A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION Read online

  He was home. His grandma had taught him how to cook and had nurtured his curiosity and sense of adventure in the kitchen. What he hadn’t learned from her he’d been taught in the best culinary regions in Europe. He’d spent two years apprenticing after graduating from high school, and then had worked in Philadelphia and Manhattan for several years honing his trade.

  Ally pushed her way through the swinging doors. “So you finally got here.” She smiled and looked at him closely. “What’s up? You look different.”

  “Oh, I just spent the past few minutes down memory lane. No problem. I’m back where I want to be.”

  “Good! We have a foursome who just walked in and they want your Coq au Vin. I’ll get them their salads and bread. Need help with anything else?”

  “Nope. You’re a sweetheart. I’ll get this out to them in about ten minutes.”

  “Okay, boss. Glad you made it here. I was getting worried about you.”

  “I’m fine. Hopefully, we’ll still get some late shoppers stopping by for a decent meal.” He picked up a tasting spoon. “I haven’t eaten since noon. What do you recommend?”

  “People are raving about your stew. But you already know that.”

  “Music to my ears.”

  Nick chowed down on a cup of stew, then got to work. He was happiest in the kitchen and soon he was singing along to the damn holiday music that Ally insisted the customers wanted to hear.

  The last thing he wanted was to be a Scrooge, so he tucked away his dislike of Christmas into a deeper corner of his mind, and set out to create mouth-watering chicken swimming in a velvety wine sauce savored with fresh herbs and spices.

  When it was done, he placed it artfully on four white plates and carried it himself to the waiting couples. He presented the dishes with a flourish and a friendly grin.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting, folks. Had a little family emergency.” Not his family, but what did it matter? “Desserts will be on the house.”

  “Well, that’s real nice of you,” the man said with a surprised look toward his wife. “Everything has been wonderful.”

  “Your bread is fabulous.” She buttered a corner piece. “Is it from a local bakery?”

  “No. It’s baked here. A family recipe that my grandma taught me.”

  “Well, tell her it’s the best bread I’ve ever had.”

  “I’d like to, ma’am, but she’s in a different heaven.” He smiled and returned to the sanctuary of his kitchen, where he sat on a stool and slowly ate the crust of the loaf. His thoughts flew to Jennie. This would be a perfect place for her and the children. Close to her parents, but just far enough away that she could have a life of her own. It was safe and friendly, and had a hellova restaurant too.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  The following morning Nick got out of bed, put his slippers on and a long wool bathrobe, and opened the sliding patio door to let Sammy, his Samoyed, out for his morning pee. Sammy blended in with the snow. Before he knew what was happening a little black and white floppy-eared pup squeezed through his legs and ran out too.

  Nick groaned and muttered a curse. He hadn’t even had his coffee yet. And he’d completely forgotten about the puppy he’d brought home. He ran to get some doggy treats, then stepped out in the freezing cold to lure the excited pup in. The pup was chasing the older dog, jumping through the snow with unabashed delight and leaving yellow puddles of snow in his wake.

  “Come here. Yeah, you.” Nick held out a biscuit to the young dog, but Sammy was too quick on the uptake and nipped it out of his hand. Then he jumped up, putting his wet paws on Nick’s chest.

  “Down, boy.” He gave his pet an affectionate hug before pushing him away and feeding him another biscuit. “We’ve got to get this trouble maker into the house,” he said to Sammy, as he tried sneaking up on the pup, who eyed him warily, and then as he drew near, he yipped and ran around in circles, excited to start the chase again.

  Nick was no longer in the mood. “Suit yourself, you little shit. I’m having my coffee and you can stay out here, or come in. Your choice.” He climbed the three steps to his porch and opened the door for Sammy, who followed him obediently.

  The pup didn’t know what was good for him and continued to bark and run around the back yard, spraying everywhere he went.

  Nick left him to make his coffee, shower and dress. Ten minutes later he entered the kitchen in a fresh pair of jeans, a checkered flannel shirt, and a cream-colored knit sweater.

