Christmas at the Restaurant Read online

  Two older ladies came into the bar and Jill went over to help them. They both ordered vodka martinis with a twist and the broiled scrod with Newburg sauce, which was on Paul’s new prix fixe menu.

  “Our friend Charlotte was in here last week, and she raved about these new specials you have. They are a great deal,” one of the ladies said as Jill jotted down their order.

  “I think so too,” she agreed. “That comes with your choice of clam chowder or Caesar salad.”

  “Chowder for me.”

  “And salad for me,” the other lady said.

  Jill punched their order into the computer and went into the kitchen to get hot rolls and butter for them.

  It was still early and not busy yet in the kitchen, so as Jill was filling a basket with rolls, she told Paul that her two customers came in because their friend loved the new menu and they both ordered from it too.

  “That’s good to hear. Tell them they’re going to have a tough choice for dessert. Jared made a key lime creme brûlée that is fantastic and we have a new flourless chocolate lava cake scented with orange. That’s good too.”

  Jills stomach rumbled. “I might need to try those…so I can accurately describe them to customers.”

  Paul laughed. “I’ll make a sample tasting plate for you and Gina so you can both try. Hold on.” He put a slice of the chocolate cake and a small round ramekin of the key lime creme brûlée on a plate and added a dollop of fresh whipped cream to both desserts. “Here you go.”

  “Thank you!” Jill took the plate of desserts and basket of rolls and headed back to the bar. They still only had the two ladies for customers at the bar, and after dropping their bread basket off, Jill pulled Gina into the nook behind the bar, where they kept extra stock and where they couldn’t be seen by the two ladies but where they could still see the front door and if anyone was coming toward the bar. She set the plate of desserts down. “This is from Paul. The two desserts that go with the prix fixe menu. Jared made this one.”

  Gina dipped a spoon into the creme brûlée and a look of surprise came upon her face. “Oh, that is so good. It’s like key lime pie, but better.”

  Jill liked the creme brûlée but loved the warm chocolate cake with its hint of orange flavor. They quickly ate most of the desserts and set them aside to finish later.

  The bar started to fill up and Jill and Gina were busy for the next hour. Gina had just served the two older ladies their desserts when one of them motioned toward the television. The news was on and there was another warning about the dangers of frozen pipes.

  “That poor family. Imagine having to move out of your home right before the holidays. Insurance should cover most of the repair costs, but I heard she lost all the gifts she’d bought and wrapped. She was all done shopping!” one of them said.

  The other lady smiled. “Well, I just heard that someone made a big donation. They called and asked for a list of the items she lost—the gifts. And they went shopping, wrapped everything and dropped off two big garbage bags worth of gifts at their hotel’s front desk.”

  “Who did that? Do they know?”

  The older woman shook her head. “No idea. She wanted to be anonymous, I guess. All I know is that she had white hair, like us!”

  “It wasn’t me,” the other lady said and her friend laughed.

  “No, wasn’t me either. I can’t afford to do that. But bless her heart, whoever it was.”

  Matt and Mandy were meeting Kevin and his date at The Gaslight at seven. The plan was to have dinner and stay and listen to some live music. The Gaslight was right downtown and had an intriguing menu, with lots of small plates and creative appetizers. Mandy loved their tuna nachos.

  When they reached the front door of the restaurant, they spotted Kevin coming their way with his date, and both Mandy and Matt’s jaws dropped. Matt turned to Mandy and lowered his voice. “I had no idea, I swear. Kevin told me that he met someone a week or so ago at happy hour. He did say her name was Amy, but I never made the connection. I was kind of distracted at the time and didn’t ask any questions. I guess I should have.”

  Mandy took a breath. At least if Amy was dating Kevin, maybe she’d stop flirting with Matt. So, it might not be a bad thing—though she wasn’t keen to spend an evening with the other woman.

  Kevin looked happy though and Amy was all smiles as she walked along with her arm through his.

  “I’m glad we could all do this tonight,” Kevin said. He glanced at Amy and it was clear that he was smitten. “Matt, Mandy, I’d like you to meet Amy.”

