The morning rush had been crazy. The lunch rush even crazier. She finally had everything cleaned up, cleared away, and in the sink waiting for Bonzo to start washing. She’d been walking up and down the floor behind the counter, wiping it, rearranging menus and the condiments lining the counter just waiting. And waiting.
He was late.
Officer Crowl had yet to step inside the diner for his daily coffee.
What did it mean?
Perhaps he was finally fed up with her, her family drama, and the things she said. He probably thought she was an idiot for not pressing charges against her brother—again. How many breaks should a person get? She had no clue. She just knew she didn’t like to see her brother get in trouble even if he deserved it.
Nothing too horrible was said between her and Officer Crowl last night, but apparently, he didn’t like her stance on not pressing charges.
That had to be the reason. He always came in for coffee. Always. What other explanation could there be?
The bell above the door rang merrily. Her heart pitter-pattered for about a second until she saw who it was. Attempting to hide her disappointment, she smiled at Lynn.
“You’re so lucky your hands are empty. If you had more cookies for us, I would have…done something.”
Lynn laughed as she took a seat on a stool. “The way they disappear so quickly around here, I might have to bring in more tomorrow. I wanted to talk to you about something. As you know from our conversation yesterday, I have almost all of Laura’s presents bought for Christmas. I’ve never finished shopping this early before. It feels…amazing.” Lynn laughed, the sound filling the diner with such happiness.
“Well, if I remember correctly, Chief Duncan and his dad spoiled her rotten last year. I imagine it’s just as bad this year.” Theresa smiled. She never had a Christmas where she got tons of presents, but her mother always managed to make it a beautiful time of year.
Lynn sighed. “You have no idea. I don’t know how many times I can tell those two to settle down. I’ve since learned to just let them have their way. Especially Gregory. There is no stopping that man. He keeps saying the only thing he wants for Christmas is another grandchild.”
Theresa’s mouth opened in surprise as a little giggle escaped. “And will he be getting his wish?”
“Not in time for Christmas, no.” Although, Lynn’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “I have a favor to ask you.”
“Sure. How can I help?”
“I ran into your mom at the grocery store last week.”
Theresa held her breath, wondering how that went. Her mother could be the utmost sweetest woman on earth. Then in the next breath, hell on wheels. Her mother didn’t drink like her brother and father did. But her mother didn’t need alcohol to become a monster.
“And?”
“She was wearing the most beautiful beaded necklace. I asked her where she got it from and she said you made it.”
Her heart, that had started to beat madly like a drummer going crazy, slowly dimmed to a steady beat. “Oh, yeah, it’s something I do on occasion.”
“Theresa,” Lynn said, her eyes growing large, “do you really have no idea how beautiful that necklace is? You should be selling those left and right.”
“Don’t be silly. It’s just something I do to pass the time.” In truth, she had no life outside of work. Obviously, Lynn was just acting too kind.
“Nonsense. They’re gorgeous and I’d like to put an order in.”
“For what?”
Lynn produced a gentle smile. “For you to make me some necklaces. Three of them. Two for Laura and one for Gabby. They’ll be perfect for Christmas presents.”
Whoa. She was being serious. “I don’t think—”
“I’m not going to let you argue with me. I’ll pay fifteen dollars a piece.”
“Fifteen!” Now she knew Lynn was playing with her. “They are simple beaded necklaces. They are not worth fifteen a piece. And what happened to little miss gotta-save-my-money-in-any-way-I-can?”
“She’s on vacation right now. I have a successful business and Elliot’s slowly teaching me how to part with my money since I have money to spend now.” Her laughter filled the room again with happiness. “And I imagine it takes time and energy to make those necklaces. Not to mention the supplies. I insist on paying fifteen dollars. Will you please make me three of them?” She pushed a sheet of paper across the counter. “Here’s the color schemes I’d like.”
“You’re not going to let me say no, are you?”
Lynn shook her head as a bright smile lit her face.
“Fine. Give me a few days.”
“Great! Thank you so much, Theresa. I better go get Laura now.” With that, Lynn left.
