Chapter 20
Helen carried a tray of fresh-baked gingerbread cookies, a pot of tea, and a cluster of teacups into the living room where all the guests were lounging around. Rebecca had dropped by after work and snagged a cookie before heading into the office to do some bookkeeping.
Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, newlyweds, were kissing each other by the Christmas tree.
Mrs. Ackerman, a retired schoolteacher, looked up from her book and gave Helen a smile
Miss Lindsey, a twenty-something-year-old writer, paused her work on the computer and looked relieved when she spotted the refreshments.
“Tea and cookies,” Helen announced and placed the tray on the coffee table.
The guests ambled over, and each took a cookie while Helen poured them each a cup of Earl Grey tea.
“This is just wonderful, Helen.” Mrs. Ackerman sighed as she eased back down to her chair. “I’ve been to some of the finest bed and breakfasts, and this one is my favorite. You’ve managed to make it so cozy and welcoming. You’ve gone the extra mile.”
Helen straightened and smiled. “Thank you so much for the compliment.”
Mr. and Mrs. Simpson smiled. The wife nodded her head. “She’s right. This bed and breakfast surpassed all my expectations.”
Miss Lindsey sighed dramatically. “Everyone is right. Because of the ambiance of this place, I’m going to be able to finish writing my book. Hopefully my editor will like the new direction I’m going in.” She took a bite of her cookie.
Helen walked over to the bookcase on the other side of the fireplace. “We would love a signed copy of your book once it’s published. If you give me your contact information, I’d love to buy one”
Miss Lindsey looked pleased. “No need. I’ll send you a copy when it’s done.”
Helen brightened. “Thank you so much. That’s very generous.”
She heard the phone ring, and remembered she left the cellphone in the office. She hurried to the office, but Rebecca had already answered it and waved Helen away.
Helen returned to the living room. She walked over to the old record player and put on a Bing Crosby Christmas album.
The soft strains of White Christmas drifted through the room. She smiled as she observed her guests looking cozy and happy.
The bed and breakfast was becoming something magical to Helen. A hopeful future was beginning to look like a reality.
“Okay, so I’m caught up on the bookkeeping,” Rebecca said as she came up behind her.
“Good. Now you can go home and relax. Thanks for getting the phone. Was it another reservation?” Helen asked.
Rebecca nodded. “Yes. A gentleman wanted a three-night stay, but I told him we were booked up until a few days before Christmas. So, he took it. He seemed very eager to get a room with us. Said he stayed here before.” Rebecca crossed her arms and leaned against the wall.
“Oh yeah? What’s his name?” Helen reached over to a table and straightened a nativity scene.
“Sykes,” Rebecca said cheerfully.
Helen went still.
“Everything okay?”
Helen forced a smile. “Yes. I forgot I’ve got another batch of cookies in the oven.” She hurried into the kitchen. Folding her arms over her chest, she debated telling Rebecca the truth, that she felt uncomfortable with Mr. Sykes.
How was she going to explain that she just didn’t like one of their guests? No, she couldn’t do that. Rebecca and Kacey might think she couldn’t handle a difficult person and start looking for someone more capable.
She would just stay out of Mr. Sykes’s way. Hopefully he would do the same with her.