  He poured his coffee, wondering how Jennie was feeling this morning. A bit bruised, he’d expect. Probably restless too. She must have been looking forward to spending the holidays with her parents. They looked like good people who loved her and the girls very much. Whatever had happened to her husband, well, it was sad and must still hurt a lot.

  Nick heard a scratch at the patio door and looked over to see the puppy shivering on the porch with a sappy look on his face. Grabbing a handful of treats, Nick opened the door, bent down and handfed the mutt, then stepped back, enticing the pup forward. Once he was safely in, Nick slid the glass door closed. “Gotchya.”

  Next he dialed the hospital, his shoulders tense. Jennie had told him that she was fine, but he couldn’t help feeling responsible for the accident.

  When he was put through to Jennie’s room and heard her voice, he smiled. “Good morning, Jennie. It’s Nick. How’re you feeling today?” Dumb question. She probably hurt like hell and lying there in a hospital bed, he doubted that she slept much at all. He hadn’t. His mind couldn’t shut down—visual images of the car sliding on the ice and slamming into that damn tree, the kids in the back screaming. The minute it took him to reach the car and get the kids out had seemed like forever. He’d opened her door next and found her out cold, her forehead bleeding. No darn wonder he’d had nightmares.

  “Okay,” she said. “But I don’t want to be here.”

  “I get it. You’re supposed to be at your parent’s home right now, enjoying breakfast with them. Instead you’re stuck alone in a hospital bed.” He pushed his coffee to the side. “That sucks.”

  “Yeah, that about sums it up,” she answered with a soft sigh. “It could be a lot worse. At least the kids weren’t hurt.”

  “Exactly.” He wanted to make it up to her, but wasn’t sure how. Then inspiration hit. “I was thinking of calling your parents at the Inn and inviting them and the girls to the best waffles in town. Do you think they’d like that?”

  “I suppose so. Kids love the Waffle House near us in Norfolk. At your restaurant?”

  “No, I’ll make blueberry waffles here. They can play with the puppy.” The little dog’s ears lifted. “They would enjoy that, and so would he.”

  “You’re going to cook my parents and kids breakfast?” she asked, her voice breaking.

  “I was thinking that might be a good idea.” He hesitated, wondering why she sounded upset. Was it too forward of a move? “They’re stuck at the Inn and trust me, their food is nowhere as good as mine.”

  She sniffed. “That’s nice of you, but, but…”

  “But what?” He kept his voice gentle, not sure why she was crying. He was trying to do something nice. The puppy cocked his head as if he were listening.

  “But I want to come!” she cried, her voice catching. “That sounds like fun. And I’m stuck here. I just wanted to go home. I hate Christmas, especially this year.”

  Nick totally understood that sentiment. “Jennie, I’m sorry. I put you in the hospital and this is my fault. Hey, your holiday might be off to a rocky start, but you’ll still have a wonderful Christmas with your family. You should be out of the hospital later this morning. You can have breakfast too.”

  “No, I can’t. The doctor won’t be making his rounds until later, and I’m not cleared to leave until he sees me. Then there’s the paperwork. The nurse said it would probably be noon.” She sniffed again and her genuine distress made Nick’s heart ache. “I’m sorry, but I feel so weepy. Probably the after effects of the a
ccident and the pills they gave me to sleep.”

  “You’re probably right.” Nick figured she had plenty of reason to cry. “So I won’t invite your family for breakfast. Instead, how about you all join me at the restaurant for lunch? Nick’s Bar and Bistro. On Main Street. We’re open from noon until two-thirty each day, then reopen at five.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” she said. “We’ll grab a bite on our way out of town. I just want to get out of here.” Her voice broke again. “I feel so lonely.” She was silent for a few seconds then added in a whisper, “This is my first Christmas without my husband. He died in January.”

  He heard her crying, and his heart turned over. He hated a woman’s tears, or anyone hurting. Not that he remembered much about his mother, but he’d never forget the terrible sobs coming from the thin wall separating his room from hers. She was always unhappy, and the men that came by to see her made it so much worse—leaving her totally destroyed, unable to get out of bed, to make his breakfast, to care for him. There had been times when he’d hated her, but he loved her too. “That must be really hard, Jennie. I’m so sorry to hear that.”

