“Heading over to my parents’ house right after work on Wednesday. I’m sure my mom will put me to work as soon as I get there. Then we have our big family dinner on Thursday afternoon, leftovers, and game night later. I’ll have to get up by five a.m. to drive home and open the shop early for Black Friday,then head over to the Mistletoe Market. It’s going to be hectic, but I love it.” Talking about Thanksgiving brought forth so many great memories. No matter what happened with her love life, or lack thereof, she always had the soft landing of her family.
“That sounds like a picture-perfect holiday,” Cathy said.
“It really is.” Kate nodded along.
“And Hannah?”
Kate turned her head to look at Hannah. She didn’t know what plans Hannah had, but she assumed she was probably going to go home, the same as her, or maybe even spend the day with Zaina’s family. They were close enough that it made sense.
Hannah pushed her glasses up on her face. “Ah, well, I’ll probably be at home with my cat Smoky, and we’ll decorate my place for Christmas in the afternoon.”
Cathy’s brows furrowed. She looked at Kate.
Kate wasn’t sure exactly what Cathy’s look was saying. Did she think Kate should invite Hannah to her family Thanksgiving? That was a bit much. She had brought Hannah tonight to meet some of her friends. That was enough for now, wasn’t it?
An awkward pause covered the group. Around them, the crowd had thinned as it was now after ten p.m. and Hop’s Heaven closed at eleven.
Jax cleared their throat. “What are your plans, Cathy?”
“I’m heading into the city to have Thanksgiving with my sister’s family. They’ve been begging me to join them for a Turkey Trot, and this year I gave in.”
“You’re going to run a 5K?” Kate blurted out.
“Don’t look so shocked. Just because I’m in my sixties doesn’t mean I can’t run.”
“I’m just surprised. I didn’t know you were a runner.”
Cathy laughed. “I’m messing with you. I’m only going to cheer them on. I’ll be at the finish line with a big cup of coffee with a splash of Kahlua.”
“I’d better get going. I told Jasper I’d help the staff clean up tonight.” Jax stood.
“Do you want us to help?” Hannah asked.
“Nah, I got it. But thanks for offering. And for bringing those cookies. They were some of the best cookies I can remember having.”
“I can send you the recipe?”
“Sure. I don’t really bake, but maybe I should start since I need a distraction.”
Kate watched Hannah put her hand on Jax’s arm. Mixed emotions swirled through her. She felt proud to be with someone so compassionate, and she also felt a twinge of jealousy. What if Hannah left her for Jax? She immediately shook that thought out of her head. Neither Jax nor Hannah would ever betray her like that. Every time she felt like she was finally over Brittany, worries about being left showed up again.
“I’m sorry you’re going through this, especially during the holidays,” Hannah said.
“Thanks, but honestly, I’d rather leave that relationship in this year and look forward to new things next year. Maybe I need to have a tarot card reading, too.”
Hannah’s face lit up. “That would be amazing! I’m so happy you trust me enough to consider it!”
“You’ve helped Cathy move on with her writing and Kate is on the brink of owning her building, so I’d love to see what you can do for me,” Jax said.
Hannah clapped her hands with enthusiasm. “Come into the shop anytime. I’d love to give you a reading.”
“You know what? If you want, I can talk to Jasper about doing a tarot card reading night here. He’s always looking for ways to bring new customers into Hop’s Heaven.”
Hannah threw her arms around Jax, who returned her hug. A small smile spread across Kate’s face as warmth spread outwardfrom her heart. She was proud of Hannah and took some credit for this new development in her budding tarot business. Now, if she could just figure out what she needed to sell in order to make her down payment goal.
“Thank you so much! I would love that! I can give part of my sales to Hop’s Heaven, if you want!”
Jax and Hannah separated. Kate took Hannah’s warm and somewhat sweaty hand in hers. Kate hadn’t realized how nervous Hannah was tonight.
