Nantucket White Christmas: A feel-good, small town, Christmas story Read online

  “Hey, Philippe, just wondering if you’re around and maybe available for lunch? I’m stuck at the moment and would love to brainstorm with you a bit.”

  He immediate wrote back. “Would love to. How about meeting at The Brotherhood of Thieves at noon? I haven’t had one of their burgers in a while.”

  “Perfect. See you then.”

  When he arrived at the restaurant, Kate was already seated in a booth. He gave her a quick hug hello and apologized for running a few minutes late.

  “I hope you weren’t waiting too long,” he said as he sat across from her.

  “No, not at all. I got here maybe two minutes before you.”

  When their server came, they both put in their orders without even needing to look at the menu. Philippe got his usual cheeseburger and Kate got one of their special burgers with Boursin cheese, caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms. While they waited for their food to come, Kate filled him in on where she was stuck in her story and he made a few suggestions. They were just finishing up when their food arrived.

  “Thank you. It always helps to talk things out. How is your book coming along?” Kate asked.

  “Not too bad. You saved me from a morning of putting it off. When I saw your message I decided to buckle down and get a few hours in before meeting you for lunch.”

  Kate laughed. “I do the same thing. It’s worse when I’m not sure where I’m going though, like today.”

  Philippe nodded. He didn’t really know why he always had a hard time getting started each day. He was fine once he typed his first sentence.

  “I think it’s like going to the gym. It’s hard to make yourself go, but you’re always glad you went.” He bit into his burger. It was excellent as usual.

  “That’s so true. Are you still seeing Jessica Lavin? Kristen thought she saw the two of you walking down Main Street last night.

  He nodded. “We had dinner last night. Went to Keeper’s. Good, as usual.”

  Kate cocked her head and looked at him curiously. “Are things getting serious with her?”

  “No more than with anyone else. She’s a beautiful girl and we’re enjoying each other’s company. She knows I don’t want anything serious.”

  “Hm. I wonder sometimes if that makes you even more attractive to some girls. More of a challenge. They think they can change you.”

  “I hope not.” Philippe thought about Jessica’s enthusiasm when he said he might be around longer. He knew she liked being seen with him. He was often recognized when they went out and they both liked going to good restaurants. He might need to cool things down, though, if he sensed she was looking for more than he was willing to give. He remembered what she said about getting a cleaner, though.

  “Any chance you know of someone who could fill in for Judy by cleaning twice a week until she gets back? Jessica pointed out that my place is a disaster. And she’s quite right about that.”

  Kate laughed. “I don’t know of anyone off-hand, but I’m seeing my mother and sisters tomorrow for breakfast. I can ask if they know of anyone.”

  “Thanks. I’d appreciate that.”

  “No problem.” Kate set her burger down and smiled. “I can’t wait for you to meet someone that will really knock you off your feet. You’ll want to settle down then.”

  “I’d love for that to happen, but I just don’t see it happening.”

  5

  Angela woke to soft sunlight streaming in through the oversized windows in her grandmother’s bedroom. She stretched lazily and saw that Sam was still sound asleep on the pillow beside her. She yawned, slowly eased out of bed and padded to the kitchen. She’d slept really well, which surprised her as she hadn’t been sleeping well lately. But she supposed maybe the clean, crisp Nantucket air and realization that her financial problems were finally over might have helped.

  She looked around the kitchen for coffee and was impressed when she found a box of K-cups and a newer model Keurig machine. Her grandmother clearly had appreciated a good cup of coffee. She fed Sam while it was brewing, then brought her cup over to the kitchen table and fired up her laptop. First thing on her list was to call someone to come give her grandmother’s car a jump.

  She’d checked it the night before and, as expected, it was dead as could be. It was a cute car, though—a blue-gray Mini Cooper convertible. The auto repair place said they’d send someone within thirty minutes. She pulled out the sheet of paper from Lisa with the phone numbers and called her son, Chase, next. His office manager, Beth, answered and Angela told her that Lisa had suggested she call and why.

