My heart went out to her. “Mom… I know this is hard to believe, but it’s not too late for you and me to have a closer relationship. And it’s not to late to change things between you and Dad.” If they could send love notes through the Sleigh Café, they could fix their marriage. “But first, I think you need to come to terms with your feelings that are wrapped up in the boutique.”
Judith Smith barged in carrying one of the leopard faux fur coats that had been in a box next door. “I have to have this.”
My jaw dropped.
“It’s so soft. It’s like my dog is with me again. You know, Allie, Caesar, the dog I told you passed over the Rainbow Bridge?” Mrs. Smith shed her stadium jacket, dropping it on the counter. “This will need dry cleaning, Marlene.” And then she thrust her short arms into the faux fur, looking blissful. “How much? I expect a friend and family discount.”
I turned to Mom. “Maybe we’ve both been on two different wavelengths when it comes to inventory.” Like Nick and I had been on the relationship front. “There are all kinds of shoppers in Christmas Mountain. And that coat – ”the one I’d rejected as hideous“ – gives Mrs. Smith joy.”
“It does,” our first customer cooed, rubbing her cheek against the ruff of the coat.
A smile eased the normally hard lines in Mom’s face. “Does this mean you’re interested in my idea, Allison?”
“If I say yes, there will still be things that need discussing.” I wanted to have a good relationship with my mother but working together might jeopardize that. And yet, excitement built inside me at the idea of running the store.
“Understood, Allison.” Mom nodded, then turned to Mrs. Smith. “That coat is one hundred dollars, Judith. And that’swiththe friends and family discount.”
ChapterSixteen
“You have a date?”Dad had asked, eyebrows raised when I’d emerged from my room to leave.
“Don’t give her a hard time,” Mom counseled, smiling benevolently at me. “She looks lovely.”
Their comments were such a role reversal, that both Tim and I gaped at our parents.
“She’s a good girl, Lee,” Mom continued. We’d had a nice long talk after we sold Mrs. Smith a coat and had come to an agreement about the store. “And since Allison is retiring from dance, she needs to re-establish friendships here in town.”
“What’s with the coat?” Tim asked me, turning up his nose at my fashion choice of a white tiger print faux fur coat.
“I’m modeling the merchandise, hoping to spark some sales.” I held out my hand to Dad. “Can I borrow your car?”
“Did I miss something?” He dug his keys from his pocket.
“I’ll explain it to you later, Father Christmas.” Mom patted his arm. “We have a lot to talk about, you and I.”
Dad blushed.
I took a few steps toward the door and then turned and came back to stand next to our Christmas tree, bending to fiddle with my rocking horse ornament at the bottom. “I just want to say that I support Tim following his own path. If things don’t work out, he’ll know soon enough. And everyone needs to make their own decisions about their future.”
Three mouths hung open.
I made my way back to the door.
“I love you, Allie,” Tim called to me.
My parents echoed his sentiments.
It felt like I was releasing all the angst I’d had bottled up over the years and by my doing so, my family burden was easing as well.
If only my choices had any impact on Nick’s confidence in our relationship. We had the entire weekend to cool down. But I knew I was going to miss him every minute.
I showed up at The Chop House wearing my little black dress, a pair of impractical black shoes, several bangles and a chunky gold necklace. I’d applied my make-up with an expert hand and styled my hair so that it appeared to fall in effortless, touchable waves.
I only wished I was meeting Nick instead of Bixby.
I made my way into the bar, looking for Nick. Instead of his blue knit cap, Bixby’s blond head was immediately recognizable.
I slid onto the bar stool next to his. “I’m here.”