Theresa grabbed the paper and glanced at it. She wanted one necklace blue and purple, one red and orange, and one all green. Easy enough. But fifteen dollars a piece? Really? Completely outrageous. Although, Lynn did have one thing right. It did take time to make them, especially when she worked with the tiny beads.
She made all sorts of necklaces, from simple ones with a few beads attached, to extravagant ones made out of all beads. Sometimes she dabbled in bracelets and earrings as well. It was something she did since a child, occupying her time when she had nothing else to do, considering she didn’t have a ton of friends growing up. It never occurred to her people would want to buy them.
A slow smile grew. It felt kind of wonderful someone wanted to buy, not just one, but three. Of course, it was Lynn who wanted to buy them. Lynn was one of the sweetest people she knew.
That’s it. There was her answer.
Lynn was just being kind. She wanted to help out a friend. It hurt to think like that. But the truth hurt sometimes.
She pocketed the piece of paper and went back to wiping the counter down that didn’t need it. She had to keep herself busy somehow. He was late for his coffee and she hated pondering why. Her body felt much better today, especially after she soaked in the bathtub for over an hour last night. The glass of wine might’ve helped as well.
The bell above the door rang.
Without looking up, she greeted the newcomer as she continued down the counter with light strokes.
“One cup of coffee…please.”
Her head whipped to the sultry voice she sometimes heard in her dreams. Officer Crowl looked like his normal unapproachable self. His chocolate brown eyes bore into her, almost stripping her bare. It unnerved her.
“Of course.”
She set the rag down on the opposite counter and poured him a cup of coffee. Taking a fortifying breath, she turned around and set the coffee down in front of him.
“You bailed your brother out.”
He said it with such accusation.
She had rushed to the precinct early this morning before her shift started and paid her brother’s ridiculously high bail that probably set her back for a month. Although, James promised to pay her back. That was as close to an apology as she would get for his behavior last night. When he was sober, and needed something, he acted like the sweetest brother on the planet. He even promised to get help for his drinking. Since she needed to get to work, she couldn’t make sure he went immediately somewhere to start the process.
“I did.” She had nothing else to add. Her eyes shifted from his to the annoying sign on the front door that kept slipping down. “Excuse me.”
She walked away and around the counter, passing Officer Crowl. She could sense him watching her as she grabbed the sign from the floor and tried to hang it one more time. The adorable Christmas magnets she used to keep it hanging obviously weren’t strong enough to keep it up. This was close to the tenth time she had to re-hang them today. Bonzo liked to have the daily special hanging on the door so people passing by could see it, instead of everything written on a sign inside the diner. If they saw it before stepping inside, it might entice them to grab a bite to eat.
She found the holiday magnets at a garage sale this past summer. One was Rudolph, and the other, Santa Claus. They were adorable and so Christmassy she couldn’t help but use them. Now, she was thinking she’d have to grab some tape and hang it up the way she normally did.
Turning around, she jumped back, hitting the door. The paper fell once again. The magnets tumbled to the floor with a soft thump. Officer Crowl stood before her. Very closely. Too closely.
“Thanks for the coffee.”
She wanted to step aside, but couldn’t with a booth on each side of the door. She couldn’t step forward because that would put her right into his arms. Although, she wouldn’t complain about that. By the look on his face, he wouldn’t like it as much. Nothing but a scowl marred his face.
Then why did he insist on boxing her in? She could open the door and step outside to let him out. Or, he could step back and let her walk away.
She didn’t say anything. He didn’t move. They just stood there staring at each other.
Swallowing, she tried to think of something suave to say, or even something as dumb as, “Can I get by?” She wiped her hands across her apron. The weird encounter was getting awkward by the second.
She started to open her mouth to speak when his mouth swooped down and grazed her cheek. Then he brushed by her, his body almost flush with hers as he pushed open the door. Her feet still wouldn’t move.
“What was that?”
He pointed above her. “Mistletoe.” The door closed. He was gone.
She looked up, eyeing the mistletoe Bonzo hung a few days ago. Some people ignored it. Some, mostly couples, loved to stop and kiss each other. She’d never been kissed under a mistletoe. And the first time she was, it’s on the cheek. How lame.
Did it mean something? That he liked her?