  “We met recently, at the Crosswinds,” Amy said. “And I know Matt from the Boat Basin.”

  “It’s nice to see you again,” Mandy said politely.

  Matt nodded. “Kevin mentioned he was dating someone new. I didn’t realize that it was you, Amy.”

  Amy grinned. “When Kevin told me you were one of his best friends, I took it as a sign.”

  Kevin looked confused. “You didn’t say anything. I didn’t know you knew each other.”

  “Didn’t I? Sorry about that. I meant to.” She smiled at him and he melted.

  “Shall we go in?” Matt suggested.

  They were seated at a cozy table near a fireplace that was filled with candles. Amy and Kevin sat next to each other on a bench and Mandy and Matt were opposite them on chairs. They ordered cocktails, white wine for Mandy, vodka and soda for Amy and beers for the guys. They decided on a bunch of appetizers, including tuna nachos and small plates of braised short ribs and fried chicken sliders.

  The conversation was…interesting. Kevin was mostly silent and Amy talked non-stop. By the time they finished eating Mandy had learned more than she ever wanted to know about Kevin’s new girlfriend. She was surprised to learn that Amy was older than she’d thought. She’d recently turned forty, though you’d never know it by the way she dressed.

  Tonight, she was wearing high heels, skinny jeans and a short fuzzy sweater. Up close though Mandy could see that Amy wore more makeup than she realized when she’d first met her. She was also pretty sure that she was wearing false eyelashes which seemed to be all the rage with some women. Mandy couldn’t imagine bothering with that. She was fine with the same mascara she’d been using since she was in high school. It was Maybelline, very black and in a pink and green tube. It did the job just fine.

  She realized, too, that when Amy shook her head, her blonde hair didn’t move. It was permanently fluffed and sprayed to death. It was a cute cut though, and it made her blue eyes look bigger.

  “How did you two meet?” Amy asked Mandy at one point.

  “At the restaurant where I work. Matt came in often and we got to chatting.”

  Matt grinned. “I wanted to ask her out for months, but she wasn’t interested in dating for a while.”

  “Oh, right. You were married to Cory Lawson. I used to see him out at the Club Car all the time. That’s where I met Kevin, too.”

  Mandy just nodded. She hadn’t realized it at the time, but many of the nights when Cory said he was working late, he was actually playing late, out with the young guys in his office or with one of his many women ‘friends’.

  “He’s a good-looking guy and they say he’s one of the wealthiest men on Nantucket. I’m not sure I would have let him go—though, I imagine you did okay in the divorce?”

  Mandy was speechless. She wasn’t sure how to respond to that. It was none of Amy’s business.

  Matt spoke up and changed the subject. “Here comes our waitress. Does anyone want another drink? I think the music is about to start.”

  “I’d love another wine.” Mandy was eager for the music to start so that she wouldn’t have to talk to Amy.

  “I’ll have another, too. Thanks, Matt.” Amy turned her megawatt smile on him, but Matt missed it because he was leaning over to give Mandy a quick kiss. He whispered softly. “I am so sorry about this. We don’t have to stay long. Want to leave after the first set?”

  She nodded. “It’s not yo
ur fault. And that sounds perfect.”

  The band was good and they all enjoyed the music. It was loud enough that conversation was difficult, so they just relaxed and listened to the band. At the end of the first set, Matt pulled out his wallet and set some cash down on the table.

  “This was fun, but I think we’re going to get going. Mandy and I both have to be up early tomorrow.”

  “So soon?” Amy protested.

  Kevin smiled at her. “It’s okay, we can stay for the next set.” He turned back to Matt and Mandy. “This was fun. We’ll have to do it again sometime.”

  Matt just nodded and Mandy stood and pulled on her coat. “Enjoy the next set,” she said.

  Once she and Matt were outside, Mandy laughed. “Well, that was quite the evening. Your friend Kevin really seems to like her though.”

  “He does. I wish them both well, but I’m in no hurry to do this again.”