  “Thanks.”

  She sounded like she was hanging on by a thread, and he wanted so much to see her smile and make her happy again. If only for a moment. Loneliness he understood. He’d spent most of his life feeling like an outsider, someone who breathed the same air, but didn’t quite fit in.

  “Please don’t rush to leave,” he said. “We normally close at two-thirty, but I could make an exception today and close early. It’s a beautiful day outside, and I’d like to take the girls to the pond for a little ice skating after lunch. I know they’d love it, and they rent skates there, so that wouldn’t be a problem. There are benches where you and your parents could sit and watch, and they sell cocoa and coffee. Delicious donuts as well.”

  “That does sound nice,” she said in a husky voice, her tears slowing. “You don’t need to go to this trouble for us.”

  “But I want to,” he insisted. “I want to make it up to you and the girls. We could all go for a drive after skating too. I want you to see Heaven the way I do.”

  “Why are you being so kind?”

  “Because…” He had no idea. “Because I want to start your holiday off by doing something fun. Forget this nasty accident and your car, and all the bad things that have happened recently, and just be happy for one afternoon. Just one. Okay?”

  She waited so long he worried there was a bad connection, but then she said, “Okay. That’s a deal.” It sounded like she might be smiling, which made him feel better, too. “One day without looking back. Just moving forward. I like that. One day at a time,” she added slowly. “It could be my new mantra.”

  “It’s a good one.” He didn’t want to say good-bye. Talking to her was comfortable, as if he’d known her his entire life instead of less than twenty-four hours. “I’ll check on your car before I go to work. You want me to come around and check on you as well?”

  She laughed, which made his heart jump. “No. My parents and kids will be here soon. We’ll come for lunch as soon as they let me get the hell out of here.” Jennie lowered her voice. “Oops. Here comes someone with my breakfast tray. I hope it’s not waffles. I would rather taste yours.” With that he heard a click and knew she’d hung up.

  He stood there holding the phone for several seconds, wondering what had made him feel so good. Her laugh, the teasing remark about the waffles, the thought of her staying for an afternoon of fun? Or all of the above?

  Maybe it was time for him to get a girlfriend of his own. If the thought of being with this woman and her family for just a few hours could lift his spirits then perhaps this quiet lifestyle needed shaking up. “No man is an island,” he told the inquisitive puppy at his feet. “A little female company could be a whole lot more entertaining than coming home to the likes of you every night.”

  The puppy yapped and danced around the table.

  “Don’t think you’re staying,” Nick said, heading to the kitchen to fry up some bacon and eggs. As he ate, he decided to make up some posters to put around town. The pup had to belong to someone, and he didn’t need two free loaders taking up his space. Sammy sprawled out in front of the fireplace. The puppy had managed to jump on the sofa and was now comfortably chewing on his throw pillow.

  He stuck the dishes in the dishwasher, then used his digital camera and took some photos of the sleeping dog—all innocent and cute—under the headline LOST DOG, he added his contact information and the name of his restaurant where he could be reached. Twenty should be enough, he figured.

  Putting on his boots and coat, he considered going to the hospital to surprise Jennie, but she’d have her kids and parents there. If she was alone? Yeah, different story. Now he had to spend the next few hours hoping she’d come to the restaurant. If not for his fabulous lunch and company, then at least for news about the car.

  When he arrived at the gas station Nick spotted the SUV inside the body shop. He walked right in, his gut knotting at the messed up front end. “Hi, Jack,” he nodded to the mechanic that enjoyed happy hour on Friday nights at his bar. “So, what do you think?”

  “Looks like you hit a tree,” Jack drawled, and shook his head. Dressed in gray denim coveralls and black work boots, the middle-aged man had a stubbly white beard and a knit cap over his graying hair.

  “Not me. Car belongs to a woman by the name of Jennie Braxton. She’s on her way to Philly. I was chasing some damn dog and to avoid the pup she skidded into the tree. Saw the whole damn thing.” Nick rubbed his jaw. “She’s got two little girls too. Scary as shit.”