It had to mean something, even if it was a little lame. Why else would he kiss her? Half the time he barely tolerated her. But he kissed her on the cheek when he could’ve ignored the mistletoe. She forgot it hung above them, and she watched Bonzo hang it up. How could she forget when he clearly noticed it?
The situation went from weird to mystifying. So strange.
She picked up the paper again, slapping the magnets a little harder than necessary.
Maybe he was just playing a game with her. Wouldn’t be the first time some jock played her for a fool.
Her steps slowed as she walked back behind the counter.
Well, that wasn’t fair. They weren’t in high school anymore. Even though Officer Crowl had been a jock, he’d never been one of them that made her feel worthless. If anything, he was indifferent, barely knew she existed back then.
Now he just acted weird. He seemed to like Christmas based on his comments last night. Maybe he felt compelled to kiss her under the mistletoe because it’s a mistletoe. People always kissed under one.
Of course, that’s why he did it. He felt obligated, not because he wanted to. It was silly of her to think otherwise. She went back to wiping the counters that didn’t need any more cleaning.
❄
Theresa grabbed her big jewelry box, or more like fishing box, from her bedroom closet and sat down in the middle of the living room. Years ago, before her dad started to drink heavily, he used to love to go fishing. He had a huge fishing box that held so many tackles that he almost couldn’t close it. Eventually the alcohol took over and he didn’t even care about fishing and tossed his box with everything inside into the garbage. On a crazy impulse, she pulled it out, putting the fishing supplies in a separate box and kept the fishing box for herself. She still had her dad’s fishing gear in her closet. He’d probably never use the stuff again, but she couldn’t find it in herself to throw it away.
She grabbed the supplies and laid them out in front of her. Luckily, she had the colors she needed for Lynn, but she did have to stop at Betty’s Craft Corner before she came home today to grab some charms and a package of end connectors for the necklaces. She always liked to add a bit of whimsy on her pieces. With Laura and Gabby in mind, she bought two monkey charms, since Laura loved monkeys, and a beautiful rose charm for Gabby.
Lynn didn’t specifically say what design she wanted, just specific colors. Without thinking about what she was doing, she set to work, hoping she created something they’d all love. Who knew? Maybe this was the beginning of a new adventure. She loved working at the diner, but when she really pondered her choices, she didn’t think she wanted to work there for the rest of her life.
But where would she work? The diner was all she knew.
As she threaded bead after bead, the idea to create beautiful jewelry as a job grew. It was such a fanciful idea. She had no idea why she even thought she could make it possible. Theresa Brennen wasn’t made for greatness. Just a simple diner girl who made shitty coffee.
Realizing she was working in silence, she snatched her phone, and with a few tap, tap, taps, Christmas music swirled around the room, lifting her spirits even more. Lifting her fanciful ideas to newer heights.
Why in the world couldn’t she start a jewelry business? It couldn’t hurt to try.
With a decision firmly in her mind, she worked steadily on the first necklace late into the night. By the time she went to bed, her mind still couldn’t shut off from all the plans in her head.
Morning came too quickly, but part of that was her fault. She set her alarm a half hour earlier so she could work on Lynn’s order before she left for work. Now that an idea was planted, she couldn’t help but feel compelled to work on it. She was so enthused, she wanted more orders. Although, now she was just getting ahead of herself. Would someone else really order anything from her? Maybe this was just Lynn being Lynn. Her nice, wonderful self. Too nice, sometimes.
Slumping against the couch, she sighed. You’re being ridiculous, Theresa. Of course, Lynn was just being overly kind. What was she thinking? Nobody else would want her amateur necklaces. All those plans she made last night were ridiculous.
Her eyes flew to her tree to lift her spirits, because any time she looked at the beauty of it, her happiness level skyrocketed. She couldn’t help but smile as the lights shimmered back at her.
“Oh, you idiot!”
She left the tree plugged in again last night. Jerking up from the floor, she yanked the plug out of the outlet. Why did she keep forgetting? She always remembered to keep it watered and from dying, but she frequently forgot to unplug it.
Stomping out of the living room, she decided to get ready for work. So much for feeling a little happiness before leaving.
