“I guess so,” Joy decided uncertainly. “Let me grab a sweater.” She gave Chantal her cell phone. “Seth’s number is in there. Call if you need anything. I won’t be long.” She kissed her daughter on the cheek and, with a confused heart, followed Seth out of the room.
“Where would you like to go?” he asked.
“The bar,” she said emphatically.
“There’s a jazz trio in the bar. Is that okay? Or would you prefer the lounge? It’s quiet in there tonight, or it was when I left.” He’d prefer someplace quiet, but he’d go along with what she chose.
“The lounge, I think. It’s closer and after tonight’s excitement, I could use some peace and quiet.” She ran a mental calculation to see if she dared treat herself to a glass of wine.
“The lounge it is, and drinks are on me.” He gestured for her to lead the way.
“I can buy my drink,” she said over her shoulder.What was with macho men?
“If it’s all the same to you, I’d like to buy. As a thank you for a wonderful evening. I’ve really enjoyed spending time with you and Chantal.”
Did he mean that?She enjoyed his company, too. He was kind and solicitous; he didn’t bark back when she was upset with him. Chantal adored him. She hadn’t drawn a picture for anyone in ages. “Okay. One drink, then I’m back to my room,” she warned. She didn’t look over her shoulder, but she expected he was grinning.
“Hey, Twyla,” Seth greeted the buxom server who was behind the bar tonight. “How’s things?”
“Living the dream, Seth. Living the dream.”
What did that even mean?Joy wondered.
“How’s your husband?” Seth asked.
“He’s great. They’ve moved to a dig in Ethiopia. Some new major discovery.” She laughed. “I don’t know. He’s all about the past. I’m all about the people. Still, I wouldn’t trade him for anyone else. What’ll you have?”
“Irish coffee for me, please,” Seth said. He looked at Joy.
“Can I get that in decaf, please?” she asked. No way could she handle caffeine this late at night. She’d never get any sleep and while they didn’t have any set plans tomorrow, she didn’t want to be exhausted.
“Sure thing. I’ll have to brew a pot. Why don’t you find a seat and I’ll bring it out to you?” She slid a basket of potato chips and a bowl of dip their way. “Here’s a snack. On the house.”
“Thanks,” Seth said. “Put those drinks on my tab.” Outside spending and alcohol were the only items not included in their journey.
Joy looked around the car. It was her first time in this car, though she’d been in several others. Brass trim gleamed in the dim lights. Electric candles glowed on the cloth-covered tables. The seats were a blend of leather chairs and benches. Everything was set up in cozy settings to accommodate groups of two to six. A small tree glowed with red and white lights in the corner. There was a towering display of wrapped gifts in the opposite corner. Some shades were open, and the train’s bright Christmas lights shone in the snow. It was probably the most festive place she’d visited in years. Something about it took the edge off her anger and she found herself relaxing.Were the gifts real? If so, who were they for?
“You have a tab? I guess you come here a lot,” she said, trying to make conversation and snoop without being too rude.
Seth laughed. “Let’s see, once the night we boarded, last night, and earlier tonight. I’m a people person. I like watching and talking to them. I’ve met lifetime friends in the weirdest places.”
“Give me an example.” She leaned forward and folded her hands on the table.
“I met my neighbor while on vacation in Amsterdam. He’s a veterinarian. He came to Canada from Florida to visit the next summer and ended up staying and opening a clinic.”
“That’s pretty cool. I’m an office manager for a veterinarian. I love it. Animals are easy to talk to.” Seth’s chuckle warmed her to her toes. “I know you’re a firefighter. Is that why you chose the burn unit for your charity?”
His face crinkled up, and he closed his eyes like he was in agony. It was quite apparent that she had hit a nerve. He twisted his napkin between his fingers until it was shredded.
“I don’t talk about it much.” His voice was deep with emotion. “My niece was killed five years ago in a fire set by an arsonist.” He swallowed hard. His Adam’s apple bobbed three times.
“Oh, my gosh! I am so sorry.” She clasped his hand. “You must have been devastated.”
“I was. We all were. We still are. It’s tough to keep going. We manage.”
He sniffed discreetly, and she thought her heart would break for him. She couldn’t imagine how he could continue his job after that sort of trauma. Her admiration of him ratcheted up a notch.
“I hope we can split the money if we win.” A thought hit her. “How do we win?” she posed the question. “I mean, we aren’t the only ones to complete our task. How are they going to decide? Are there going to be more tasks?”