  Chapter 10

  Gina was wiping down the kitchen counter when she heard footsteps outside the door, followed by a knock. She opened the door to let Jared in. They were heading over to the Festival of Trees.

  He stepped in, stopped and sniffed the air. “Smells like cookies. Were you baking?”

  She smiled. “Yes, I just made my Christmas pizzelles. I make a big batch every year. It’s a family tradition.”

  “I’m not familiar with those. What are they like?”

  “Try one.” Gina walked over to one of the stacks of cookies. They were wafer-thin, dusted with powdered sugar and looked like delicate snowflakes. She lifted one and placed it on a paper towel so it wouldn’t shake sugar on him. “If you like it, I’ll give you some to take with you. As you can see, the recipe makes a lot.”

  Jared took a bite as he looked around the kitchen at the piles of the cookies on paper towels all across the counter.

  “Oh, this is good. Is that anise?”

  “Yes. It’s the traditional Italian flavor. But some use lemon or vanilla instead. I like the anise. I’ll wrap up a stack for you. They’re great in the morning with coffee.”

  “What do you use to make them? Some kind of waffle press?”

  “A pizzelle press. It’s similar to a waffle machine and has the snowflake design etched in. They only take about a minute each to cook.” She grabbed a handful of the cookies and wrapped them in a sheet of aluminum foil and handled it to him. “Here you go. I’ll probably bring some into the restaurant, too, so if you run out, there will be more there. I’m going to run and change this sweater to one without sugar. I’ll be right back. Help yourself to another cookie.”

  “Thanks, I think I will.”

  Gina went off to put on a clean sweater and when she returned, Jared was standing in her living room looking at her easel with the half-finished painting. She had it set up by the big window that let in the best light.

  “You did this?” He sounded surprised and impressed.

  She nodded. “I went to school for art, but got away from it. I haven’t touched my brushes or paints in over a year and they are in rough shape. My brushes really need to be replaced, but for now, I’m having fun.” The picture was of one of her favorite holiday sights—the lighthouse at Brant Point that was decorated for Christmas with a big red ribbon. She had a photo that she was using for inspiration and it wasn’t coming out too badly, so far. She thought she’d be rusty but it seemed to be coming right back to her.

  “That’s really good. You’re talented.” He grinned. “I can barely manage stick people.”

  “Thanks! Well, I’m ready if you are. Don’t forget your cookies.”

  They decided to walk as it wasn’t too far and the sun was shining. It was cold, but overall a nice, clear day.

  “I know you said you haven’t been to the Festival of Trees, but have you been to the Whaling Museum yet?” Jared asked.

  “No. I heard it’s good though. I’ve meant to go, but haven’t made it over there yet.”

  “Good, you’ll like it. There’s a lot to see and it will be even more fun with the trees.”

  There was a small line when they arrived, but it moved quickly and soon they were inside. The inside of the museum was like a Winter Wonderland with decorated trees everywhere. They roamed around looking at all of them. They all had their own personality depending on who had decorated them—local businesses, children, artists, they were all beautiful.

  When they finished looking at the trees, Jared showed her around the rest of the museum which was more interesting than Gina had expected. It was probably partly due to Jared’s commentary as they went along. She discovered that he was a big reader. Dennis Lehane was his favorite author, and it turned out they’d gone to the same private Catholic school in Boston, BC High, though Dennis graduated almost twenty years before Jared did. He was also a history buff.

  “Did you know that they say in five hundred years, Nantucket won’t be here? It will be underwater.”

  “That’s a scary thought.”

  “I know, right?

  They looked at beautifully decorated scrimshaw pieces—whale teeth that had designs etched into them. There was a whole section with clothing worn in historic times and the vessels. They were at the museum for over two hours and it went by so fast.

  They got back to Gina’s place around three-thirty—just in time for her to change for work and head in. Jared was about to jump in his car and do the same, stop home and then into work.

  He paused before getting into his car. “Thanks for the cookies. I had fun today.”

  She smiled. “I did, too, Thanks for showing me the Festival of Trees. I think I might have to get a tree this week, maybe. I didn’t do it last year, and I like the way it makes my living room feel so bright and cheery.”