  “Good thing nobody got hurt,” Jack said. “So where’s the woman now?”

  “Had to be checked out at the hospital. She should be here soon.” Nick walked around the car, feeling sick to his stomach. “How much damage?”

  “It’ll need a new window, paint, body work.” He wiped his hands on his back pockets. “The suspension needs fixing, and the steering post’s been damaged.”

  “Crap. Is there any good news?” Nick looked at the front end, grateful that it had somehow saved Jennie’s life. “Can’t believe the airbags didn’t deploy.”

  “Neither can I.” Jack shrugged. “She’ll need those checked out too.”

  “How long before it’s ready?”

  “A good week to ten days, due to the holiday, and ordering parts. But I can’t start until the insurance adjustor comes out.”

  Not the best news, Nick thought. But it would keep Jennie in town an extra day or two. And she’d definitely be coming back to Heaven for her fixed car.

  He wouldn’t mind that a bit. Matter of fact, he looked forward to telling her the sorry news, and how he planned to make it up to her.

  “Thanks. We’ll be in touch.”

  Nick found himself singing along to Jingle Bell Rock on his radio station during the short drive to work. Remembering Jennie’s shy confession that she’d rather eat his waffles and promise to have fun, lifted his spirits. So much in fact that he almost enjoyed the cheery music.

  As he entered the back door of the restaurant, Nick prepped his menu for the day. A huge pot of beef and barley soup, and another of Boston Clam Chowder. While that simmered on the stove, he rolled out some pastries to make quiche. Two Quiche Lorraine’s went into the oven, followed by another two with crab and asparagus. As they baked he started on a dozen single-sized portion chicken pot pies.

  After that, he poured himself a half glass of Pinot Grigio and sat down to wait.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  By the time Jennie’s parents came to get her at the hospital it was just before noon. She’d showered, then dressed in her favorite sage-colored sweater and jeans. Nick’s thoughtfulness in bringing her bag allowed her to have her own things, and clean clothes. The bloodstained top she’d worn in the car could be tossed for all she cared. A reminder that she didn’t need. This family had already had enough tragedy this year. “What took you so
long?” she asked, giving her girls big hugs, and holding them a little longer than usual. “Hungry? Nick called earlier.” She ignored her mom’s sharp look of interest and continued in a breezy manner. “He invited us to lunch and a nice afternoon skating.” Jennie glanced at her daughter’s hopeful expression, and met her father’s eyes. “We don’t have to do that, of course. We could just go see about the car. I got a hold of my insurance company this morning, and they’re attempting to find an adjustor who’ll come out here today. No promises however.” She shrugged. “The good news is that my insurance covers a rental car. So I’m all set there.”

  Her dad sat at the edge of the bed, looking tired. “Whatever you want to do is fine by me.”

  He looked so frail sitting there, that she felt guilty dragging him away from the comfort of his home to rescue her and the girls. He probably hadn’t slept very well sharing a room with two energetic kids.

  “Let’s skip it,” she decided, wanting to get him home where he could rest. “I’ll just call Nick or we can drop in and tell him we can’t stay. No big deal. We have to come back after the holidays to pick up the car anyway. We can do it then.”

  “I want to go skating,” Katie pouted. “Who cares about the stupid car?”

  “I want to see the puppy again,” Brooke said. “If he doesn’t want to keep him and he doesn’t belong to anyone, can we take him home with us?”

  “Now isn’t the best time, Brooke. We’d have to keep him at Nana’s for a week, and he probably isn’t house trained yet. Then we’d have to cage him in the car on the return trip. I’d like to wait and get a dog when we have our new home.”

  “I wish we could have the pup from yesterday,” Brooke said sadly. “I’ve already named him Spot. He was so cute and cuddly.”

  “That’s a dorky name,” Katie told her and made a face. “Spot? Don’t be a silly ninny.”

  “Girls, behave. You’re wearing Papa out. Me too.” She helped her dad up, and kissed his cheek. “I bet you didn’t sleep a wink all night. The girls have been so excited about seeing you both.”