“We just decided about a week ago that we are boyfriends. So you’re right, Jane, this is very new,” Will added, taking Tom’s hand.
“We love seeing new love blossom!” Cybil effused. “Now you boys run along and enjoy the rest of your day. And thank you again for your generosity.”
Cybil and Jane stood and hugged Tom and Will goodbye.
“That was so nice,” Tom said as they walked away. “I’m really glad we went there and met them.”
“Me too,” Will concurred. “You know, Tom, Cybil and Jane are actually a great example of how relationships can work between two people.” He held his breath, hoping he hadn’t gone too far.
“Oh my God, you’re right! They’ve been together longer than we’ve been alive. My mom’s been drumming that crap about relationships in my head for so long that I can be blind to good when it happens right in front of me. Thanks for reminding me of that!” He threw his arms around Will, hugging him tightly.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Tom
Dorothy’s Clam Shackwas a small seafood restaurant right near the water. It closed for the season in late September but reopened for YuleFest, and based on the line at the take-out window, despite the temperature, it was doing a booming business. After Will and Tom tried a couple of pizza samples that Tavino’s, the town’s Italian restaurant, was handing out, they decided bowls of clam chowder would be the perfect ending to lunch.
They waited patiently in line, then Tom ordered two bowls along with some crusty bread. Will suggested they walk back to Bradley House, where they could eat in comfort and relax for a little while before heading out again.
“This chowder is really good,” Tom said, dunking a piece of bread into the rich, creamy soup and chewing thoughtfully. “What are we gonna do after lunch?”
“The Strand is showing holiday movies all day for free,” Will said, referring to the movie theater at the edge of town. Thesedays it doubled as a venue for plays and other live entertainment as well. “We could pop in and see what’s playing.”
“That works for me,” Tom agreed. “And then another walk down Main Street to see if anything strikes our fancy.” They cleaned up the trash from their lunch and, after using the facilities, ventured out into the cold again.
The strand was showingThe Bishop’s Wifewith Loretta Young, David Niven, and Cary Grant when they arrived, so they sat in the back, holding hands, and watched for a while. “I really like this movie,” Tom told Will. “I try and watch it every Christmas.” They ended up staying to the end, and when a Christmas cartoon started up after the movie, they left the theater.
“Oh, look, it’s snowing!” Tom exclaimed gleefully when they walked out. Snow gently fell, coating the trees and lampposts, adding a layer of glittery whiteness to the holiday decorations around town.
“Now it really feels like Christmastime,” Will said.
As they moved down Main Street, Tom’s phone buzzed. “Cee Cee’s done with work,” he told Will. “Char says they’re heading to the park so they can meet the ladies at Hook’s Traveling Book Nook. Then they’re gonna go to The Pub at Tavino’s to have pizza for dinner. She wants to know if we want to join them.” The main dining room at the town’s Italian restaurant was a bit more formal, but a few years before, they’d opened an adjoining space simply called The Pub that served appetizers and pizzas. It featured a long bar and lots of high-top tables and attracted a younger crowd, especially on weekends.
“I’m good with that,” Will replied.
“Okay, we’re meeting them at Tavino’s at five,” Tom said, putting away his phone. “That will work out perfectly since the tree lighting at the town hall is at eight.” The town had erected a tree that was easily twenty-five feet tall on the lawn outsideof the town hall. They would have a small lighting ceremony, followed by carolers around the tree. “What do you wanna do until dinner?”
“Why don’t we head toward the park; we can meet up with them early.” Will suggested, taking Tom’s hand.
“Lead on,” Tom replied.
They leisurely strolled along,enjoying the decorations along the way. It was getting dark, and lights were coming on, turning the town into a magical holiday scene. One shop had an inflatable snowman perched near the door, and folks were stopping to have their picture taken with it. A block later, the town’s candy shop, Oh Fudge, had a large wooden nutcracker out front, and once again, it had become a photo opportunity for many.
“It’s so nice to see everyone out and about, enjoying themselves,” Tom said. “This is part of why I love living in a small town.”
“I know, right?” Will agreed. “As much as I like visiting places like Boston, I can’t imagine living there. Small towns are definitely more my speed.”
When they reached the park, Tom peered into the doorway of the rainbow-painted bus. A string of tiny multicolored lights was strung around the doorway and along the length of the vehicle, adding to the already festive feel. He saw Char and Cee Cee chatting with the ladies, so they waited outside, so as not to crowd the entrance.
A few minutes later, their friends exited the bus, along with Cybil and Jane. “Hi, guys,” Char said. “Isn’t this bus great?”
“Yeah, we were here this morning. It’s amazing,” Tom effused.
“Hello, boys,” Cybil said. “You know these girls?”
“Oh yeah,” Tom replied. “Char and I go way back. She’s more like my sister at this point.”
“We thought we’d stop by and meet up with them,” Will added. “We’re going to Tavino’s for some pizza before we go to the tree lighting at town hall.”