  “Hold on, let me check Chase’s schedule. It looks like he’ll be in your area mid-morning. I could have him swing by around eleven, if that works?”

  “That would be great, thanks.” Angela hung up and called Lauren next. She seemed thrilled and a bit surprised to hear that Lisa had referred her.

  “Well, isn’t that a nice surprise. Of course I’d love to help. I could stop by today around eleven thirty or twelve?”

  “Eleven thirty sounds good.” She gave Lauren the address, then realized as soon as she hung up that Chase was coming at eleven. Hopefully that wouldn’t be a problem.

  Fortunately, her grandmother’s car was fine, other than a dead battery. It roared to life once it was charged up and Angela kept it running for a half hour or so to fully charge the battery.

  At eleven sharp, she heard a car pull into the driveway and saw from the window that it was a truck with Hodges Builders printed along the side. A tall man with blond hair and a navy sweatshirt with the same company name on it walked toward the door. Angela opened it as soon as he knocked.

  “Come on in. I heard your truck pull in. I’m Angela.”

  “Chase Hodges. I’m sorry about your grandmother. My sister Abby and I used to like to visit her.”

  “Thank you.” Angela didn’t bother to explain that she didn’t know her at all.

  “Your mother actually mentioned that you’d noticed that the roof might need some work?”

  He nodded. “After a recent storm, there were a few shingles that blew off and some trim that looked like it was coming loose. Beth said you’re hoping to sell soon?”

  “Yes, I’d like to. Your mother also gave me the name of a realtor to call, Lauren Snyder.”

  Chase looked surprised. “Really? She told you to call Lauren?” He quickly added, “Well, she is very good at what she does.”

  “That’s what she said.”

  “Okay, let’s have a look around.” Angela walked all around the house with Chase as he examined all the structural areas and made notes on his iPad. They went downstairs into the basement to check the water heater and furnace, and then outside. Chase got a ladder out of his truck and climbed up onto the roof. He walked around and looked under some of the shingles. When he came down, they went back inside and sat at the kitchen table. He clicked a few buttons on his iPad and then turned it around so Angela could see the quote he’d prepared.

  He went through it carefully with her.

  “The good news is that the roof isn’t too bad. You only have to replace and fix a small section of it, where it takes the most damage from storms. I’d replace some of the trim that has come loose or cracked and I’d recommend that you refinish the hard wood floors. That’s something that buyers will look for and the less they need to do, the better.”

  “You think I’d get a better price if I do the floors?” she asked.

  “Yes, I do.”

  Angela did a quick calculation. The estimate was reasonable. She had enough in the local account to cover the repairs and for living expenses for the next few months. As long as she was careful with her spending.

  “Okay, let’s do it. How soon can you start?”

  “I’ll have Beth check my schedule for the next few weeks and give you a call. We’re finishing up a job at the end of the week and we’ll be off the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but we should be able to get started soon.”

 
“Great. Thanks so much for coming over so quickly. I really do appreciate it.” Angela walked Chase to the door and when she opened it, a pretty woman with a sleek blonde bob was standing there in a stylish dress, high heels and a handbag that Angela knew cost more than her rent had. The woman smiled and held out her hand.

  “You must be Angela. I’m Lauren Snyder.” She turned her gaze to Chase. “Hi, Chase. This is a nice surprise.”

  “Hi, Lauren.” Chase barely smiled until he looked at Angela. “See you soon.” He walked off and climbed into his truck. Angela noticed that Lauren had parked her white BMW sedan right next to it.

  “Come on in,” Angela said.

  Lauren stepped inside and looked around the room, and Angela could see her eyes quickly appraising its worth.

  “It’s lovely inside. Two bedrooms and a bath on the second floor?”

