Love on Main Street: A Snow Creek Christmas Read online

  “You know,” Joe began, “there’s a dance at the Mitten Inn on Christmas Eve. The Fezziwig Ball, they call it. The Corneliuses are famous for it. Would you by any chance be free to accompany me?”

  “To a ball?”

  “It sounds fancier than it is. It’s more like a shindig, really.”

  “I don’t…I mean, I really don’t think….” She felt the burn of a blush on her cheeks and pulled away. Without the heat of his nearness clouding her senses, she remembered all that Riah had told her. That Joe had been having an affair with Riah’s mother—his own brother’s wife. Hadn’t Serafina learned her lesson with Drew? Men couldn’t be trusted. Period.

  “Everyone in town will be there,” Joe said. “Give you a chance to meet the folks you want to be your customers.”

  “That’s not the problem,” Serafina said.

  “Then what is?”

  “It’s hard to explain.”

  “Is it me? It’s just a dance, Serafina. I’m not asking you to go steady.”

  “Riah told me about you and her mother having an affair,” Serafina blurted out.

  “She said what?” Joe looked stunned.

  “She said she walked in and saw you kissing her mother, right before her parents were killed in the accident.”

  “And you assume we were having an affair.”

  “Are you going to deny it?” In the face of his continued silence, she felt once again the terrible hurt of Drew’s betrayal, the pain and embarrassment caused by the men in her life. Men always disappoint, she thought bitterly. They say they’ll be there and then they leave. And the ones that stay—the ones like Fred—you wish would leave. A part of her knew it wasn’t fair to blame Joe for all her disappointments, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself. “What kind of man would seduce his brother’s wife?”

  “Well, now, I don’t know. What kind of woman wouldn’t visit her dying aunt?”

  Serafina reeled, feeling as though she had been slapped. “That’s none of your business. It’s…families are complicated.”

  “Well, Darlene was my family, we made each other family. And when her blood kin couldn’t be bothered to look in on her, I was all she had.”

  Serafina felt sick to her stomach. “I tried,” she whispered. “As a child, I wrote her, all the time. Letter after letter, but she never wrote back.”

  “You sure about that?”

  Serafina looked startled. Could it be Darlene had written back—but Serafina had never received those letters? “I suppose my stepfather might have intervened,” she said slowly.

  “What about when you were an adult?”

  As an adult she hadn’t tried. Another failure. One Serafina would regret forever.

  “Look,” said Joe, choosing his words with care. “I’ve kept your aunt’s place open all this time because I owed Darlene and because Riah loved it so much. But I can’t subsidize it forever. I don’t mean this unkindly, but…maybe you should head back where you belong.”

  But I don’t belong anywhere, thought Serafina. She opened her mouth, but could think of nothing to say.

  Instead, she turned and left without saying another word. All the way back to town she maintained her composure. She found a parking space two blocks away from Magic Baubles, parallel parked with relative ease, and hurried toward the sanctuary of the shop.

  “Electricity’s out,” one of the Bench Boys called out as she breezed past.

  Inside the store, she tried the lights: nothing. The clock radio, the coffee machine, space heater…nothing worked.

  She collapsed on the couch and let the tears come.

  ***

  Joe spent another hour in the barn, grooming the horses, and enjoying how the swish of the soft brush mimicked the swish of the horses’ tails. He finished fitting the Cornelius’s ponies with reindeer antlers for the Christmas Parade, and then organized the tack closet. Joe loved spending time with the horses. They knew how to be silent and supportive.

  There were times, brief moments when being with Serafina was like that. Her company felt calming, reassuring. But when she opened her mouth it was a whole different story. What was her problem? And why, oh why, did he care? He had said the only sensible thing: that she should go back where she belonged.

  The thing was…he didn’t want her to go.

  Joe felt a soft puff of air, and the tender nudge of a velvety snout. Darlene used to say that horses were the only creatures as stubborn and stupid as most adolescents and more than a few grown-ups. Joe remembered how she had laughed and said we were more animal than we liked to think, releasing hormones and pheromones and energy. When Joe told her he didn’t believe in magic, Darlene had asked him what he thought magic was, if not invisible scents and signs and ideas.