  “Are you going to get a real tree?”

  “Of course! I’m not a fan of the fake ones.”

  “I’m not either.” He glanced at Gina’s Jetta. “You won’t be able to get it home in that, though. We can use my Jeep. I think we’re both off on Tuesday. We could go then?”

  “Sure, if it’s not too much trouble, that would be great.”

  “It’s no trouble at all. I know just where to go. I got my mom’s tree yesterday at Bartlett’s Farm. We could grab dinner after and maybe play some trivia. It’s Christmas Trivia this week, should be fun.”

  “You like trivia? I used to play in Boston with some friends all the time. I miss it.”

  “Yeah, I like trivia. I usually do okay with the history and geography question.”

  Gina laughed. “Good, because those are my weakness. For some reason, I do okay with science ones and entertainment, movies, books.”

  “So, we’ll make a good team then. It will be fun.”

  She smiled. “I’m looking forward to it. See you in a bit.” Gina went inside, turned on the radio, which was playing Christmas carols and found herself humming along as she wrapped the cooled stacks of cookies in foil to keep them fresh. Boots came running to greet her and rubbed against her legs, purring loudly. She scooped her up and gave her a hug.

  “I love that you’re so happy to see me. But I really wasn’t gone long!” She glanced at her food bowl and laughed. “Right, you’re just hungry. That makes more sense.” She filled up her bowl with food before going to change for work. Once again, she’d had a really good time with Jared and couldn’t help comparing him to Alex. They were both handsome in their own ways, but very different personality-wise. Alex was a go-getter, extroverted, energetic and successful.

  And Jared was quieter, but she was beginning to see that he was equally passionate about the things he cared about. And he was a lot of fun and easy to be with, but it was comfortable, like a good friend, whereas Alex was maybe a little more exciting. But was that what she wanted?

  Chapter 11

  “Don’t forget your mittens!” Jill called as Billy opened the front door. Matt had just pulled up and they were heading off to go ice-fishing for the afternoon.

  Billy laughed, and came back ins
ide and gratefully took the black leather gloves that Jill was holding up.

  “Thanks, and they’re not mittens. Men don’t wear mittens.”

  “Whatever! Have fun, you guys.”

  “If you catch some fish, we’ll cook it up for dinner tonight,” Mandy added.

  Soon after Billy left, Mandy and Jill left as well for the Hodges’ holiday open house. It was Cory’s weekend with the kids, so it was just Jill and Mandy.

  “I feel bad that Emma can’t join us,” Jill said as Mandy pulled up to the Beach Plum Cove Inn.

  “I don’t think she minds. She and Paul like working a double together on Sunday and then having Monday off.”

  It was a few minutes past noon and there was already a good crowd gathered. Cars were parked all up and down the street. They found a spot and Mandy grabbed the bottle of wine she’d wrapped in gold foil and red ribbon to give to Lisa from the two of them as a hostess gift. The house was decorated beautifully with twinkling white lights outside and in, red velvet bows on the bushes and a gorgeous wreath on the front door made of driftwood that had been painted a pale blue with pretty seashells wired onto it and a crinkly silver ribbon.

  “I bet Lisa made that,” Mandy said. “Kate told me her mother always makes a holiday wreath.”

  Jill knocked on the front door and a moment later it was opened by Lisa’s husband, Rhett, who was wearing a big smile and a shimmering red holiday vest over a hunter green button-down shirt.

  “Welcome! Come in.” He opened the door wide and they stepped inside. Mandy handed him the bottle of wine as Lisa saw them and came over to say hello.

  “You look festive, I love the vest,” Jill said.

  “Thank you. It’s a tradition. I’ve worn this every holiday for years.”

  “We call it his ‘Festivus’ vest,” Lisa said.

  Mandy and Jill laughed. “That was one of my favorite Seinfeld episodes,” Mandy said.

  “A ‘Festivus for the rest of us’,” Jill said and they all laughed.

  “Exactly. Come on in and help yourself to the food. It’s in the dining room and the kitchen,” Lisa said.