  Angela nodded. “Yes. Would you like to walk around?” She took Angela through the house and she seemed to like what she saw. Lauren used her cellphone to take pictures in every room. When they were back in the kitchen, she asked how the meeting with Chase had gone.

  “What kind of repairs did he suggest?”

  Angela told her and she looked pleased. “Good. I’m glad you’re going to refinish the floors. Buyers love that. Did you have a price in mind?”

  “Honestly, I’m not sure. I thought you might have a better idea of the market.”

  “I do. I know a few buyers that might be very interested in looking at this. It’s a good location.” She named a price that made Angela’s jaw drop. It was a little more than what she’d seen online.

  “Wow. Okay, that sounds fine.”

  Lauren fished in her purse and pulled out a business card on thick, pale pink paper. She handed it to Angela. “Call me when Chase finishes with the work and then we’ll get it listed. It’s a slow time of year, but there are still buyers out there and we’ll find them.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  Once Lauren left, Angela took the Mini Cooper for a drive and spent a few hours wandering all around downtown Nantucket. She took pictures of the cute shops and uneven cobblestone streets to send to Jane, who had never been to the East Coast either. She decided to take a coffee break when she walked by The Handlebar Cafe, which looked like a cozy, friendly place. From looking in the window, she noticed quite a few people on their laptops and others who had their dogs with them. Her stomach growled as she saw a platter of lemon-glazed scones, and she stepped inside.

  There was a short line at the counter and as she waited, Angela debated between one of the lemon scones or a raspberry shortbread cookie. She went with a cinnamon coffee and the cookie and as the girl behind the counter handed over her change, she sensed someone walk up behind her. The girl serving her suddenly smiled from ear to ear and her eyes lit up.

  “Good morning. Would you like your usual?”

  “Thanks, Bridget. You take such good care of me.” The voice directly behind Angela was deep and friendly.

  She turned to leave and stopped for a moment. The man waiting for his order was tall and lean. His hair was dark and a bit too long and unruly, tumbling over the collar of his brown leather jacket. He wore a black turtleneck and faded jeans, and was carrying an oversized laptop. He smiled at Angela and she caught her breath as laugh lines danced around his lips and his very dark, chocolate brown eyes.

  “Beautiful morning, isn’t it?”

  She realized that he was talking to her, and followed his gaze out the window.

  “Yes, yes it is.” It was unusually warm for the time of year and the sun was shining. She scurried off to a small table by the window, planning to eat her scone and people watch for a bit before venturing back out. She watched the man who’d been behind her head towards a corner table with his coffee and muffin. He opened up his laptop and inhaled his muffin in just a few bites. He quickly began typing away on his keyboard but every few minutes, he stopped to say hello to people that came in. Many stopped by to chat with him for a few moments before heading to the counter.

  She wondered who he was as he seemed to know so many people. But she figured Nantucket was a small place and if he was from the island or had lived there for a while, it made sense that people would know him. She couldn’t help thinking that everyone she’d met so far on Nantucket had been so friendly. More than she’d expected as everything she’d read had talked about how people on the East Coast were more reserved and always in a rush.

  After Angela finished her coffee and scone, she ventured out again to do some more exploring. There were so many interesting shops downtown, everything from gift shops with memorabilia and t-shirts to art galleries, jewelry and clothing stores and more. She walked around for a while, and just as she was getting ready to head to the grocery store and then home, a display in a shop window caught her eye. It was a mannequin wearing a gorgeous, pale green cashmere sweater. She knew that she could never afford it, but it was fun to dream.

  She walked into the small shop and glanced around. It was full of beautiful dresses, designer shoes and more cashmere than she’d ever seen in one place. Angela had never owned a cashmere sweater. She looked through a rack of sweaters, marveling at the softness and pretty colors. Just as she was about to reluctantly leave to go buy cat food and other necessities, an elegantly-dressed blonde woman glided over to her. Her expression was a bit distasteful, as if she’d seen or smelled something unpleasant. Angela glanced down at her outfit and realized the woman was probably judging her. She’d pulled on an old sweatshirt and faded jeans, and had her hair in a messy ponytail. This other woman was so polished in comparison.

