Chapter 21
It was Helen’s day off. Although she didn’t feel like she could leave the bed and breakfast, Kacey and Rebecca insisted she get out and explore the town of Hopeton.
She’d deposited her check into her bank account—which she had opened as soon as she arrived in town—and then headed down the street of boutiques to do a little browsing. She’d been making payments on the debt she owed. She could send only a small amount every month, but at least it was something.
She stopped in one boutique and browsed through the racks of clothes. She finally decided to treat herself to a new cream-colored sweater. It would pair nicely with her gold earrings that her mom had left her.
Helen grabbed her bag and stopped by the Main Street Bar and Grill.
It was only eleven, and the lunch crowd was already starting to trickle in. The tables had been decorated with small arrangements of poinsettias and greenery. The scent of cinnamon and cedar hung in the air.
She glanced at the bar and saw Oliver drying glasses. He looked up and spotted her. He smiled and waved her over.
Helen felt her face go red with embarrassment. She didn’t want him to think she’d come in just to see him.
Oliver stepped out from behind the bar and met her halfway across the room. “Helen. What a nice surprise. You finally got a day off.”
She chuckled. “Rebecca and Kacey had to force me out of the house. They insisted I spend my day off away from the bed and breakfast.”
Oliver nodded. “I agree.” He looked at the bag in her hands. “Doing a little shopping, I see.”
Helen nodded. “Yes, and now I’m in need of lunch.”
Oliver nodded, with a smile. “I can help with that.” He walked over to the bar and picked up a plastic menu before leading her to the table for two in the corner.
She sat and took the menu he offered. “What do you recommend?”
He gave her a thoughtful look. “Well, everything is good. But today’s specials are a turkey club with home fries and a chicken pot pie. And, for dessert, we have apple crumble.”
Helen’s stomach growled. “They both sound good, but I think I’ll go with the chicken pot pie.”
Oliver smiled. “Good choice on such a cold day. Can I talk you into a hot cider? We make it fresh every day.”
Helen nodded. ‘That sounds wonderful.”
Oliver grinned. “I’ll get that right out to you.”
Helen looked out the large picture window of the restaurant.
Giant snowflakes came down and Christmas lights lit up the store across the street.
The sidewalks were not as crowded with people since the winter season arrived, and the small town of Hopeton had settled into an unhurried pace where she could truly enjoy the season.
Oliver came back and placed a mug of hot cider in front of her.
She took a sip and sighed. “Oliver, this is delicious. It tastes like Christmas in a cup.”
Oliver looked pleased with himself. “I made it myself.”
Helen’s eyebrows shot up. “So you don’t just serve drinks, you make them yourself as well.”
Oliver laughed. “I’m not just the bartender. I’m the owner.”
Helen gaped. “I just assumed …”
Oliver grinned. “That I was just the bartender?”
Helen felt her face go red.
“It’s totally fine. I don’t tell people about the properties I own. People tend to treat you differently. And I just like anonymity.”
Helen smiled. “I couldn’t agree more.” She glanced at the bar. “So do you man the bar full time?”
Oliver eased onto the chair and shook his head. ‘No. Our bartender is out with a broken leg. He fractured it on a skiing trip in Colorado. He should be back by the beginning of January.”
Helen took a sip of her cider. “What do you do when you are not bartending?”
Oliver placed his hands on the table. “I make sure this restaurant is running well, and keep up with some commercial real estate in town. It seems like there is always something to do. I thought once I retired from the military, I’d have free time. I’m busier than before retirement.”
Helen shrugged. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve always been a housewife, until my divorce. If I could go back in time, I would have concentrated on getting a career. But I guess hard times force us to do hard things.”
Oliver nodded. “It looks like you are thriving in your difficult time. And you seem to enjoy taking care of the bed and breakfast.”
Helen felt her smile growing on her face. “I do like it. I love it.”
Oliver studied her. “I bet you meet some wonderful people.”
Helen took another sip. “I do. I love meeting new people and letting them share part of their lives with me. I’ve met some wonderful people.”
“Sounds like you have. Do you ever have a guest you don’t like?” Oliver asked.
Helen’s shoulders slumped. “Actually, yes. Remember Mr. Sykes from Thanksgiving dinner? He’s joining us again for Christmas.”
Oliver lost his smile. “Yeah, he was kind of a jerk. Have you told Rebecca or Kacey about him?”
She shook her head. “No. I don’t want to cause trouble for the bed and breakfast. Besides, I don’t want Rebecca and Kacey to think I can’t handle one rude guest.” She straightened her shoulders. “It’s nothing I can’t handle.”
Oliver studied her. “I know. But it’s okay to set boundaries.”
Helen folded her hands in her lap. “You are right. This time when Mr. Sykes shows up, I’m going to be stern and not let him intimidate me.” As the words spilled out, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders.