Shay’s stomach dropped. “Oh?”
“He’s not a complainer and he hides it well. But yes. I worry that he’s lonely.” She added ingredients and continued to stir. “This is my mother’s recipe. It calls for milk, cocoa, sugar, chocolate chips, and vanilla. There’s no substitute for homemade.”
“I can’t think of a time when I’ve had homemade hot chocolate.”
“Then you’re in for a treat.” She winked, sampled the drink with a spoon, and placed the spoon in the sink.
