Chapter 6
Luke
I walk in behind Allison, and my overriding feeling is curiosity about her.
I’m annoyed at this interruption to my schedule. I had hoped to convince the people I was going to meet to commercialize their lodge in a big way. It will be good for my company, if they hire me to do it, of course.
But Allison doesn’t seem to be the slightest bit upset that she’s not getting to go where she wants to. Does she not work? Does she not have responsibilities? And honestly, I admire her calm, unruffled demeanor. I kind of wish I was more like that. She’s also cheerful, and as we approach the desk, she holds out her hand.
“I never introduced myself. It seems like if we’re going to be snowed in here for a while, you should know that I’m Allison, and I’m happy to be here.”
The older lady looks surprised. I think she’s expecting us to be annoyed and short with her. After all, not only are we stuck here, but we have to share a room.
“That’s very nice,” the lady says. “My name is Judy, and my husband... My husband has kept this place up for years, but he’s mostly bedridden now. Hospice has been coming in for eighteen months, and no one has much hope that he’s going to all of a sudden jump up and walk again. Age just catches up with you, I guess.”
I can tell Allison feels bad about that, because her sympathy is written all over her face.
“That’s so hard. And you’re doing this all yourself.”
Obviously that explains why there’s only one room available.
Miss Judy nods, and then it’s clear she tries to put on a brave smile. “Even the income from one room will help. I’m just trying to hold on until he passes. Then I suppose I’ll sell it, although it’s going to be hard. We have so many memories here.” She shakes her head. “Once you two get settled in your room, you’ll have to come back to the kitchen area and have supper with us.” The lady looks around. “Actually, we can do it here in the breakfast area. The tree is up, I just haven’t gotten it decorated yet. It’s hard taking care of an invalid, especially since I’m not in the best of shape myself.”
“I can help decorate it for you,” Allison offers. I want to roll my eyes. But then, guilt tightens my throat as I realize I should jump into that too. What else am I going to do?
I suppose I could take my laptop somewhere and get some work done on it, but...it’s the Christmas season. I’m not supposed to be a complete Scrooge.
“I can help with that, too,” I say, and to my surprise, the words don’t sound as grudging as I feel.
Allison has obviously formed some opinions about me, because my words cause her to turn her head in surprise. I want to be offended at her challenge. Like this is the way I was all along. Maybe it’s the way I want to be. Maybe I’ve become too focused on being successful in my business, and I haven’t given as much thought to helping others as I should. And Judy seems like the kind of person who could definitely use some help.
“I’ll take you both up on it. Not that I’m expecting a rush for Christmas, but it will be nice to have a little bit of cheer in here. Sometimes it gets depressing.”
Judy sounds sad, and Allison reaches across the counter and puts a hand over top of her older, gnarled one that sits on top of the ledger.
“We’ll make it cheerful. I never travel anywhere without hot chocolate, so we’ll have that at least, and I think we might be able to find some Christmas music too. It’ll be a beautiful evening.”
I want to roll my eyes, but then part of me thinks back to my childhood and how much I always enjoyed sitting in front of the Christmas tree, drinking hot chocolate, or sitting under the Christmas tree, playing with trucks and toys. It probably was after Christmas if I was already playing with toys, but just the happy memories of having the family together, listening to Christmas music, and just feeling that warmth and cheer that seems to pervade the season.
“That sounds fantastic. Let me get you guys checked in, and then I’ll check on supper. I have it in the crockpot.”
Allison nods, and the lady scribbles in her notebook, then takes both of our payments.
I balk a little with this, because it does seem a little bit wrong for her to take full payment when neither one of us are getting a full room. But my more human side kicks in, and I remember that this lady could use the money, and I have it to spare. Why not give it to her?
Allison has waited for me, and as I thank Judy and turn, she’s standing there with her bags.
We start down the hall together, and she says, “I didn’t think it was fair for me to get in the room before you. After all, you were here first. You should get to choose which bed you want and anything else there is to split in the room.”
“You can choose,” I say, not needing to see the room. Even though we’re standing in front of the door, and I have my key in my hand. It’s an actual key, not a card, not anything that gets scanned.
“No, I insist. I appreciate your generosity.”
Her words make that guilty feeling that I’ve been flirting with all night kick in hard. I’m not generous, and the thought doesn’t sit well all of a sudden.