Chapter Twenty-Six
Clara loaded the last dish into the industrial dishwasher. She would run it once she got home from her meeting. Her guests would probably generate more mugs and glasses by then. Zane wandered into the kitchen. His hair was mussed, and he was wearing his winter jacket.
“Good evening. Clara, you look nice tonight.”
“Hi, Zane. I’m off to a meeting with the Christmas food and toy drive committee. My cousin Jenn will be your host for the evening if you need anything.”
“Oh? I was hoping to spend the evening with you. Maybe listening to you play the piano.” He grinned at her like a child asking for a treat.
“I wish I could. We’re organizing lists to figure out what we need to ensure everyone has a great Christmas. I’m looking forward to it. I used to help a similar organization when I lived in Edmonton. It’s a great cause,” Clara said.
“It certainly is. Want me to tag along? As a forensic engineer, my job involves a lot of sorting and organizing of facts and lists. Maybe I could be useful.”
“Shouldn’t you be writing your book?” She raised one eyebrow and refused to acknowledge the thrill that ran through her at his suggestion. He wasn’t staying in town. He was temporary. She couldn’t fall for him. Sadly, it might be too late already. She looked forward to every encounter they had. How sweet that he was willing to help a charity in a town he was only visiting.
“I’m taking the night off. I managed to write five thousand words today. That’s incredible progress. Talking my story over with you really bumped me over my writer’s block.” He snorted. “I cannot believe writer’s block is a thing. I thought it was just poor planning or maybe laziness. I had this book roughly plotted and I still got stuck. Crazy. I can use the brain break. Focusing on something else for a while might be therapeutic. If you don’t mind me tagging along, I’d love to come help.”
She busied herself organizing a box of cookies and squares while she thought about his offer. There was no way to deny that she enjoyed his company. But more time with him felt like a commitment she wasn’t ready for. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to be with him. There were so many factors. He was temporary, and he was smart. Super smart. Too smart for her. She wasn’t an idiot, but she wasn’t bright enough to hold his attention for long and she knew it. January would come and he’d disappear as fast as Christmas decorations from retail shops.No thank you. She didn’t need that type of heartache. She suppressed a sigh. She was going to let him come. She wanted more time with him, even if she shouldn’t.
“Sure, come along if you want. I’m sure another person wouldn’t hurt.”
He gave her a quizzical look and she turned away to avoid the unspoken questions in his eyes. “Let me carry that box to the truck. It’s already warm so we’ll have a toasty trip to … where are we going?”
“The town library. I’ll give you directions.”
“No need. I’ve spent a couple afternoons there writing, for a change of pace. I thought I mentioned that. How long until you’re ready?” Zane asked.
“As soon as Jenn arrives, I’m good to go.”
“That would be right now.” Jenn strolled into the kitchen, removing her coat as she went. “Sorry I’m late. My replacement at the record store was late. My boss needed me to stay until he arrived. Anything I need to know? Any check ins due?” She dropped her jacket on a chair and smoothed her gauzy peasant skirt and fluffed her dark blonde hair. Her bracelets jingled and her green eyes sparkled. She bubbled over with the carefree optimism only a nineteen-year-old could project.
“None tonight. You’ll need to answer the phone and help out if guests need anything.”
“Awesome-sauce. Honey, Tricia, and Amy are joining me for a gab fest. We’re going to drink gallons of tea and complain about men.” She grinned at Zane.
“Have at it. I’m just glad I don’t have a stake in the conversation.” He smiled back at her, clearly not offended by the jab.
Clara grabbed her jacket from the back of the chair. “There are snacks and drinks in the fridge and cookies and squares in the pantry if you want some. There might even be ice cream in the freezer. Unless I ate it all already. My mind is a sieve sometimes.”
“Stop that,” Jenn exclaimed. “You aren’t stupid. Half the world doesn’t even know that a sieve is a strainer, and you pop the word out like you use it every day. Believe in yourself. You’re awesome. You’re magic with music, and you’re running a successful inn. If you were stupid, you couldn’t do that. You always put yourself down. When you spent summers here, I was too young to understand, I do now. Your dad was a useless asshole. Forget the disses he made you believe. You’re smart and talented.” She threw her arms around Clara, enveloping her in warmth and the scent of violets and a sense of homecoming.
“I’ll try.” She was trying to believe in herself and with family like the Flints it was getting easier. She didn’t want to be self-doubting, but sometimes she couldn’t help herself.
“She’s right, you know. Come on my talented friend. Let’s go make someone’s Christmas happier.” He held out his hand.
Grasping his hand Clara wiggled from Jenn’s embrace. “Text me if you need anything. I don’t expect much to happen.”
Jenn saluted. “Yes, boss. Now get out.” She made shooing motions with her arms.
Without dropping Zane’s hand, Clara lifted her hands in surrender. “I’ll be back before ten.” They hurried out to the truck. Zane carried the box of treats cradled in his left arm.
The library parking lot was packed. They pulled into the last vacant spot and went inside. “Wow. It’s colder than I realized. It must be minus twenty Celsius and not a cloud in the sky.” Clara rubbed her hands together.” They hurried inside, out of the cold.
“Clara, Zane. I’m so glad you could join us.” Sue called from the far side of the room. “I’m filling in for Ken who had another commitment. Now that everyone’s here, we can get started. Are those treats?” She nodded toward the box.
“They are,” Zane replied. “Clara asked me to carry them.”
“Why don’t you grab a coffee and put the treats over there.” Sue gestured toward a table with a coffee pot and several containers of snacks. “I’ll talk while you pour.” Zane walked to the table and set the box down.