When she reached the diner and prepared the coffee, that even made her cringe with disgust, her mood was so bad she wanted to slump to the floor and have a good cry.
“What’s got your crank?”
Pausing outside the double doors before heading out to deliver two egg platter specials, she offered a simple smile. “That time of the month.”
Bonzo chuckled. “Try again. This ain’t that kind of pissiness. You’ve been acting funny this morning.” His smile dimmed. “Something happen with your brother again?”
“No. I’m fine.” She lifted the plates. “These will get cold if I don’t deliver them.”
She pushed through the doors before Bonzo could interrogate her some more. The plates settled down onto the booth table with a light tap even though she ached to slam them down. Her nerves were still rattled. Her anger swam on the surface. She couldn’t even explain to herself why she felt this way. So ridiculous.
Maybe she could classify it as self doubt. It shouldn’t put her in such a cranky mood, though.
“Enjoy your breakfast, Mrs. Wayworth.”
A bright smile echoed back. “Thank you so much.”
She started to walk away.
“Oh, I meant to ask you something, Theresa. I spoke to Lynn yesterday.”
She slowly turned around.
“She said you were making her a few necklaces for Christmas gifts. My sister lives in New York and is just difficult to buy for. I love the idea of a necklace. Could you make me one as well?”
Holding back her dumbfounded look was impossible. Did Lynn do this on purpose? What was going on? Another order for her jewelry? She wasn’t that good. Or was she?
“I shouldn’t have asked. I know you work so hard at the diner every day. I still haven’t figured out why Bonzo doesn’t hire someone else to help.” The way Mrs. Wayworth said it, she honestly thought Bonzo overworked her on purpose.
Not true, of course. He could afford to hire another person, but every time he thought about it and asked her, she said it was all good. And it was. They were never too busy that they couldn’t handle it. If she ever needed time off, or got sick, Bonzo’s wife, Shelly, came in and covered for her. Her and Bonzo worked well together. They had a routine. Hiring someone else would disrupt that. Before she came along, his wife helped him. Then she got pregnant and wanted to stay at home with their twins, although she still worked on the weekends. The situation worked for them.
“I’d love to make you a necklace. They aren’t fancy or anything. I’m no professional.”
Mrs. Wayworth waved her hand. “Nonsense. I’ve seen expensive jewelry before, and honestly, half of that crap doesn’t compare to the beauty you create. I’ve seen the stuff you’ve made. I love it.” She pulled her wallet out of her purse and produced two twenties. “I’ll take two, please. One red and one green. Can you have them done by Friday? I know that only gives you two days, but Christmas is in less than three weeks and I have to mail them to New York. Will that be a problem? Am I being too forward?” She pulled another twenty out. “To make it a rush order.”
Wow. That was a lot of money. Too much.
“I can’t accept that much. I can have them finished by Friday.” She’d have to put Lynn’s to the side, but she figured Lynn wouldn’t mind and would understand the reasoning for it.
Mrs. Wayworth stood up and curled the money into her palm. All three twenties. “I insist. Consider part of it a tip for making such beauty.”
“But I haven’t made them yet. Maybe they’ll come out looking like crap.”
Mrs. Wayworth’s hand tightened around hers. “Have more faith in yourself. Believe in the beauty you create.” Her smile brightened as if rays of sunlight were shining upon them. “I’ll stop by in the morning on Friday to pick them up.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Wayworth. I won’t disappoint you.”
She laughed as she took her seat again. “Of course not. I have no doubt they’ll turn out gorgeous.” Picking up her fork, she wagged it in front of her. “You just wait and see. Once my sister opens her present, you’ll have tons of orders. She knows lots of people.”
Theresa walked away, her dreary mood lifting. She had another order, even if Lynn was behind it. But why? To what end? Just to be a nice friend? She didn’t care. It was wonderful to know people liked her creations. Maybe her idea last night wasn’t so farfetched.
As she walked back through the double doors to grab another order that was complete, she decided it wasn’t a horrible idea, but she wasn’t ready to voice it to Bonzo yet.
Maybe she’d never be ready. That would take guts. Something she didn’t think she had. Not enough, anyway.