  His cell phone rang, and he grabbed for it, feeling ridiculous because a part of him was hoping it was Serafina. It was Riah, asking if she could sleep over at Angelique’s house tonight because they were having vegetarian lasagna and Angelique’s mom said it was okay. He agreed and she hung up without a “thank you” or “good bye.” Joe shook his head, annoyed at Riah’s attitude but knowing it was at least in part his own fault.

  What was it with him and women? He just didn’t understand what made them tick. What more could Riah want from him? And Serafina? He’d been nice as pie to her, hadn’t he, and look how that had turned out.

  He thought about the way Serafina’s eyes had flashed in anger when she spat, what kind of man would do such a thing?

  What kind of man, indeed?

  Joe had never told anyone what really happened that night. It still made him a little sick to his stomach to think about it, to tell the truth. Would Serafina believe him, if he told her? Why did he even feel the urge to explain to her, a mess of a woman he met one day ago? She was going to figure out that this science store idea was ludicrous, and then she was going to pack up her big car and hightail it out of town. No need to be airing his dirty laundry to some woman who wouldn’t be in town long enough to help them ring in the New Year.

  Joe wasn’t much of a drinker, but right now he needed a stiff one. He tossed the brush into the wooden box of grooming utensils, checked the horses’ food and water supplies, made a final adjustment to the reindeer antlers, fed the dogs and shut them in the house, washed up, and drove the truck into town.

  The sun was setting, but the streetlights remained dark. Snow or ice had no doubt brought down the power lines somewhere on the mountain, a common enough occurrence in Snow Creek. Fortunately, McNally’s had its own generator and, judging by the number of cars parked out front, the bar was packed.

  Joe found a parking spot, entered the bar, and stopped short. Serafina was there, at a table with Peggy.

  He stood there for a moment. Should he leave? Too late, he realized. Half the bar had turned around to see who was the latest arrival, and were now hailing him.

  Serafina hadn’t noticed him yet, though. His gaze fell on the fragile bend of her neck, the prim upsweep of her honey-colored hair. As he watched, a young man strolled over to her table and offered Serafina a token, which meant her next drink was on him.

  That pissed Joe off. He started toward her.

  When Serafina spotted Joe, her eyes narrowed.

  There she is, Joe thought, and relaxed. There’s the little harpy. He had known she would make an appearance eventually. It was the vulnerable, sweet Serafina who threw him off-balance.

  Serafina leaned over to say something to Peggy, and Joe felt a burst of anger. Had she been spreading that story about him? He’d done his best to protect Riah, but it wouldn’t take much to reignite the gossip mill. He wasn’t proud of what he had done, but only he knew the truth about that night.

  “Joe!” Peggy called out. “Come and join us. We were just talking about Sera’s ideas for the store.”

  “Is that so?” Joe took a seat, and fixed his gaze on Serafina, but she looked away.

  “Sure,” said Peggy, looking from Joe to Serafina, and back again.
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  “I didn’t realize my tenant was planning on staying,” he said.

  “Of course I am,” Serafina said, as if challenging him. “I intend to fulfill the terms of the lease.”

  “Like I told you, you have no lease.”

  “I thought you liked science,” said Peggy. “You call yourself Mr. Science, after all.”

  Joe motioned to the waitress to bring him a beer. “I don’t call myself any such thing—the kids call me that.”

  “Joey volunteers over at the elementary school,” Peggy explained to Serafina, patting Joe on the back. “The school board couldn’t afford to hire a full-time science teacher when Mr. Enoch retired, so Joe fills in.”

  “Why, isn’t that nice,” Serafina said, and Joe looked at her suspiciously, wondering if she was being sarcastic. She smiled sweetly at him.

  “And how about you, Peggy?” said Joe. “You still running that tattoo parlor?”

  “Theoretically. Business is slow, though. Darned town’s too straitlaced.”

  “Riah been hanging around?”

