Chapter 19 #2
Vanessa looked at her grandmother for a long moment, a small smirk on her lips. “You know,” she said slowly, “you and George could just spend some time together, instead of playing so many tricks on each other. Some actual, quality time.”
Mabel felt a small flutter in her chest at that thought, but she pushed it away. She’d told herself many times over the years, every time she and George had started to get closer, that the time in her life for romance was done. What she needed was lighthearted fun, and this gave her exactly that.
“We’re just friends,” she insisted to Vanessa, but she could see that her granddaughter didn’t entirely believe that. “Really. And you are going to be late for your date with Jackson.”
Vanessa glanced at her phone. “Oh my goodness, you’re right. I should head out.” She gave Mabel a quick hug. “Make sure to be careful with your wrist. I know you said the braiding was fine, but just rest it, okay? I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
Mabel returned the hug. “I will,” she promised. “And good luck on your date.”
She watched Vanessa hurry out toward the stairs, hoping with all her heart that the date went as well as it possibly could.
Vanessa had bought new snow boots, a stylish pair that she’d found at the Holly and Ivy Market of all places.
According to Cindy, when she’d been ringing Vanessa up, they’d been in stock forever because no one had wanted them.
They were more fashion than function, which was probably why.
They were a pretty soft brown color, with white laces and a ruff of fur around the top, but the tread was still good enough to keep her footing in the snow and much better than her heeled boots.
They were more than good enough for what she needed, and as she walked out into the winter wonderland of late evening, she was glad she had them.
Looking at her phone as she walked, she realized she actually had a bit more time than she’d thought. She was supposed to meet Jackson at the toy shop at six, and she was a bit early. Her nerves had made her overestimate the time, she thought.
As she walked down the sidewalk, she saw Imogen’s chocolate shop just ahead, and decided to stop in.
She had enough time, and the shop was still open, the lights on as twilight gathered in.
She could have a quick chat with Imogen and calm down a little, she thought.
She had no idea why she was so nervous. It was just a date, one that wasn’t going to go anywhere.
Maybe, she thought as she stepped into the sweet-smelling interior of the shop, it was just because she hadn’t really been on a date since college. And even then, she wasn’t entirely sure that those counted as dates at all.
“Oh my gosh, Vanessa, you look so gorgeous!” Imogen chirped as Vanessa walked in. “I love that coat!”
Vanessa smiled, smoothing her hands down the front of her coat a little self-consciously.
It was a wrap coat in a black and gray and pink plaid print, with a wide collar that was perfect for tucking a scarf into, which she’d done—a soft black cashmere scarf that matched her black cashmere beanie.
“Is it too much? I’m going on a date with Jackson, and—”
“Yes,” Imogen cheered, her smile widening. “He mentioned wanting to say something to you about taking you out, the other day when he was in here shopping.”
“He did?” Vanessa’s nerves took off in a cloud of butterflies.
“He did,” Imogen confirmed. “I told him he should give it a shot, and I’m so glad he did!”
“And this isn’t too much?” Vanessa asked again, nervously. “He said to not wear a dress, so I assume we’re going to be outside at least a little. I hope it’s not… hiking or something. I’d feel embarrassed if it was.”
“It’s definitely not hiking,” Imogen assured her. “This time of year, unless there’s a special event, hiking out in the woods isn’t a good idea. Too much ice and snow. Not unless you’re experienced, and Jackson wouldn’t do that to you. He’s a really good guy,” she added, and Vanessa smiled.
“I know he is.”
“Anyway…” Imogen busied herself behind the counter, heading over to the hot chocolate bar. “I know just what you need. A little burst of serotonin to get your head in the right spot before your date, and some chocolate will give you exactly that. How does white chocolate and peppermint sound?”
“That sounds amazing,” Vanessa said enthusiastically. “I’ll never say no to a cup of your hot chocolate.”
“No one ever does.” Imogen laughed, as she started to make it. A few minutes later, she handed the warm cup over to Vanessa, who took it in her gloved hands and sniffed the steam coming from the cup.
“This smells amazing.”
“Careful,” Imogen warned. “It’ll burn your mouth, so don’t rush to drink it.”
“Thank you.” Vanessa smiled. It faltered a moment later, and she gave Imogen a sincere, soft look.
“I don’t have friends back home,” she confided quietly.
“Not true friends, really. People I know at work, or who I see occasionally, but I don’t ever make time to do anything outside of work.
That’s not really conducive to making friends.
” She let out a small, self-conscious laugh.
“This means a lot to me. How welcoming you’ve been.
It’s not something I’ve ever had before. ”
“I’m happy I could do that for you.” Imogen flashed her a bright smile. “I’m always here if you need a friend. Me, and my chocolate.”
Vanessa laughed. “I will absolutely keep that in mind.”
She waved to Imogen, taking a small sip of the rich, delicious chocolate as she stepped out into the cold, snowy evening. It was almost fully dark now, and she had just enough time to walk over to meet Jackson, just as the Christmas displays across the town began to flicker on.
She felt much more confident about the night ahead.