Chapter Twenty-Three
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The next morning over breakfast, Riley remembered something she’d forgotten to mention to her mother the night before. They were both more excited about her mother’s date with Sean.
“So, I was chatting with Aidan and Luke during the wine and cheese hour and Luke asked if the big-screen TV in the living room worked. We decided it would be fun to watch Christmas movies there tonight.” She glanced at Franny, who had just joined them. “And everyone staying at the inn of course would be welcome to join us. I thought I could make a big batch of hot buttered popcorn.”
Her mother smiled. “That’s a great idea, honey. And something fun to do.”
“How did your book club go, Franny?” Riley had meant to ask earlier, but it had escaped her mind.
“It was a really nice time. Angela’s friends are lovely. I was a little nervous at first as I didn’t know them, but they were all very welcoming.” She smiled. “They invited me to go again if I was going to still be here. But, of course I’ll be home by then.”
“Do you need to rush back? Maybe you would enjoy staying a bit longer?” Riley’s mother asked.
But Franny shook her head. “I might never leave if I stay longer. I should get back. I have a business and a home in Albany.”
“Is everything going okay with your business while you’re here?” Riley’s mother asked.
Franny nodded. “It is. Very well actually. I’m lucky that I have good people working for me.”
“Well, that’s a relief. At least you don’t have to worry about that.”
“True,” Franny agreed.
“What’s it like where you live in Albany?” Riley asked. “Do you love it there?”
Franny looked thoughtful. “I did for a long time. It’s a lovely area. But it’s not the same with my husband gone. Some of my close friends have moved down south. There’s still a few left, but I don’t see them as often as I used to.” She smiled. “They are trying to recruit me to move to Florida. I don’t see that ever happening, but perhaps a vacation might be fun.”
“That’s a great idea,” Riley agreed. She glanced out the window and saw a few flakes float by. Snow was in the forecast again but they weren’t supposed to get more than a few inches. Still, it was cold and she shivered at the sight of it.
Her mother laughed. “Florida sounds pretty good to me right now. They say it’s going to get into the teens tonight.”
“It’s nice and cozy in here. I love that electric stove you put in the old fireplace. It looks so real, and it throws a lot of heat,” Riley said.
“Thanks, honey. I might push the thermostat up a little in here to make sure the lobby stays warm. Especially if we’re going to be here later watching TV.” Her mother hopped up and grabbed her crutches and made her way over to the thermostat.
A few minutes later, Aidan and Luke came into the dining room and filled their plates. When they sat at the table with them, Franny asked, “What do you two have planned for the day?”
“We’re going to Edaville Railroad!” Luke said excitedly.
Aidan laughed. “That’s not today, buddy. We’re going tomorrow. I have to work for a little while today.”
Luke looked disappointed. “That’s right. I just got excited.” He looked around the table. “Have any of you been to Edaville?”
They all nodded. “It’s a magical place,” Riley said. “I’ve been a few times. We used to love to go.” It was a Christmas-themed amusement park, just off-Cape in Carver, with a railroad and lots of festive lights, rides for kids, and of course Santa was there.
“Do you often have to work on Saturdays?” Riley noticed that Aidan seemed a little stressed.
He shook his head. “Not usually. My client is under a deadline for a bank refinancing for his business and I told him I’d meet with him today to go over everything before his meeting on Monday.” He ran a hand through his hair. “The girl I usually call to watch Luke sometimes, she was supposed to come by this afternoon, but she just texted me that she has the flu.”
“You could leave him with us,” Riley said. “I was planning to be here this afternoon anyway to make a quiche for tomorrow and to deliver the chocolates. Maybe Luke can help me?”
“I could deliver chocolates!” Luke seemed enthused by the idea of it.
Aidan looked unsure, though. “Are you sure? I don’t want to put you out at all.”
“It’s nothing, really. Just text me ten minutes before you want to go and I’ll head over then.”
“If you really don’t mind, that would be awesome. It won’t be longer than an hour,” Aidan said.
“It’s all set then,” Riley said.