  Peggy smiled. “She’s narrowed it down to a fairy and a Celtic knot. I’m advising Celtic knot, it’s a classic, and something she won’t regret when she’s forty.”

  “Don’t you be putting ideas into her head,” Joe warned.

  “As if I could. That child’s got plenty of her own ideas, believe you me,” Peggy said and drank down the last of her beer. “Try talking to her sometime.”

  “I talk to her all the time. Problem is, she doesn’t talk back.”

  “She was chatty enough in the store,” Serafina said.

  Joe looked pained. “Must be me, then.”

  An uncomfortable silence descended, and Serafina stood up. “Pardon me. Can I get anyone anything when I come back?”

  “Thanks, I’m fine,” Joe said, and held up his bottle.

  “One’s my limit when I’m driving,” Peggy said, and pointed behind the bar. “Ladies’ room is down the hall over there.”

  They both watched as Serafina disappeared down the hallway.

  “She’s scared of the dark, you know,” Peggy said.

  “Excuse me?”

  “The electricity went out, and poor Sera’s scared of the dark. She came over to the Low Down Dirty Shame, but I was just closing up. That’s why I brought her here. I’d take her home with me, but Sally’s got the chicken pox. The Mitten Inn is full up, and so’s the Wagon Wheel Motel. She’s stuck all by herself at the store. The dark, lonely, cold store.” Peggy raised her eyebrows.

  “What am I supposed to do about it?” Joe demanded. “A grown woman afraid of the dark? I’ve never heard such a thing.” Joe was feeling put upon; he’d barely touched his beer and Peggy was already trying to saddle him with the woman who had driven him to drink in the first place.

  “You could walk her home, maybe help her find candles and flashlights, get the place warmed up. Poor thing, all alone, doesn’t know a soul in town….”

  “She knows you. She’s in here, getting her drinks bought and paid for. I’d say she’s doing all right.”

  “And I’d be happy to help her out except I have a sick kid at home and a family to feed. I’m running late as it is.”

  Peggy glared at him, and Joe felt ashamed. “Fine. I’ll take care of her, make sure she’s tucked up warm and cozy. Satisfied?”

  “And play nice,” admonished Peggy.

  “I always play nice. I’m a nice guy, the nicest guy you’d ever want to meet.”

  Peggy smiled. “I know you are, but Serafina doesn’t. And the way you’ve been scowling at her tonight, I can’t say as I blame her. What’s that about, anyway? Did you and she—Oh, here she is now.”

  When Serafina rejoined them at the table, Joe noticed she had dabbed on lip gloss and brushed her hair, leaving it down so it just touched her shoulders. He felt himself stir in inappropriate places. He tried to tamp down his desire, but he couldn’t help but remember how nice her hair smelled when he stood behind her.

  “Sera, I have to run home before my Sally makes mincemeat out of her daddy. Even with the chicken pox that child’s hell on wheels. But Joe here’s gonna take you back to Darlene’s and show you where the lanterns are, get you all set up. This isn’t the first time we’ve lost power, and it won’t be the last.”

  “That really isn’t necessary,” Serafina said.

  “It really is. When was the last time you fired up a kerosene lamp?” Peggy demanded, and Serafina was silent. “I thought as much. Joe here used to be a Boy Scout, and is still trying to earn that last service badge, so he’s going to show you how it’s done. Understood?”

  Serafina nodded. Peggy looked at Joe, and he nodded too.

  “Good,” Peggy said. “Now, goodnight.”

  “She’s a force of nature, that one,” Joe said, watching Peggy leave.

  “That she is. Listen, I appreciate the offer, but I can manage on my own.”

  “I told Peggy I would help.”

  “Then it will be our little secret that you didn’t. It’s fine.”

  “I’m helping.”

  “I’d really rather you didn’t.”

  “It’s my building.”

  “It’s my store.”

  Joe blew out an exasperated breath. “Just who do you think is more likely to win this argument? The citified algebra professor or the hardened cowboy?”

  “I thought you weren’t a cowboy.”

  “In this instance, I’m a cowboy.”

