Chapter 11
Chapter eleven
“Here you go, man.” Jack hands me a fresh hot cocoa from the stand in front of Java Jive.
We weave through the crowds to walk back to the reserved spots in front of Lux.
“Thanks, Jack. I’m glad you were able to make it back this year. I feel like this shindig gets a little bigger every year.”
He nods in agreement. “Merry and Bright Night is like the unofficial kick off of the Christmas season around here.”
It’s one of the annual festivals that make living in a small town just that much more charming.
The local businesses set up little stands outside of their buildings and they appreciate the push in sales when people from neighboring towns come to Forrest Falls to join in the fun, and families look forward to these events every year.
The crowd buzzes with excitement and holiday spirit.
I tilt my head down the street. “We both know if you commit to being here too far in advance, you’ll get forced onto one of the floats.
” He mock-shudders in response. The annual Merry and Bright Night parade starts at seven p.m. every year and businesses decorate floats with all kinds of Christmas lights and seasonal decor.
The crowds even vote for a crowd favorite, and the winner gets to choose which charity the event then donates to.
As his friend and employee, I know the annual fifty-thousand-dollar donation has nothing to do with sales tonight and has everything to do with the personal check that Jack writes, but very few people know that small detail.
That’s how my friend likes to operate though, he does a lot of good, but he never wants the credit for it.
“Maybe one of these years it will also remind me to start Christmas shopping sooner than the week before,” Jack says as he sidesteps a group of teenage girls bopping down the street.
“Speaking of Christmas shopping, is she on your list this year?” He nods across the street to Cara, who is working the stand for Sprinkles.
She throws her head back in laughter at something Betty said to her, and I wish I was close enough to be able to hear her.
“Yeah, for sure. Just not sure if it’ll be as a friend or something more.
” I wish it was something more. We had such a nice time at Thanksgiving, and I have not stopped thinking about making out with her in my pantry.
But yesterday when I stopped into Sprinkles, she wasn’t there—which never happens—then this morning, Betty said she was busy in the back.
I don’t know if she’s avoiding me, but I’m not going to let myself assume the worst. “Speaking of, I’ll meet you guys over there in a minute.
” I nod to the reserved seats for the parade that are only reserved because Jack’s sisters and nieces are spread out on lawn chairs and blankets in front of Lux.
I cross the street and wait my turn in line.
“Hey, Cara.” I step up and wait for her brown eyes to meet mine.
“Oh, hey, Max. You startled me! Sorry, I don’t have that much left to offer, it’s been so busy.
We’re out of a lot of our pastries, but I have a few dozen madeleine cookies left, and a dozen chocolate chip cookies.
Your brother cleaned me out of my white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies.
Seriously, Max, the man bought the entire twelve remaining cookies! ”
Hmm. Interesting. “Chase or Tommy?”
“Chase.” Cara glances to each side before leaning closer. “And I’m not saying anything, but you know what’s really interesting?”
I close the distance and lean even closer. “What’s that?”
“White chocolate chip macadamia nut just happens to be Cami’s favorite flavor of cookie. Isn’t that interesting?” She wiggles her eyebrows at me.
“Ha! So, you think he bought her a dozen cookies?” I laugh, but I can see it, actually.
I don’t know her well, but if Cami is one of Cara’s best friends, then she must be good people, and she was great company when she was over for Thanksgiving.
Her chilled happy vibe could be a good thing for Chase too, and maybe she can help him find his way back to being the happy guy he’s always been. “We will have to keep an eye on that.”
“That we will,” she agrees as she hands someone else their change.
I almost forgot what I came over here to ask, but Cara’s very distracting in her own right. “Betty mentioned Dante had a doctor’s appointment yesterday, is everything alright?”
“Oh, yeah, it was just an annual checkup, nothing to worry about. What can I get you?” Cara asks, clearly not willing to give me more of an explanation.
We have a great hospital and doctors here in Forrest Falls, unless it was for some kind of specialty visit, she shouldn’t have needed to go all the way into the city for a routine appointment.
It’s not the first time I’ve felt like she’s keeping things from me.
I know that she’s incredibly private with anything related to her niece and nephew, but I thought we were past that.
“I’ll take the rest of your madeleine cookies and your chocolate chip cookies. Oh, and if you have any coffee or beverages you’re selling, I’ll take those too.”
Cara stills and tilts her head. “And why would you need all of that?”
“Because once you’re sold out of everything, then you can grab Mila and Dante and come join us in front of Lux to enjoy the parade. Come on, Cara, I’m wiping you out—pack it up, you’re done.”
A bark of laughter escapes her as she looks at me wide-eyed. “You’re crazy.”
“For a few things, yes. To be fair, I do really love your chocolate chip cookies.”
“Okay, uh, if you’re sure. Hey, Betty? Max here is going to take … two dozen madeleine cookies, one dozen chocolate chip cookies, and the remaining two carafes of hot cocoa,” Cara calls out with a wide grin on her face.
“Oh, is he now? Thank you, young man, that means we get to watch the parade up close this year!” Betty laughs as she tells me my total.
I tap my phone to pay and add a ridiculous tip, which Cara will yell at me for later.
I help her pack up everything, including sliding the stand back into her store and locking up.
Managing the boxes of goodies, I escort her, Dante, and Mila over to join the festive fun in front of Lux, passing out the baked goods and refilling people’s mugs with hot cocoa.
As I watch Dante and Mila run after candy being tossed from floats with Jack’s nieces, I take the risk and put my arm around Cara, who in response, leans into me.
I kiss the top of her head, and I feel the tension leave her shoulders as I pull her a little tighter into my side.
This isn’t hidden in my pantry—this is out in the open on Main Street.
It’s also where she belongs.
“Max, I…” Cara looks up at me, but I don’t want to think too much about things, not tonight. She huffs in frustration.
“Cara, for tonight, just be here with me, okay? We can talk about things later or even tomorrow, but right now, let’s just enjoy tonight together, alright?” She nods and even leans her head onto my chest.
I’ve always thought Merry and Bright Night somehow held a piece of holiday magic, but tonight? I’m convinced it does.