My mouth dropped and I felt giddy with excitement. My two favorites.
“They will look amazing anywhere you put them.”
Margaret chuckled. “I have no doubt. The second I felt your energy when you talked about those paintings, I knew they were the ones I needed.”
Violet strolled over and I held out her coffee.
“Did I just hear you say you’re buying two paintings?” she said, taking her coffee.
Margaret’s grin broadened. “You did. If you ladies want to wrap them up, I’ll be by another day this week to pick them up.”
“Sounds great,” I replied excitedly. “Thank you so much.”
Margaret paid for the paintings and waved to me and Violet before walking out of the gallery.
Violet waved back at Margaret. “She seems really nice.”
“She is,” I agreed, looking out the window to watch Margaret walk away, only she was nowhere to be seen. “There’s something about her I can’t quite put my finger on. It’s as if I’ve met her before.”
Violet laughed. “I get that all the time. It’s called déjà vu.”
No, this was something different. I just didn’t know what it was.
3
LYDIA
The nights were always the same for me. I’d eat dinner, catch up on social media, and watch my comfort TV shows. However, now that it was December, I put my TV shows on hold and went straight to Christmas movies. Every night, I would turn on a new one, but sometimes I’d rewatch one of my favorites, which was what I was doing tonight by watchingThe Nutcrackerfor the millionth time in my life.
I’d just turned it on and had my steaming cup of hot cocoa beside me when my phone rang. My mom’s picture appeared on the screen, and it made me smile. It was a photo I’d taken of her during one of our margarita nights. She had one of the umbrellas in her hair with her eyes crossed, looking goofy like always.
“Hey,” I answered, grabbing the TV remote so I could pause the movie.
“Hey, sweetheart, I’ve already called Violet and told her, but I love the new addition to the Christmas village in the store. It has your sister’s name all over it.”
We both laughed and I had to agree with her. “Of course it does. I have no doubt she would’ve punched someone out if they tried to buy it before her.”
My mother burst out laughing again. “That’s Violet for you. But anyway, I just wanted to call and check in on you. Is there anything you need me and your father to help you with in the store?”
I reached for my hot chocolate and took a sip. “Nope. Violet and I have it handled. I have a feeling it’s going to be a better year than last.”
She breathed out a hopeful sigh. “Let’s hope it stays that way. I like it when things keep going up.”
I did, too.
I’d seen so many businesses tank and owners lose everything. There were times when I thought my parents were going to lose the gallery. Some years were better than others and sacrifices had to be made. I remembered those times when we didn’t take a family vacation and when there were fewer presents under the Christmas tree. Luckily, we made it through, and I saw how much stronger it made my parents. That was why I spent the last few years of my life striving to grow the business and make sure we never had to worry about going under.
“All right, sweetheart, I’ll let you go,” my mother said, her voice soothing and calm. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Sounds good, Mom. Good night. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
We hung up and I hit play on the TV remote. I watched about an hour of the movie, and I could feel my eyes begin to get heavy. I didn’t want to get up, so I stretched out and pulled my snowflake blanket up under my chin. It wasn’t long before I drifted off to the sound of the “Sugarplum Fairy” song.
Lydia’s dream
Transported back in time to Christmas Eve - Two years ago
