Christmas at the Restaurant - Pamela M. Kelley Page 0,1

hiccup and then another giggle, slightly louder this time.

She smiled as she glanced at the huge, decorated Christmas tree that stood a few feet away from the big screen television. It was in the corner and the sounds of two giggling children came from behind it. They must have stealthily crept back downstairs while she was in the kitchen, and hid in their favorite spot. She stood up and could see two pairs of feet peeking out from where they were lying down with their heads close together, looking up at the tree.

Mandy knew it was special back there. She’d once shared with them that she and her sisters used to crawl behind their Christmas tree and stay there for hours, gazing at the twinkling lights, drinking in the Christmas spirit and dreaming about their futures. It was a magical feeling, and she was glad they were experiencing it. But it was still way past their bedtime.

“I can see and hear both of you. Come out now and get back to bed. It’s very late.”

There was a moment of silence and then shuffling as they wiggled their way out.

“Mom, it’s so cool back there. You have no idea!” Blake said excitedly.

“Actually, I do, honey. Go on up to bed. You’ll have plenty of time to hang out behind the tree over the next month.”

Mandy followed them upstairs and made sure they were both tucked securely in bed before heading back downstairs. She’d just settled back in her chair when her cellphone rang. It was her sister, Jill.

“Perfect timing. I just put the kids to bed.”

They chatted for a few minutes, catching up on things and then Jill was quiet for a moment. It was a bit unusual for Jill to call so late. They usually talked in the morning.

“Is everything okay?” Mandy asked.

“Yes! Everything is fine. Billy and I were just talking and—well, I remembered you said we were welcome to stay with you anytime and that you had plenty of room with Cory gone.”

“Yes, did you guys want to come for Nantucket Stroll?” They’d talked about it ages ago. The first weekend in December was the famous Nantucket Stroll, when all the stores were decorated for the holidays and restaurants reopened or stayed open until the weekend for a final hurrah before closing for the winter.

“Yes. We’d love to come over Thursday afternoon, if that works?”

“Of course. We could use your help at the restaurant too. It should be a busy weekend.”

“Good. It will be fun to get behind the bar again. Billy said he’s happy to help too.” Mandy thought about that for a moment. Billy Carmanetti was tall, dark-haired and very charming. The ladies would love him.

“Maybe we’ll have him help at the front desk, greeting people and making them feel welcome.”

Jill laughed. “That’s perfect. If it’s okay with you, we’d like to stay for a few weeks. Through New Year’s Eve, if that’s not too much. If it is, we can head to the White Elephant.”

Mandy suddenly felt her mood lift even more. “Jill, I would love that. It would be great to have you guys here all month. Truth be told, I could use the company. It’s been a little hard. This time of year.”

“I wondered if it might be. We will totally cheer you up. We’ll do all the things—baking, eating, Christmas shopping and just relaxing and enjoying some good wine. I can’t wait to catch up with you and Emma, and Paul too. It’s going to be a great Christmas.”

They talked for almost an hour, until they both started yawning. Mandy hung up and headed upstairs to go to bed, feeling relaxed and for the first time, looking forward to the weeks ahead.

Mandy dropped the kids off at school the next morning and as she turned onto Main Street and toward the restaurant, her phone rang. She smiled as she answered the call.

“Hi, Matt.”

“Good morning.” His rich, deep voice was one of the first things she’d noticed about him. He stopped smoking years ago, but there was still a slight rasp. “Did you by chance hear me out on the water last night? We were out late fishing and on our way in, we passed by and I flashed my lights and tooted the horn. I didn’t want to call you, as it was late, around ten.”

She laughed. “I did see a boat out there, but I didn’t make the connection that it was you. How did you do?”

“Not a single bite, but