  “Is there something you need help with?” the woman asked, but her tone made it clear that Angela didn’t belong there.

  “No, I think I’m all set. Thank you.” She took a step backwards, toward the door.

  “We do have a sale rack in the very back, if that might be a better fit for you?” The woman glanced toward the back of the room.

  “Thanks, I’ll take a look.” Angela walked to the sale rack, curious to see if there might be a good deal there. But her jaw dropped when she saw the prices. Even at half off, everything was far out of her price range.

  When she turned to leave, the blonde woman was watching her with a satisfied smile, confirmation that Angela did not, in fact, belong in that store. “Have a nice day!”

  Angela walked out of the store feeling depressed and a little bit angry. She supposed that she couldn’t blame the woman for assuming that she couldn’t afford the clothes there based on how she was dressed, but still she didn’t have to be so obviously rude about it. Angela was pretty sure that the pretty blonde girl in the store had never had to worry about where her rent was coming from or how to make her money last until the next paycheck.

  She shook off her bad mood, though, as she got in the car and drove to the market. She might not have much, but she had enough to buy everything that she needed and she was excited to settle into her new house until it was ready to be sold.

  6

  Lisa puttered around her kitchen, slicing and dicing, and stirring a chicken and wild mushroom risotto. She loved to cook and found it soothing. Every now and then, she glanced out the kitchen window at the ocean. The wind had picked up and the seas were a bit rough with lots of white caps and bigger waves than usual. She didn’t mind a good storm, though, as long as the power stayed on and she was inside and warm. They weren’t expecting too much tonight, just the wind and maybe a little rain later. She hoped that Rhett would get home before the rain came. The sky was looking darker.

  When the risotto was just about done, she shook a generous amount of parmesan cheese over the rice, added a hunk of butter and splash of broth. She stirred everything together and took a taste. A little more pepper and it was perfect. She turned the heat off and covered the pot to keep the risotto warm. Rhett should be along any minute.

  Lisa poured herself a small glass of cabernet and settled at the kitchen island with the latest Peop
le magazine. She’d just taken her first sip when she heard the front door open and the voice that she loved so much.

  “Something smells pretty good!” Rhett came into the kitchen, slid his coat off and gave her a quick kiss hello.

  “Thanks. Are you hungry?”

  “Starving.”

  “Pour yourself something to drink and I’ll get the risotto. She scooped plenty of risotto into two big bowls and brought them to the island where she’d been sitting. She handed one to Rhett and then slowly sat back down, wincing just a little as she settled onto the stool.

  Rhett looked at her with concern. “Your back?”

  She nodded. “A few people checked out today, so there was more laundry to do. My back protested a little after having the weekend off.”

  “I can check with my guy and see if he knows of anyone who might be able to help out.” Rhett knew someone that had a network of sorts and was good at finding people for all kinds of restaurant and hospitality work.

  “Don’t call him just yet. I want to give it a day or two to see if I feel better first.”

  Rhett didn’t look happy to hear it, but simply said, “All right, then. Just say the word when you’re ready and I’ll make the call.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” She reached out and gave his hand a quick squeeze. “Thank you. So, tell me all about your day.”

  “Well, it was interesting, that’s for sure. We were steady, nothing special, but we think we may have had a food critic visit.”

  “Really? What makes you think so?”

  “Just a gut feeling. There were two people and they ordered five entrees between them. The only time I’ve ever seen that at my other restaurants is when it’s a critic that wants to try several dishes for a review.”

  “That’s exciting. Did they like the food?”

  “They seemed to. They even ordered dessert.” He chuckled. “And there was very little left over.”

  “I’ll watch the paper to see when the review hits,” Lisa said.