  “You’re not allowed to enter my shop without permission. That’s basic tenant’s rights.”

  “File a complaint with the sheriff. And while you’re talking to him, remind him we’re playing poker on Sunday.”

  “Fine,” Serafina said. She bolted out of her chair and headed out the bar. Joe followed, trying hard not to feel like a puppy at her heels.

  On the walk home Serafina was silent, her arms wrapped tight around herself, though whether from cold or to keep him away it was hard to tell. Joe said a friendly hello to every person they passed on the street, putting her teeth on edge.

  Inside Magic Baubles, the moonlight reflecting off the snow cascaded through the windows and cast the shop’s interior in a dim, silvery light. But shadows filled every corner.

  “Just let me light the lanterns and the fire,” Joe said, “and then I’ll get out of your hair.”

  “If you would show me where everything is, I feel sure I can figure it out.”

  “There is a beauty and grace in accepting the inevitable,” Joe said, and headed to Darlene’s living quarters, where he started rifling through cupboards. “In other words, I ain’t leavin’ until we’re done here. It won’t take long, I promise.”

  He gathered lanterns, candles, flashlights, and matches, and set the supplies on the hearth. “Come with me, young grasshopper. You will learn many things of great value.”

  Serafina held the flashlight so Joe could see what he was doing, fighting the urge to bop him on the head with it. She watched as he built the fire and cleaned and adjusted the lanterns, his movements careful and deliberate. After several long minutes of awkward silence, Serafina picked what she hoped to be a neutral subject.

  “Riah adores you, you know,” she said.

  Joe let out a humorless laugh. “She has a hell of a way of showing it.”

  “She’s very bright, and that makes things harder. It can make you feel like you don’t fit in. Just give her a little time. Don’t give up on her.”

  “I have no intention of giving up on her,” said Joe, carefully placing a log on the fire. “She’s stuck with me, for better or worse.”

  “She’s lucky, then,” said Serafina.

  Joe looked surprised. “You think?”

  She nodded. “It’s nice to have someone who cares enough to put up with us, even when we’re cranky.”

  He reached for another fat log and grabbed one decorated with a sprig of holly.

  “Don’t use that one,” said Serafina. “That’s
the Yule log.”

  “And…?”

  Darlene used to say the Yule log was magic. Serafina couldn’t exactly remember why…something about ancient fire festivals and the Yule log casting a spell of magical protection. But then again, Serafina didn’t believe in magic. “Never mind. Go ahead.”

  He placed it on the fire.

  “Thank you,” she said. “I appreciate everything. Good night.”

  “I take it I’m dismissed?” Joe said, cleaning the soot off his hands with a rag.

  “I said thank you. Christmas is in two days.” She opened the door open wide. “Surely you have something to do besides helping your stupid, flatlander tenant.”

  Joe strode toward the door and was about to leave when he saw the glint of tears in her eyes.

  He hadn’t been paying attention, he realized. He should have been listening with his inner ear, just as he did with the horses. With his heart, not his brain.

  Joe pushed the door shut, pulled Serafina to him…and then he did want he’d wanted to do ever since she’d refused his help with her suitcase.

  He kissed her.

  Her lips were soft and supple under his, and he delved deeper. Exploring, seeking, demanding. She fit in his arms as though made for him, all sweet-smelling softness, no hard edges at all. He felt desire surge up, fast and sure, and wondered if she would be scared off, if she would feel how much he wanted her.

  Joe’s kiss was unlike anything Serafina had ever experienced, and for the first time in her life she felt like swooning. Gone was the fear of the dark, the strangeness of her surroundings. Forgotten were Drew, and Fred, and her disapproving colleagues. The nagging voice of self-doubt was finally silenced. Serafina was lifted onto a plane of sensuality and magic, where she felt vital and alive, confident and sure. She was a goddess consorting with her god, in a chariot winging its way through the heavens….

  Joe pulled back.

  Serafina remained in his arms, dazed. Her lips wanted more.

  “Are you sure?” whispered Joe, looking into her eyes. “You want this?”