“Have a wonderful time,” Jane told them. “Some lovely lady who works at the Cask and Larder brought us some sandwiches and gingerbread cookies, so we’re planning on eating in the back, but we may see you at the town hall later.”
The four of them hugged the ladies and went on their way.
The Pub was fillingup even at this early hour, but a lot of that had to do with everyone being out for YuleFest. Nevertheless, after waiting a few minutes, they were seated at a high-top that opened up near the bar.
“I’m still kinda full from lunch,” Tom said to Will. “Wanna just split a salad and a small pizza?”
“Yeah, that works.”
They settled on pepperoni and onion with extra cheese and a Caesar salad while Char and Cee Cee decided on mozzarella sticks and a white pizza with chicken, black olives, and cheddar. And since they all felt that the only appropriate beverage to accompany pizza was beer, they split a pitcher of a local lager.
“Were you slammed again at work today, Cee Cee?” Will asked.
“Yeah, all day,” she told them. “But no one was getting cranky, so it was fine. And the extra money will really come in handy.”
“I know what you mean,” Tom said. “I plan on talking to Michael again next week about picking up some extra hours once the new semester starts.” Michael was Tom’s manager at the Whale.
“Again?” Char’s face scrunched up, and she raised her eyebrows. “I didn’t know you’d spoken to him already.”
“It wasn’t anything official,” Tom explained. “A few weeks ago, I mentioned in passing that I might be available to take more hours after the first of the year, and Michael said to let him know closer in, and he’d see what he could do.”
“So you’re definitely planning on getting your own place?” Cee Cee asked. “Char and I both expected your mom to have talked you out of it by now.”
“I know what you mean.” Tom sighed. “I did too. But she’s been unusually quiet about it so far. Well, after that initial conversation, where she did everything she could to convince me not to do it. But I’m standing firm this time.”
“Have you started looking for a place yet?”
“No, but Will mentioned it to Clay, and he may have a lead for me. We’re hoping to hear more next week.”
“Let us know if you need help with anything,” Char said. “You know we’re here for you.”
“Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it.”
After dinnerthey slowly walked back to the center of town for the tree-lighting ceremony. It was still snowing lightly, butthere hadn’t been any real accumulation—just a dusting to make everything look magical.
Lots of people had already gathered when they reached the town hall, but they managed to find a good spot not too far back. The mayor gave a short speech, thanking everyone for coming, and then she introduced the YuleFest committee, led by Imogene Lewis, who flipped the ceremonial switch to light the beautiful tree. Everyone oohed and aahed when the tiny white lights blazed on, their incandescence illuminating the large multicolored ornaments that graced the tree.
A chorus of men and women from a few of the local churches had assembled on bleachers near the tree, and they sang a variety of holiday songs, both religious and secular. Slowly, people began to drift away, and the foursome followed suit, Char and Cee Cee one way to their apartment and Will and Tom back to the B&B to Tom’s truck.
When Tom dropped Will off at home, Will said, “I had a great time today. I’ll pick you up at ten tomorrow, okay?”
“Yeah, that’s fine. I enjoyed myself today too.”
They kissed for a few minutes but stopped prior to things going too far.
“See you in the morning,” Will said before shutting the door.
Tom watched him walk along the drive and waited until he went inside before pointing his truck home.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Will
When they arrivedat the Gray Whale on Sunday morning, the parking lot was almost full. Tom directed him to park in the back, where the employees normally left their cars. The restaurant was busy as well. Will didn’t see any open tables, but shortly after they arrived, Dani walked over to them and handed a couple of tickets to Tom and said, “Follow me.”
Sure enough, there was a table for two in a corner, not too far from the breakfast buffet that had been set up in the middle of the dining room, allowing service on both sides of the long table.
“Thanks, Dani,” Tom said as she sat them.
