Page 32 of Just for the Holidays

He steps back, sipping a third cup of coffee, watching the baker pour the berries into their crusts, then layering them with chunks of butter, sugar and spices, before applying top crusts and painting each with an egg wash, followed by a final sprinkling of sugar crystals.

Chapter 18

Teddy

Proofing The Dough

“What should we do for lunch?” Teddy peeks at the glossy red framed clock’s spoon shaped hands, pointing at 1:13 pm, as he slips the risen bread and burger-bun doughs into the oven for baking, then arranges the spread of fruit pies with neatly crimped edges, to follow.

“I think I’ll skip lunch.” Nichol grimaces.

“You need to eat something,” Teddy insists. “I can make us BLTs?”

Nichol thinks for a moment, before responding. “Okay.”

Teddy turns toward the sink and begins scrubbing his hands.

The doorbell chimes and cold air rushes in around Gretchen, bundled in a parka that hangs to her knees with a knit hat and matching scarf crowding her face around iced-blue eyes.

“Hello boys.” She peels the scarf and hat away, exposing her toothy smile, wild cherry hair and rosy cheeks.

“Hey Gretch. Everything’s still baking… Want a cup of coffee?” Teddy wipes his hands on a towel.

“Sure!” She strips mittens off her hands, “Were we expecting this much snow?” she says, grinning charmingly at Nichol.

Teddy shrugs, pouring a cup of coffee from the pot’s spout. “Milk and sugar?”

“Yes please.” She drops onto a stool and unzips her coat. “So; Nichol, where are you visiting from?”

“Seattle,” he answers.

“Great city.”

“I love it there.” Nichol agrees.

Gretchen’s dominant presence is powerfully comforting in that ‘cool auntie’ way. There’s a warmth in the gravel of her voice and her crystalline gaze pierces anyone’s hardened exterior. Even Nichol is enchanted by her.

“How long are you in town for?” She asks, pursing her thin lips and sipping her brew.

“Not too long.” Nichol sets his empty cup down and leans on an elbow.

Teddy’s stare is captured by a peek of Nichol’s creamy skin, under the rising hem of his shirt, over his jutting hip bone, as he drapes his long body on the counter.

“It’s a long story, but I’m just staying with my sister and her family until my friend Colby finds me a new gig.” He turns back to see Teddy’s eyes fixed on his middle and stands upright, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Ahh… struck by big corporate lay-offs?” Gretchen guesses. “That’s what sent me back here from Chicago twelve years ago. Used my severance to buy the bar.” She beams with pride.

“I blew mine on trips to Spain and shitty rental cars,” Nichol admits, wincing.

“How’s your visit going?” She narrows her eyes, interrogating him.

“I’ve only been here a few days, but Teddy here has been accommodating.” He pauses. “This gets me out of the basement that I grew up in.”

“Who’s your sister?”

“Katie Cole,” Nichol answers.

“Doc Cole’s wife,” Teddy adds.

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